IWD 2025 - an interview with: Tracey Dyer

Tell us a little about your career journey leading to where you are now. 

I am Chief People Officer for gatesolutions, a key organisation and business within gategroup, where we provide services, culinary experiences and hospitality solutions across trains, lounges, events, contract catering and packaged food along with our deSter business where we design, engineer, manufacture and distribute plastic and a wide range of sustainable products for airlines and hospitality catering businesses. 

I have always worked and lead teams within fast-paced and customer-driven organizations. I started my career while still studying business, working in recruitment and HR for an events business. The role required managing the full employee life cycle to attract, secure and ensure appropriate management, of over 1000 employees, the most was for a horse racing event, which required 3500 employees for only four days! It quickly taught me that engagement, collaboration, adaptability whilst having a clear direction were essential for leading and working in a diverse organisation. 

This took me to a new cross functional senior management role within the hotel industry and after a few years I took on a new opportunity and a regional role within contract catering and support services. As a leader across multiple businesses and brands for Compass Group, Carillion and G4S where I served as a Regional HR Director, covering businesses across UKI and Europe. I’m proud of building and developing teams and delivering results through our people. 

A few years ago, I had the opportunity to work on a national transformation project in the charity sector, which taught me the importance of creating space, building resilience and making time for yourself and others. It reminded me of the value of treating people with respect and living by your values. 

For the past seven-plus years, I have applied the lessons I’ve learned to continue developing myself within gategroup, initially as Regional HR Director for Western Europe, followed by a wider European role covering all business and brands across nine countries. This takes me to my current global position as Chief People Officer gatesolutions, where I lead the people function across our region and brands for catering and tableware solutions. gatesolutions encompasses events, lounges, trains, contract catering and packed solutions and our tableware business, deSter, covers both travel and food services. #gategroup. #gatesolutions 

What does the International Women’s Day slogan “accelerate action” mean for you? 

The theme “Accelerate Action” for this year’s International Women’s Day resonates deeply with me, which is why I’m sharing my story 

Having lead teams across several fast-paced commercial businesses, and as a leader there is often a desire for improving gender mix and for more women in leadership roles. However, we must continue to explore new ways to attract and retain women, as well as achieve broader 

gender equality and inclusivity. As a society we need to speed up the progress on equality and inclusion, which includes nurturing and inspiring both current and future woman leaders. The tools are available we need to ensure these are understood, used and be proud of who we are and what we do. 

How important is it for women to lift each other up and what does that mean to you? 

I believe it is important for women to connect and support one another, “lift each other up” or simply offer support. This is important for all leaders as together we can share knowledge, drive growth and create opportunities for flexibility and advancement for all regardless of gender. Don’t be afraid to reach out or connect with a colleague, remember you are human and we all need a sounding board or a quick “sanity check” at times. 

How important is diversity across senior leadership teams? 

Diversity is hugely important, and most people will probably agree to this but what truly matters is understanding the “why” behind it – why it is important, what do we mean by it, and the benefits it brings. We all have a role to play in achieving the right balance, and growing and developing women leaders, both now and in the future, it is key to improve these statistics. We need to reflect at our own biases, cut through unconscious bias and act now, plan for the future. Remember, “A goal without a plan is just a wish.” 

As a successful leader, how do you think (business) leaders can accelerate action toward closing the gender gap and ensuring equal opportunities in the workplace? 

Absolutely all leaders have a role in closing the gender gap, stop and look, listen, continue to create awareness, fostering opportunity and growth, identify and connect with our talent, and creating an environment where our women leaders can thrive. 

Can you share your top tips for entrepreneurial/managerial/leadership success? 

Listen, learn and collaborate. Don’t forget to be a leader of yourself as well as your team and those around you. The role of a leader, regardless of gender can have its challenges. However, as a women leader in a sometimes complex organization, it is important to approach challenges with an open mind, treat them as an opportunity, while guiding and influencing others Don’t be afraid to deliver change, remembering that small steps can matter if aligned to the strategy it can overall to make a big impact in creating sustainable solutions for both the workforce, business and clients or customers alike. 

What’s the most important piece of advice you’d give to a woman thinking of starting a career at leadership level? 

Be authentic, everyone can be a leader, but to be a great leader, you must stay authentic. Listen and gain feedback and you will continue developing and growing. As a women leader it is equally important to demonstrate integrity, live by your values, have empathy, and be open in your communications and collaborate. These qualities help building trust both as a leader but also in business. 

Have there been any role models through your life (work or professional) who have helped shape you as a leader? 

This is a difficult question to answer as there have been several significant women leaders who have helped me on my journey of being a leader. However, looking back my first inspiration, my passion for leadership began with studying history and learning about Emmeline Pankhurst. 

She famously lived through a time where the role of women in society changed quickly but her passionate belief that women deserved equal rights 

never changed. She was known for saying “Deeds not words,” which as soon as I read this, I knew its importance and to continue to strive at pace but with focus.