Special interview with Karen Bates, HR & People Professional

This is an exclusive conversation with Karen Bates, a seasoned HR & People leader with experience from HR Manager to Global People Director at leading companies such as BrewDog, Costa Coffee, Holland & Barrett, and Next Group. 

With a wealth of expertise in people strategy, Karen will dive into the challenges of global vs. local employee engagement, sharing insights on what truly drives teams at both levels. 

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About Karen:

She is a highly accomplished Human Resources Director, holding an MBA and FCIPD status, and has been recognised on the HR most influential making waves list. With a wealth of experience across retail, logistics, manufacturing, hospitality, and utilities, she has a strong background in all aspects of global HR. Her proven track record includes leading teams, driving transformation projects, and implementing practical HR initiatives that create both strategic and commercial impact. Combining high-level leadership with a hands-on approach, she excels at delivering meaningful change within organisations.

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Date Published: 3rd April 2025