Hitachi Europe Ltd appoints Geoff Smith as Director of Human Resources

Hitachi Europe Ltd. today announced the appointment of Geoff Smith as Director of Human Resources. He will be responsible for developing Hitachi Europeís human resources strategy in Europe and for creating Group-wide HR synergies

Smith has extensive experience of working both for multinational companies and as a management consultant specialising in change management and HR operations. His specialist knowledge of shared services for HR will ensure that Hitachi adopts a flexible and efficient approach to the organisation of HR.

Smith moves to his new position from his existing role as Corporate HR Manager. In this role he was responsible for introducing a number of successful HR initiatives, including improvements to the companyís UK flexible benefits scheme and the outsourcing of the UK payroll function, which generated significant operational efficiencies and cost savings for the company. He has also been instrumental in introducing talent management strategies to the group, and has contributed to the emerging globalisation agenda within Hitachi worldwide

Sir Stephen Gomersall, Chief Executive Europe for Hitachi, commented:

ìGeoffís appointment highlights Hitachiís commitment to strengthening its human resources function to ensure the company remains agile in a highly competitive marketplace. Geoff will be responsible for overseeing the HR strategy for a business that covers such diverse industries and product categories as industrial turbines, trains and plasma televisions. He possesses the skills and knowledge that will strengthen our ability to provide the very best in HR initiatives to employees throughout the company.

Prior to joining Hitachi Europe in 2003, Smith was employed as a European Partner for Mercer Human Resource Consulting. He was responsible for managing a team of Human Resources and Benefits consultants in the UK, delivering consulting services to a variety of blue-chip organisations. He has previously held senior management positions in both consulting and HR.