New global human resources (HR) role at Grant Thornton International
David McDonnell, chief executive officer of Grant Thornton International, the rapidly expanding international accounting organisation, has today announced a new appointment as part of the delivery of the organisation's global strategy.
Laurie Kalman joins the organisation as executive director - human resources strategy and will report to Mike Starr, Grant Thornton International's chief operating officer. Laurie will be based in Chicago and will support the delivery of the global strategy through the introduction of HR leadership programmes and practices. These programmes will focus on the way in which member firms can further develop and inspire their people and will help provide a foundation for a more cohesive culture across Grant Thornton member firms. They will build on existing programmes the international organisation has in place. Laurie's appointment represents another step in Grant Thornton International's drive to become a more cohesive global organisation.
"Laurie brings a strong background in leading growth and change in a variety of industries, including professional services, outsourcing, technology, manufacturing, not for profit and retail. Her expertise will be an asset to the international organisation." says David McDonnell.
Mike Starr comments: "We are delighted to welcome Laurie to this strategic role. Our strong culture of personalised partner attention and forthright but likeable people is already at the heart of how member firm partners and employees work. Leveraging this strength is an important element of the global strategy. Centralised global training will be one springboard for enhancing our global culture and aligning the member firms around shared values. Laurie's background is uniquely suited to this role."
Laurie's immediate focus will be the design, development and implementation of the Grant Thornton International HR Strategy. She will assist member firms in enhancing their HR approach and in sharing best practices while preserving the unique characteristics that make each member firm successful in each of their respective markets.
Laurie explains: "The long-term goal is to leverage the very best from around the globe to create common HR practices that link Grant Thornton International strategies, objectives and core values to each member firm and their people. Building these links will take collaboration and leadership. The focus on HR strategy demonstrates the commitment of Grant Thornton International to strengthen its global leadership position."
Ends
Notes to editors
Laurie's background spans more than 25 years of experience helping businesses grow and achieve strategic goals. She has a strong record for success on behalf of her former employer [Cendant Mobility] that includes winning the prestigious Connecticut Quality Award (which mirrors Baldrige standards) and recognition for employing 'Leading Edge Practices' by the American Society for Quality. Laurie's work on strategic performance management has been published by this same organisation." Before moving into HR consulting in 1998, Laurie was VP of Organisational Development for Cendant Mobility and a senior HR corporate executive for R H Macy and Company in the United States, overseeing the transition to a service culture and the HR management of 4000 employees throughout north-eastern US stores.
About Grant Thornton International
Grant Thornton International is one of the world's leading organisations of independently owned and managed accounting and consulting firms providing assurance, tax and specialist business advice to privately held businesses and public interest entities. The strength of each local firm is reflected in the quality of the international organisation. All Grant Thornton International member firms share a commitment to providing the same high quality service to their clients wherever they choose to do business.
Grant Thornton International is a non-practising international umbrella organisation and does not deliver services in its own name or otherwise. Each member and correspondent firm in Grant Thornton International is a separate national firm. These firms are not members of one international partnership or otherwise legal partners with each other (with the exception of certain limited instances), nor is any one firm responsible for the services or activities of any other.
Contact us
To find out more information about Grant Thornton International contact us.