The role of HR has transformed. Once seen as a support function, it’s now a driving force behind business strategy, innovation, and growth. As organisations navigate complex challenges, HR leaders are increasingly stepping into broader executive roles – shaping not just people strategy, but the future of the business.
Few journeys illustrate this evolution better than that of Ian Nicholas, Global Managing Director of Reed. From his early days in HR to leading a global organisation, Ian’s story is a powerful example of how strategic thinking and leadership can propel HR professionals to the highest levels.
Join us on 13 November 2025, in our Raynes Park office, for an exclusive, in-person event where Ian will share his personal journey. You’ll gain practical insights into how to build strategic influence, align HR with business goals, and position yourself for executive leadership.
Why attend?
Whether you're an HR director, talent leader, or people business partner, this session is designed to empower you with:
Insight into what the c-suite values in modern HR leaders
Strategies to elevate your executive presence and influence
Tools to align people strategy with business growth
The opportunity to network with senior HR peers in a high-trust, invite-only setting.
Secure your place now and take the next step in your own journey to the boardroom.
Our speaker
Ian Nicholas FCIPD, Global Managing Director, Reed
Ian was appointed Global Managing Director of Reed in March 2020, following a distinguished career in HR and business leadership within the company. Immediately prior to this role, Ian served as Chief HR Officer, overseeing people strategies across the Reed Group.
Ian joined Reed in 2004 as HR director for one of its businesses, where he also launched and led a specialist HR recruitment division. In 2007, following the merger of Reed’s recruitment businesses, he became HR director for the newly formed Reed Specialist Recruitment. His career continued to evolve, and in 2013, while retaining his HR responsibilities, Ian was appointed Managing Director of Managed Services for Reed.
Over the next two years, he successfully reshaped the business into what is now Reed Talent Solutions, a highly regarded brand in workforce solutions. In 2015, Ian was promoted to Chief HR Officer and, two years later, joined the Reed Global board, further cementing his influence across the organisation.
Ian began his career at British Steel, working in operations, logistics, and production planning, and gaining his first experience in HR within the tinplate division in South Wales. In 1996, he moved to Chubb PLC, where he progressed through various management roles before becoming HR director for its UK businesses.
Ian holds a BSc (Hons) from Liverpool University and earned his CIPD qualification from Glamorgan University. He is a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD (FCIPD). In 2019, Ian was recognised on HR Magazine’s ‘HR Most Influential’ list.
