WCF creates people strategy role

Employee-owned business group WCF has promoted Karen Kelso to the newly created role of head of people strategy and organisational development as it prepares for further growth.

Tyneside-based Karen has worked with the company since 2019 and has played a key role in attracting talent and developing its workplace culture.

In her new position, she will focus on strengthening leadership capabilities across WCF’s 370-strong workforce through additional leadership training, career development and internal and external training programmes.

She will also work alongside the senior leadership team on workforce planning, organisational structure and people-focused strategies designed to support WCF’s long-term ambitions.

Karen said: “This is an exciting time for WCF.

“Our people have always been at the heart of our success, and I’m passionate about helping individuals reach their full potential.

“By investing in leadership development and creating clear pathways for career progression, we can build a stronger, more resilient business model that is well positioned for the future.

“I love having a positive impact on people’s working lives.

“We have put a lot of effort into creating a work culture where every one of our 370 employees feel valued and listened to, and by implementing the same approach across all our sites, we want to build on that feeling of pride about working for WCF.”

Headquartered in Brampton, Cumbria, WCF operates ten businesses across 25 UK sites spanning leisure, retail and logistics, including fuel distribution, camping and glamping sites, retail stores and e-commerce operations.

Karen added: “When you have several different businesses across 25 sites, you never get two days the same.

“One day you will be working with the fuels division, then a campsite and then a clothing brand, so you must adapt and understand each business’ challenges.

“But people are people and they have their own ambitions, expectations and personalities, and I’m excited to work with the team and ensure we continue to be a great place to work, and everybody feels they have the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution.”

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