FRP appoints new people director
Claire Dale joins the business after a seven-year spell at the England and Wales Cricket Board, latterly as its chief people officer
FRP has welcomed former England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) executive Claire Dale as the new people director.
Dale will oversee all HR, talent and learning and development functions across the business, which has grown to more than 700 colleagues following a series of acquisitions since listing on AIM in 2020.
With a focus on evolving the company culture and enhancing FRP’s reputation as a leading employer in the professional services sector, she joins the business after a seven-year spell at the ECB, latterly as its chief people officer. She previously led the HR team at the British Horseracing Authority.
She will be supported by new non-executive director and remuneration committee chair Louise Jackson who is senior vice president of people and talent at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change. Jackson has previously held executive director roles within M&C Saatchi Selfridges, Mothercare, TUI Group and British Airways.
Dale’s appointment follows the firm’s latest round of promotions, with 87 employees stepping up across the business, and the addition of a 40-strong team including four new partners to its national network of advisers following the acquisition of commercial finance and risk management specialist Hilton-Baird.
Jeremy French, chief operating officer at FRP, said: “It’s a pleasure to welcome Claire to the team as we continue to invest in our culture to ensure that we attract and retain our industry’s best and brightest. The business has evolved significantly over the past four years and, as we continue to deliver on high profile briefs across areas including M&A and corporate restructuring, it’s important that we never stop striving to make FRP a great place to work, where everyone feels welcome and valued, and where they can achieve their full potential.
“Claire’s experience puts us in a better position than ever to do so and I look forward to the impact she’ll have as we continue to grow and develop new ways to support our colleagues in the coming years.”
Regarding her appointment, Dale said: “Positive and authentic company cultures provide the foundations for organisations to thrive, and FRP’s success to date wouldn’t have been possible without the clear commitment to L&D and colleague care I’ve already seen in action.
“We’re not alone though in recognising that the professional services sector has the capacity to become more inclusive, equitable and diverse. So, while my focus will be strengthening our employee offering and ensuring we continue to be known as a great place to work, the greatest reward will be in ensuring that more people have the opportunity to start or advance their careers with us.”
