Having worked closely with multiple Chairs and CEOs through mergers, integrations and major organisational change, he is particularly attuned to the dynamics of executive teams, board–management relationships and the demands on leaders in complex, regulated and high-profile environments. He has deep experience of remuneration, nomination and governance matters and is often sought out as a trusted sounding board on succession, talent and culture.

His earlier career began in HR and industrial relations at Ford of Britain, before joining Grand Metropolitan’s brewing division in 1984 and moving through a series of operational and group HR roles. He spent four years in the United States with the North American Spirits and Wine division (IDV), including as head of HR, before returning to the UK as Group Organisation and Management Development Director. He went on to become HR Director for IDV’s global business and then for the combined Wines and Spirits business following the merger of Guinness and Grand Metropolitan to form Diageo.

Since leaving Diageo, Gareth has pursued a plural career. He was a Non-Executive Director and later Chair of leadership consultancy YSC, and served on the Board of NYSE-listed WNS Holdings as a Non-Executive Director, Chair of the Remuneration Committee and member of the Nomination Committee. He was also a Non-Executive Director at Saga plc, serving on all main Board Committees and chairing the Remuneration Committee. Beyond his corporate roles, Gareth is a Trustee of Cicely Saunders International, a world leader in palliative care research and education, and a Bupa Association member.