Rich Hughes
About Rich Hughes
Rich Hughes serves as the Chief People Officer at M247, where he has significantly enhanced employee engagement and retention since joining in 2022. With extensive experience in human resources across various sectors, he has implemented strategic initiatives that have led to substantial organizational growth and transformation.
Work at M247
Rich Hughes has served as the Chief People Officer at M247 since June 2022. In this role, he has focused on enhancing the company's international structure to improve support mechanisms and development opportunities for employees. Under his leadership, M247 has achieved significant employee engagement levels, with engagement at an all-time high. The company also reported an all-time low in employee attrition. M247 was recognized as the 56th position in the UK's 100 Most Loved Workplaces in 2023, reflecting the positive workplace culture he has fostered.
Previous Experience in Human Resources
Before joining M247, Rich Hughes held several key positions in human resources. He worked at Oliver James as the Global Head of Human Resources from 2019 to 2022, where he led a restructuring initiative that resulted in a 20% global headcount growth. Prior to that, he was the Human Resources Lead at Peninsula Business Services from 2014 to 2016. He also served as Department Manager HR at Next Group PLC from 2011 to 2014, and as Training & Recruitment Manager there from 2006 to 2011. His diverse experience spans retail, technology, consultancy, and professional services sectors.
Education and Expertise
Rich Hughes studied Human Resources Management at DMS and achieved a CIPD Level 7 qualification. His educational background supports his extensive expertise in human resources, particularly in talent attraction, employee engagement, and organizational development. He has implemented various strategic HR initiatives, including the introduction of Learning & Development practices and the establishment of DEI, ESG, and Wellness champion groups.
Achievements in Human Resources
Rich Hughes has achieved notable success in enhancing organizational performance through strategic HR initiatives. He improved a company's Glassdoor score from 2.3 to 4.3 and increased employee engagement by 44% and retention by 48%. He also created and delivered a new appraisal cycle and embedded a career pathway for employees. His efforts have led to significant EBITDA optimization and recognition through multiple national awards for the transformation delivered at the companies he has worked with.
Leadership in Organizational Growth
Rich Hughes has demonstrated leadership in navigating organizations through various growth phases, including mergers and acquisitions, turnaround situations, and divestments. At M247, he delivered transformation alongside a 400% headcount growth over a 3.5-year period for a global professional services business. His ability to implement comprehensive overhauls in HR processes has contributed to the overall success and growth of the organizations he has been part of.