Compass Group UK & Ireland Names Carol Sommerville as Chief People Officer
In a significant leadership addition, Compass Group UK & Ireland, a major player in contract catering, has announced the appointment of Carol Sommerville as its new Chief People Officer.
Sommerville’s Rich Background in HR Leadership
Carol Sommerville steps into her new role at Compass Group with an impressive track record. She transitions from Watchfinder, a luxury pre-owned watch business, where she served as the Global HR Director. Her career portfolio includes pivotal HR roles at high-profile companies like Net-a-Porter and BT Group. At BT Group, she notably held positions as HR Director for Openreach Service Centres, Director of Meritocracy for BT Group, and Vice President of HR EMEA for BT Global Services.
Leading Compass Group’s Social Responsibility Initiatives
In her new role, Sommerville will spearhead Compass Group’s ‘Our Social Promise’ initiative. This ambitious program aims to positively impact one million people by 2030 through job creation, education, training, and community engagement.
Compass Group’s Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Under Sommerville’s leadership, Compass UK & Ireland is setting yearly targets to enhance diversity across its middle and senior management. The company actively tracks the progression rates of employees from various gender and ethnic backgrounds, a testament to its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Sommerville’s Vision for Compass Group
Upon joining Compass Group, Sommerville expressed her enthusiasm for the company’s people-focused agenda, including its advancements in apprenticeships, career pathways, and diversity initiatives. She has already begun engaging with frontline teams, praising their passion and the company’s caring culture. Sommerville looks forward to fostering an environment where all employees can excel.
CEO’s Warm Welcome for the New Chief People Officer
Robin Mills, CEO of Compass Group, warmly welcomed Carol Sommerville, highlighting the critical nature of the Chief People Officer role in a people-centric business. He emphasized the company’s role as a major employer in making a positive societal impact and expressed confidence in Sommerville’s ability to drive the company’s culture and growth in the coming years.