DS Smith appoints new group HR Director

Photo: DS Smith

DS Smith has announced the appointment of Darren Littleboy as Group HR Director. A commercially-focused, internationally experienced HR executive, Darren has a demonstrable record of building high performing HR teams and delivering business transformation within publicly listed businesses.

 

He joins the FTSE 100 multinational – which employs over 30,000 people across its Paper, Recycling and Packaging divisions – to lead on a number of strategic priorities for the Group, including furthering its commitment to diversity and inclusion. Following a number of acquisitions in recent years, Darren will also further the development of the company’s employee value proposition.

 

Darren joins DS Smith from Morgan Advanced Materials, a FTSE250 global manufacturing business where he has been Group HR Director for almost four years. Darren brings significant strategic HR experience having previously worked for Smiths Group and BAE Systems, both large multinationals.

 

Commenting on his new role, Darren Littleboy, Group HR Director at DS Smith said: “I am joining DS Smith at a crucial time as we further integrate our purpose of ‘Redefining Packaging for a Changing World’ into our people vision shortly after facing the impact of Covid-19. I look forward to sharing my experience across all the divisions to ensure everyone at DS Smith is proud and enabled to realise their potential.”

 

Reporting to Miles Roberts, the company’s Chief Executive, Darren will replace Jacky Wearn who had been holding the position of Interim Group HR Director. She will now take on the role of Divisional HR Director for DS Smith’s Paper and Recycling divisions. Darren’s direct reports include heads of talent management and development, engagement and culture, recruitment and reward.

 

Miles Roberts, Group Chief Executive at DS Smith said: “I am delighted to welcome Darren to DS Smith. He brings significant experience in building strong HR and people capability to drive business growth within global engineering and manufacturing companies. Darren will be working closely with me and the senior leadership team on developing our people agenda. I’d like to take the opportunity to also thank Jacky Wearn for her contributions.”

 

This position will be based in DS Smith’s headquarters in Euston Road.