Heather Whitaker

Professional Background

Senior HR professional who has worked for a series of large blue chip and organizations with cutting edge HR practices
Led or involved in M&A of all sizes
Specializes in assignments requiring change and engagement
20 years of international experience including leading European, global and UK projects and HR departments
Highly commercial and business aligned
Sector specialism in pharmaceuticals, life sciences and biotech
Sector experience includes plumbing, engineering, technology, agriculture
Associate of Global PMI partners

M&A Skills & Expertise

HR strategy and strategic planning
HR due diligence and audit
Talent identification and management
Organization transformation including organization design, restructuring and transitions
Change management
Senior leadership selection
Experienced in working with unions and Works Councils

Project Highlights

M&A and Headcount reduction related engagements on which Heather has worked include:
Reliance Waters Controls – UK HR Workstream lead for acquisition, TUPE transfers and HR synergy realization (site closure). Lead for further efficiency initiatives
Amersham Biosciences – 13% worldwide reduction
Electrolux – European HR reduction as a move to new HR model
GE – breakout group HR lead
Pfizer – integration and site relocation
Haemonetics – three separate acquisitions, subsequent integrations plus restructuring
Daiichi Sankyo Development – restructuring and integration
GSK – transformation program with restructuring, de-layering, competency design, selection, culture change program, process changes