“...a refreshing approach to change”
Michael Riding
Former Managing Director, Lloyds TSB Corporate
I recruited Simon as Head of HR for Lloyds TSB Corporate Banking -when I was Managing Director – a role he filled for six years.(At that time Corporate Banking employed over 1000 people and generated about 10% of the Lloyds TSB Group profit before tax.) Simon was a highly effective and influential member of the senior executive team, combining his knowledge of HR with a keen appreciation of the commercial aspects of the business.
He was instrumental in addressing a number of major challenges facing the business, most notably:
- developing and implementing an innovative incentive scheme which met stringent organisational requirements to be self-funding, yet provided the customer relationship managers with an opportunity to earn substantial bonuses in recognition of outstanding business performance.
- designing and implementing a radical new pay structure for all members of the business which allowed us to compete effectively in the recruitment of staff across a diverse range of specialist markets whilst remaining within the policy frameworks of a UK Clearing Bank
- designing and implementing a change programme to facilitate the repositioning of the banking offers to SMEs, large and global corporates. This involved selection/deselection processes, retraining, union negotiations, and communications through all levels of the business.
These three change programmes were extremely important in the consolidation of what had been two divisions of the Bank and enabled us to grow market share and profit in a business-focused and supportive culture.
At all times Simon sought innovative and practical solutions which set new standards in the way we approached people issues and change management. His ability to view problems from different perspectives sets him apart from other HR practitioners. His key driver is to develop solutions which combine the delivery of competitive advantage within a working environment which is characterised by the firm, fair and honest treatment of people.
Fred Pink
Managing Director, Fred Pink Associates
Simon is one of those people who help you give of your best and achieve the most. He has a sharp brain that processes situations and people through the pragmatic lens of many years of experience. Aligned with that wisdom is an open, calm, approachable demeanour and a gentle sense of humour that means, when he tells you something straight, you know he has the interest of you and the organisation at heart. These qualities, and his integrity, make him a trustworthy client, colleague and consultant. I knew him as a client when he brokered what I and my colleagues could contribute and what his employer could tolerate. His skillfully empathic approach and advice meant that we were able to contribute and his employer was able to benefit. Without him it would have been harder for all concerned and the benefits would have been much less.
Stephen Smith
HR Director, Lloyds TSB Wholesale & International Division
Simon has always been a businessperson on loan to HR. His commercial instinct and pragmatism mean that he gets to the heart of the issue in quick time and finds solutions which are realistic and business-friendly. Simon is a guy with a strong moral compass which helps him do the right thing in complicated situations.
