Kirsty Clafton

Board Member | Veteran | LBS MBA, Full Scholar

London, England, United Kingdom

About

Strategic Leader with 12+ years experience delivering transformative impact across People Strategy, Business Development and Leadership in both global corporates and high-pressure military environments. Currently on American Express' Global Rotation Programme, I've led cross-market HR initiatives, embedded people-first practices into enterprise strategy and delivered multi-million pound business value through award recognition, policy reform and workforce analytics. From influencing C-suite decisions and building culture-forward learning experiences, to navigating organisational risk and designing inclusive policies - I bring a uniquely commercial and human centred approach to people strategy. I hold an MBA from London Business School (Laidlaw Scholar), an MSc in Geospatial Intelligence and a BSc in Mathematics.

Experience

  • Lead Integrator at Lloyds Banking Group
    May 2026 - Present · 2 mos

  • American Express (Full-time · 2 yrs 6 mos)
    • Change Management Lead & Interim Chief of Staff
      May 2025 - Present · 1 yr 2 mos

      Design and deliver a global change management programme that helps business units embed stronger risk practices and meet their regulatory commitments. Serve as the enterprise contact for risk-related training and engagement, creating tools and resources to drive awareness and accountability across markets. Partner cross-functionally with senior stakeholders across the Enterprise to align strategies and enable sustainable business outcomes. Lead and contribute to strategic enterprise projects, including AI & Data conferences and initiatives that showcase Amex’s innovation and collaboration. Support leadership teams with communications, planning, and execution, acting in a Chief-of-Staff capacity to ensure coordination and delivery of key priorities.

    • Marketing Manager
      Sep 2024 - May 2025 · 9 mos

      Delivering multiple marketing and customer engagement initiatives that enhance communication effectiveness and optimise digital journeys. Designing and executing the UK Opt-In Strategy, improving email marketing consent rates and expanding our marketable customer base. Supporting SEO resourcing and planning for 2025 to maximise growth opportunities. Process mapping key workflows within the UK Customer Engagement team to identify efficiency gains and simplify delivery. Lead the planning and execution of the Global Data & AI Conference in London, ensuring seamless coordination, high engagement, and strategic alignment with business priorities.

    • Manager - HR Business Partner (Colleague Engagement Group), Global Rotation Programme
      Jan 2024 - Sep 2024 · 9 mos

      Culture and Engagement: Delivered the UK Leadership Forum for 125+ senior leaders, designing a strategy first agenda with the Country Manager. 98% satisfaction rate led to repeat demand and culture alignment across B45+ leaders. Colleague Value Proposition & Awards Strategy: Led UK go-to-market plan for Employer of Choice recognition; secured stakeholder buy in across business units, 60+ hours of efficiency gains and greater visibility in top talent markets. Learning and Leadership: Designed and led a 12-month development series for emerging leaders across business units, including panels with SLT and external experts. People Analytics and Policy Reform: Analysed national absence data to shape UK wide wellbeing and risk mitigation strategy; informed executive decision-making and reduced reactive escalations. Inclusion & Belonging: Owned Amex UK's contribution to Disability Confident scheme and Working Families membership, aligning brand values with external recognition and saving ££ through smart vendor renegotiation.

  • School Board of Governors at Brandlehow Primary School
    Sep 2023 - Nov 2025 · 2 yrs 3 mos

    Strategic Governance: Support the school's senior leadership team in setting and monitoring the strategic direction of the school, including budget scrutiny, academic progress, safeguarding and wellbeing. Provide critical oversight and challenge to ensure high standards of education and inclusive access for all pupils. People and Culture Leadership: Advise on staff wellbeing and development strategies, drawing from corporate HR and military experience. Help shape the school's approach to inclusion, equity and culture - influencing initiatives that promote staff retention, engagement and professional growth. Risk & Policy Oversight: Participate and contribute to policy reviews including safeguarding, curriculum enrichment and equality objectives, ensuring compliance and alignment with best practice.

  • President at LBS Military in Business Club
    Jun 2023 - Jul 2024 · 1 yr 2 mos

    Led and grew a diverse community of military veterans and active service members transitioning into business careers, fostering networking, mentorship, and professional development opportunities. Designed and delivered a calendar of events, workshops, and speaker series to build leadership, business acumen, and peer support within the club. Collaborated with LBS leadership and external partners to secure funding, sponsorship, and resources to enhance club offerings and visibility. Advocated for veterans’ career progression and helped bridge military and corporate cultures through targeted initiatives and alumni engagement. Championed diversity and inclusion efforts by promoting equitable access to club activities and fostering a supportive environment for all members.

  • London Business School (Greater London, England, United Kingdom)
    • Student Ambassador
      Sep 2022 - Jul 2024 · 1 yr 11 mos

      Represented London Business School to prospective students, alumni, and external stakeholders, providing insights into the MBA experience and supporting recruitment efforts. Delivered engaging presentations, campus tours, and Q&A sessions to help candidates make informed decisions about their education and career goals. Supported LBS marketing and admissions teams with outreach campaigns and event planning, boosting applicant engagement and brand reputation. Fostered a strong sense of community among current students by organising networking events and peer support initiatives. Acted as a liaison between students and school leadership, providing feedback to improve the MBA programme and student services.

    • MBA Student
      Aug 2022 - Jul 2024 · 2 yrs