Expert Panel: Leading HR and Talent Market Thought Leaders

 

Doug Rode
Managing Director, UK & Ireland, Michael Page

Doug Rode is the Managing Director for the UK & Ireland at FTSE 250 listed recruiter, PageGroup. His career at Page began 25 years ago, when he joined as a consultant back in 1998. His successful trajectory saw him promoted to Regional Divisional Managing Director in 2010, as the youngest member of the UK Board. In 2013, he was appointed a Senior Board member, and in July 2021 he took on his current role heading up the UK & Ireland business. As a thought leader within recruitment, he’s got his finger on the pulse of the talent market.

Kate Shoesmith
Deputy CEO, Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC)

Kate Shoesmith has been with the Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC), the UK professional body for recruitment, since March 2013. She is responsible for overseeing campaigns, government relations, and the marketing, digital, comms, and research teams. A regular spokesperson in UK media and at conferences, Kate advocates for equal access to skills development. With a background in policy and public affairs, Kate is currently Vice President Europe for the World Employment Confederation, a non-executive board member for the Recruitment Industry Disability Initiative, and a trustee for the House of St Barnabas. Recognised in the Top 100 women working in trade associations in 2023 and 2024, she has also served as a governor and adviser for various organisations. 

Laura Darnley 
Partner, Ward Hadaway

Laura is a Partner in Ward Hadaway's Employment department. She has extensive experience in advising clients in relation to all of their "people" related needs. She specialises in advising on business immigration issues to help clients recruit and retain the best talent from across the world.

Simon Kent
Head of Content, The HR World 

Simon Kent is Head of Content at The HR World, where he writes and commissions compelling profiles, news stories, and insightful knowledge-based articles, tailored for senior HR professionals. He also hosts The HR World’s ongoing programme of webinars directed at people leaders. As a writer and editor, he has a global portfolio focused on the workplace and employment, connecting with an ever-growing community of high-level HR leaders.

• Understand the importance of ‘Clarity’ in salary, flexibility, technology, culture, and values.
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• Navigate the ‘how’ and ‘what next’ of talent acquisition with expert insights.
• Find data-driven solutions to improve hiring.