LKQ Euro Car Parts appoints new HR Director to implement customer-focused people strategy

Date: Thursday 01 October 2020

---

Her focus for the next 12 months will be on implementing LKQ Euro Car Parts’ People Strategy, that will see its values of embracing and driving change embedded at all levels throughout the almost 11,000-strong organisation, as part of its commitment to investing in people.

This will include coaching and developing managers from across its branch network to ensure best-practice leadership. Branch managers will be empowered to manage key people decisions locally, with the support of experienced HR business partners, leveraging specialist knowledge of their local markets to help deliver maximum benefit to their customers.

Donna’s appointment creates a 41-strong HR department, and follows a year of strong successes for the team. This includes the introduction of the new Applicant Tracking System (ATS) for the brand’s corporate website, which is now playing a central role in empowering managers to personalise their local recruitment process.

Another key initiative is the introduction of LKQ Euro Car Parts’ wellbeing plan, which has seen the team create a Mental Health Charter and dedicated Employee Assistance Programme. Now, Donna will oversee training for line managers and the development of internal comms channels to promote the programme to staff, including those who do not regularly access digital platforms such as emails and intranet.

Donna Fearnley, HR Director at LKQ Euro Car Parts, said:

“This is an exciting time to join the business, when the aftermarket is going through a period of rapid transformation – in terms of evolving vehicle technologies and also managing the impact of the coronavirus outbreak. I know that we have a critical role to play as our trade customers adapt to change and prepare for the future, and our people are key to making that happen.

“Everyone on the HR and payroll team has proven what they’re capable of this summer, ensuring the business remained open and operational to support key workers in lockdown, while keeping our colleagues safe and adopting new ways of working.

“I’m looking forward to the next chapter together, where we take what we’ve learnt this year and build on the team’s previous successes, to enhance the business’s reputation as an employer of choice – which goes hand in hand with being our customers’ partner of choice.”

Andy Hamilton, CEO at LKQ Euro Car Parts, added:

“Donna has an impressive track record in driving the HR strategies of some of the UK’s best-known brands, and making a genuine difference to individuals and their careers. Her international experience will be invaluable as we integrate more closely with our partners at LKQ Europe and in the LKQ Group more widely.

“We’re putting people at the heart of everything we do, because a more engaged workforce means a more committed workforce. By championing our values of honesty and fairness, establishing a culture of trust and striving to achieve the best possible results, we are nurturing a workforce where all staff are empowered to perform better and deliver a better customer experience.”

Donna replaces Dave Brookfield, who has recently taken over as Vice President for HR at LKQ Group in Europe, after 10 years at LKQ Euro Car Parts.

 

---