Bed retailer Dreams has appointed Gemma Saunders director of people.
Saunders will lead the retailer’s people strategy for its 2,500 employees who work across BedQuarters, its Dreams Bed Factory in the Midlands, as well as its 12 UK distribution centres and 220 stores. She joins the senior leadership team as it aims to drive further growth.
She has more than 20 years of HR experience across the retail, travel and hospitality sectors and has a track record of delivering people strategies that drive commercial growth.
Saunders joins from Tui, where she worked more than a decade. Over half of this was in senior HR leadership roles, while she most recently was head of people services and reward, overseeing the people agenda for Tui UK and Ireland. She also previously held roles at Sainsbury’s, Carphone Warehouse and GLH Hotels.
Saunders said: “Retail has always been my passion, so joining Dreams, a well-loved brand with a strong reputation and a great culture, was an opportunity I grabbed with both hands. I’m excited to drive forward Dream’s people’ agenda, further nurturing our talent and culture to deliver our business goals.”
Jonathan Hirst, chief executive officer of Dreams, added: “I’m delighted to welcome Gemma to the team. She brings an impressive track record of leading people strategies across complex, consumer-led organisations, and a clear passion for building inclusive and high-performing cultures. Our employees are our best asset and how we deliver brilliant products and service for our customers. Gemma’s experience and energy will be invaluable for this phase of growth.”
