Highbourne Group has made two senior leadership appointments as it “continues to accelerate the delivery of its strategy,” with Rachel Baldwin joining as Chief People Officer and Mark Allsop as Chief Digital Officer.
Rachel joins with an extensive background in strategic HR leadership, organisational development and change management from her previous roles at Pilgrim’s UK and Arriva Plc. In her new role, she will “drive forward the development of the Group’s people strategy, supporting colleagues to deliver the best possible experience for its customers.”
Under Rachel’s leadership, Highbourne Group states that it will build on its aim to create an environment where team members feel welcomed, motivated, supported, and empowered. With an additional focus on further developing the company’s focus on inclusivity, Rachel said: “Our people are what set us apart. By creating an inclusive environment, we empower our teams to bring their best selves to work, innovate and succeed.”
Joining to lead the Group’s digital strategy across all its brands, Mark Allsop brings over two decades of experience working with multichannel businesses across retail and leisure sectors, including Currys PLC and Merlin Entertainment. Mark’s appointment as Chief Digital Officer is described as being “critical in accelerating Highbourne Group’s digital transformation and growth strategy, driving online revenues, enhancing customer service and improving operational efficiency.”
Over the past year, the company says its City Plumbing brand “has made significant strides in improving its digital customer experience,” including the launch of an enhanced website and customer-focused app, as well as the introduction of innovative tools like FaultFinder and heatpumpkit.com, a heat pump kit builder that is reportedly the first of its kind in the industry.
Mark will support the Group in driving further advancements in the digital landscape as well as leading its online businesses, City Plumbing Online, Plumbworld and Underfloor Heating Store. He said: “I’m thrilled to join Highbourne Group at such an exciting time. The industry is evolving and customers are demanding more and more innovative ways to trade with us in ways that help make them better businesses.
“By embracing new technologies and digital solutions, we can build on our work to date to improve the customer experience even further.”
Commenting on the new appointments, CEO Dave Evans said: “Having Mark and Rachel on board strengthens our leadership team and positions Highbourne Group to continue to deliver our growth agenda by better supporting colleagues and customers. Their expertise will be instrumental as we continue to innovate and deliver exceptional service across all our businesses.”
