DebbiGgs

A Human Resources leader with more than twenty-five years' experience across the telecommunications, technology, and IT sectors, supporting organisations in retail, military, defence, government, and oil and gas. I work closely with the business to ensure that people strategy directly supports commercial and operational goals. My approach is practical, creative, and commercially grounded, with a focus on enabling performance, strengthening capability, and creating an environment where people can do their best work.

I believe in HR that removes friction, anticipates challenges, and helps the organisation thrive.

Head of Human Resources - HUGHES EUROPE (an Echostar Company) - Milton Keynes

(2013-04)

Sitting on the Senior Management team for the EchoStar group of European companies, providing leadership to HR professionals across the region. Responsible for the full employee lifecycle and for shaping a people strategy that supports organisational performance, culture, and long-term capability. This includes oversight of resource planning, organisational design, policy development, employee relations, reward, and talent development across all European locations.

• Setting and directing the HR strategy for Hughes Europe and the EchoStar entities in Europe, ensuring alignment with business goals and anticipating future challenges.
• Contributing to business planning with a strong understanding of financial drivers, organisational priorities, and workforce needs, including succession planning.
• Advising senior directors in Europe and the US parent company, providing clear, evidence-based guidance and advocacy on people matters.
• Leading organisational change initiatives, from design through to implementation, in support of business strategy.
• Identifying people-related risks and developing mitigation plans to protect organisational stability and performance.
• Strengthening the company's HR brand to attract, retain, and develop high-calibre talent.
• Acting as designated Ethics Officer for Hughes Europe and promoting the organisation's ethics policies.
• Leading collective consultation and redundancy programmes as required.

Human Resources Manager - HUGHES EUROPE (an Echostar Company) - Milton Keynes

(2000-06 - 2013-03)

Led the HR function for Hughes Network Systems Limited in the UK and provided HR support to European entities in Italy, Germany, and France. Responsible for operational and strategic HR delivery across resourcing, employee relations, reward, and organisational development.

• Developing and implementing resourcing strategies, including manpower planning, recruitment, succession planning, and retention.
• Providing expert advice on employment law and HR best practice across multiple European business units.
• Designing and delivering reward, compensation, and benefits programmes that were competitive, motivating, and aligned with business needs.
• Promoting positive employee relations and overseeing staff welfare.
• Managing the day-to-day HR operations in the UK.

Human Resources Officer - HUGHES EUROPE (an Echostar Company) - Milton Keynes

(1998-01 - 2000-05)

Provided independent and competent HR support to Hughes Network Systems Limited in Milton Keynes, UK, and HR support for HNS SRL in Rome, Italy.

• Supporting managers in the UK and Italy in applying HR policies and procedures.
• Managing recruitment activities end-to-end, including job design, advertising, shortlisting, interviewing, and selection.
• Developing and implementing policies covering performance management, equal opportunities, disciplinary processes, and absence management.
• Conducting salary and benefits reviews and benchmarking.

Human Resources Assistant - HUGHES EUROPE (an Echostar Company) - Milton Keynes

(1995-09 - 1997-12)

Provided comprehensive administrative support to the HR department and assisted across all areas of resourcing, employee relations, development, and reward.

• Preparing monthly HR reports, including headcount, turnover, and recruitment metrics.
• Supporting recruitment activities, including drafting advertisements, liaising with agencies, and coordinating interviews.
• Maintaining accurate job descriptions and employee files.

Temporary Contractor - Various Organisations - United Kingdom and international

(1994-09 - 1995-09)

Undertook work on temporary contract basis (administration, customer service roles). Travelled independently and with friends across Europe and Australia.

Master of Business Administration - MBA - University of Huddersfield (1993-09 - 1994-06)

BA (Hons) - English - University College London (UCL) (1989-09 - 1992-06)

A-Levels - French, German, English - Bedford High School for Girls (1982-09 - 1989-06)

O-Levels - 10 subjects including Mathematics, English, and Sciences - Bedford High School for Girls (1982-09 - 1989-06)