'People & planet' | Quorn makes new HR hire - with BIG challenge

The HR function has gone through a period of deep transition from a traditionally transactional position, to one far more focussed on people-centric wellbeing. For some, this means that the traditional ‘human resources’ title no longer truly represents what they do – or how they do it.

This is why, when hiring an HR lead for its company, food brand Quorn decided instead to adopt the title ‘Director of People and Planet’ – combining all of the key elements of a Chief People Officer with a focus on sustainability and environmental impact.

“This new role will celebrate the brilliant people here at Quorn,” said Tongwen Zhao, who took up the newly created post at Quorn. She told HR Grapevine: “My primary responsibility now is to continue developing our people and our culture and, ultimately, ensure everyone is driving towards the same ambition of serving 8billion healthy and sustainable meals by 2030 – that’ll be one for every person on the planet – and that they understand their unique role in achieving that,” she added.

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However, some may question whether the two functions naturally fall into the same remit. To this, Zhao argued that environmental practices are essential to corporate culture, which has always been under the HR umbrella.