Aberdeen, Scotland-based provider of project, engineering, and technical services Wood has announced the appointment of Lesley Birse as executive president of people and organisation.
Birse, who previously worked as president of Wood’s global operations business unit, assumed full responsibilities of the role on 1 November (Monday) as part of a managed transition process and replaces Sue MacDonald, who will retire at the end of the year after a decade-long career with the business.
According to the organisation, she brings more than 20 years of global HR experience and has a passion for “harnessing the potential of people to deliver strategic business outcomes.” In her career so far, Birse has implemented HR strategies in order to drive growth, championed diversity and inclusion campaigns, and played a role in leading various cultural change and transformation programmes, while focusing on delivery.
Robin Watson, chief executive of Wood, explained that the business’ people strategy is central to how it responds to changing global trends, so he is “delighted” to welcome Birse into the role.
“Whether it’s the energy transition, evolving societal expectations or the speed of digitalisation, the world around us is changing faster than ever before. Attracting, engaging, developing and retaining talent will power our future success and enable us to build on core strengths while we continue to broaden and innovate,” he said.
Birse added that it is the organisation’s staff who find and unlock innovative solutions for clients to some of the world’s most critical challenges and ultimately will help it to stand out in a complex and competitive market.
“It’s a privilege to step into this new role and shape a people strategy that ensures we are future-focused, digitally enabled and competitive, while at the same time creating a great place to work where our people can achieve their full potential,” she said.