#272: Kevin Hogarth – Chief People Officer & Advisor

Kevin has over 30 years’ executive leadership experience spanning three sectors – healthcare, financial services and professional services – having worked in HR leadership roles for Boots, Abbey National, Capital One, Freshfields, Norton Rose Fulbright, EY and most recently for KPMG as the UK Chief People Officer. In addition through his work with Scope, Nottingham Trent University and two multi academy trusts he has over 15 years’ non-executive experience. Kevin now runs his own advisory and consulting business supporting leadership teams with people and talent strategies, succession planning processes, diversity, equity and inclusion practices and HR organisation design. He has recently taken on a role as Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Adviser for Wellcome Trust helping them become a more inclusive employer.

In recognition of his passion for and commitment to creating diverse workforces and inclusive cultures Kevin was recognised in HR Magazine’s Most Influential UK HR Practitioners 2022. He was also included as one of 35 Advocate Executives in the INvolve Heroes Women Role Model 2021 & 2022 lists and as a Top 50 Ally Executive in the Outstanding LGBT+ Role Models list 2022. From 2020 to 2022 Kevin served as a Steering Group member for the government-sponsored Hampton Alexander/FTSE Women Leaders Review.

Kevin holds an honours degree in Politics from the University of York and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. He lives in Ealing with his second wife Shami and has two adult children from his first marriage. He is a proud Geordie having been born and brought up on the coast in Whitley Bay and is a life long supporter of Newcastle United. Other than following the fortunes of the Toon Army in his spare time you will find him either out enjoying some good food and wine, supping a beer in a proper pub or at a live music gig.

Kevin’s top leadership tip is to build a diverse team of differing personalities, talents and aspirations. Leading that team will be more challenging but the diversity of thought that it brings and the different abilities each individual offers will lead to superior results. Support and encourage them. Listen to all voices. Include everyone. Recognise their achievements publicly and share your feedback privately. Stretch them with new and exciting work but do not overwhelm them. Allow them to grow and move on. Never selfishly hold them back. Take enjoyment and satisfication through their success.