Kevin McNally, Jim Devine, Dennis Nickson and Gillian Thomson
Kevin McNally, Jim Devine, Dennis Nickson and Gillian Thomson
It was a case of 'coming home' for two Strathclyde alumni who gave a presentation in the Department of Human Resource Management (HRM) on February 3. Jim Devine, Group Human Resource (HR) Director and Gillian Thomson, Group Talent Manager, now work for the world-leading integrated energy company, Centrica, and their presentation considered some of the people management challenges facing the company in the current economic environment.
Jim and Gillian considered how HR can continue to demonstrate its value and what skills the modern HR professional requires in order to deliver success. The presentation was attended by around 70 staff and students from HRM and other parts of Strathclyde Business School (SBS). Following an excellent presentation and lively question and answer session, Jim and Gillian took time out to talk to students about these issues and opportunities after graduation. Jim and Gillian's presentation was part of Centrica's on-going relationship with SBS - the company is also a regular supporter of the Liaise Dinner and has contributed to the Faculty's Management Development Programme.
In attendance also was Kevin McNally who is currently on the Centrica Graduate Programme. In addition to his day job working for British Gas, Kevin, an SBS graduate who first made contact with the company at the Liaise Dinner, is the campus representative at Strathclyde. This role involves him continuing to build on a successful relationship between the wider university and Centrica, a process facilitated through the University's Careers Service Employer Engagement Strategy.
Jim Devine graduated from the University of Strathclyde in Technology and Business Studies and completed a diploma in HRM in 1994. In 1995 he joined Ford as a HR graduate trainee. During 9 years at Ford in worked in a variety of HR roles in manufacturing, financial services, employee relations planning and talent. This included spells in Germany and the US. His last role was as the Head of HR for the Dagenham Manufacturing complex. In 2005 he joined Centrica as the Head of HR for British Gas New Growth Business then spent two years as the HR Director for British Gas Service and Repair business. He is currently the HR Director, Corporate Centre and Shared Services for Centrica.
Gillian Thomson graduated from the University of Strathclyde in 2001 with a Masters in Manufacturing Sciences and Engineering with Management. She joined the Mars Management Development Programme working in marketing and manufacturing, before moving into her first HR role as business partner for one of the confectionary factories. A variety of HR roles followed in resourcing, graduate development and learning and development before moving to the Royal Bank of Scotland in 2007 to take up the role of talent and engagement consultant and then senior HR business partner within the investment banking division. In February 2009 Gillian joined Centrica as Group Talent Manager where she's responsible for talent management, performance management and capability building.