ANDREW NEAL

We ask Andrew Neal, what does it take to be a Chief People Officer?

Name: Andrew Neal

Role: Chief People Officer

Location: London

How long have you been working in your field?

Next year, I’ll have been working in People related roles for 20 years. I started in Recruitment before moving into Operational HR.

What do you think are the best skills that you bring to your role?

The experience and time I have spent in my field mean I am able to calmly assess an issue before creating a solution, but still working at pace.

I like to think I am able to take something complicated and explain it in a simple fashion. I also feel that I am balanced to make sure we are doing the right thing for our people, as well as the organisation; building future focused plans and strategies.

What’s the biggest proof that you’re good at what you do/your greatest professional achievement?

There are a lot of things to be honest, but I consider my biggest strength the constant change and improvement which I look to drive in our people function.

Whether that be the systems and processes we use, the organisation’s approach to key issues, or the way we support and develop colleagues.

I believe you should look back on what you were doing a year ago, and always see improvement to the present day. The way Communisis has embraced Mental Health and Wellbeing stands out.

I’m also very proud of the teams I have built through my career, and the talent I have developed both in HR and the wider business.

What is the most important thing you want people to know about you (and/or your company)?

I hate surprises! No problem with challenging news, I enjoy working through problems with people – but talk to me early!

Tell me why you decided on your career. Why not something else?

I almost fell into it to be honest – I started working in recruitment because I’d relocated and needed a new job. Then a couple of roles and organisations later, I had an amazing boss.

She really took an interest in my career and pushed me to grow into Operational HR and backed me with the organisation for various development programmes.

What are you happiest doing, when you’re not working?

Being outside – running, hiking, on a bike, on a ski slope, just love being out and about.

Tell us one random fact about you that most people won’t know

I am a qualified football referee and used to officiate kid’s football.