James Bennett

Global HR Executive | Transformation | HR Strategy| Org Design | M&A | Shared Service | GBS | HR Technology | AI | EVP | Optimisation | HRCOO | Operations

Greater Southampton Area

About

Experienced professional with a blend of technology, business and functional experience. Consistently delivering innovative solutions that create value, improve efficiency and address business problems. Strong leadership in building, developing and maintaining high performing teams that deliver world class results in technology, operations and shared services. Diverse systems and process expertise covering the employee life-cycle, from hire to retire including recruiting, benefits, compensation, performance management, M&A and compliance. Business application platforms include ERP, CRM, HCM, HRMS, BI & Analytics, SaaS Cloud-based solutions including Workday, global infrastructure, e-Commerce/e-Business, shared services and transformations.

Experience

  • evoke (London Area, United Kingdom)
    • Global Director, HR Operating Office
      Oct 2025 - Present · 9 mos

      Responsible for the all aspects operations including, service delivery, HR technology, change management, continuous improvement, facilities, HR strategy, budget and AI.

    • HR Transformation Director
      Jan 2025 - Feb 2026 · 1 yr 2 mos

  • Director at Polaris Consulting
    Jan 2024 - Present · 2 yrs 6 mos

    Partnering and guiding organisations through complex HR transformation programs. From value case creation, supplier selection and contracting, programme delivery and assurance.

  • Global HR Effectiveness / SVP and Transformation Director at dentsu
    Feb 2020 - Dec 2023 · 3 yrs 11 mos

    HR Exec. member and leader of operations, HR technology and strategy across the group. Responsible for the transformation agenda from inception through to the ultimate scaling of the shared services teams. Collaborated with Exec. to define the operating model and oversaw the building out of the COE model to unlock value. Responsible for managing the HR budget, business case and strategic portfolio. KEY CONTRIBUTIONS:  Defined key strategic HR priorities and initiatives linked to business strategy  Created business case and strategy to develop and transform the operating model to support the 60,000 population across 78 markets  Defined global service management framework and service catalogue  Delivered Interaction model aligned to the Employee Experience  Owned the delivery and set up of 3 shared service centres enabling a successful transition of core processes from business facing and COE teams  Leveraged the shared service teams to drive out further efficiencies/ costs in the operating model  Expanded service offering and grew teams to over 240  Led HR harmonisation and simplification of brand strategy  Defined and owned payroll strategy, implementation and teams  Led HR technology teams and implemented new change portfolio governance  Set up people analytics team enabling HR leaders to make data-driven people decisions  Integrated acquired businesses up to 11,000 to our operating model, tech stack, and culture  Exec. sponsorship for the global career framework programme resulting in more accurate client pricing and commercial frameworks  Improved learner experience by delivering Cornerstone globally for all users, providing curated content based on job families  Partnered with CHRO to manage HR run and transform budget  Optimised tech stack including successful global deployment of Workday case management and associated organisational change  Built high performing dedicated Global HR M&A team to support the £2.1b of acquisition investment

  • HR Technology Advisor at Informa
    Mar 2019 - Feb 2020 · 1 yr

    KEY CONTRIBUTIONS:  Defining and influencing C-suite on HR technology art of the possible  Created a vision and strategy befitting of the scale of the new combined company  Presented business case to Informa board to secure investment  Led tendering process for SaaS technology providers  Constructed options for operating model

  • HR Transformation Lead Associate at Sullivan & Stanley
    Sep 2018 - Feb 2020 · 1 yr 6 mos

    Responsible for setting up the HR practice area