Hearst UK has named John Athanasiou as its new Director of People & Culture. He will lead the development and execution of the company’s People strategy.
Athanasiou brings over 30 years of HR leadership experience. He has worked in major companies like HarperCollins and Time Warner. He also has experience in start-up environments. He focuses on creating inclusive strategies and nurturing positive workplace cultures that promote growth.
While at HarperCollins as Director of People, Athanasiou contributed to a leadership team. They achieved 11 years of continuous EBITDA growth. This success occurred during a significant transformation.
His skills include organisational design, leadership development, diversity, equity and inclusion, employee experience, and talent acquisition. He has received several industry awards for achievements in Company Culture, DEI, and Learning & Development.
Katie Vanneck-Smith, CEO of Hearst UK, said: “John has a proven track record of fostering positive cultures conducive to innovation and high performance. He is an accomplished, commercially savvy leader and I’m excited to have him join our business.”
John Athanasiou added: “Hearst UK is a media powerhouse with a portfolio of world-famous brands and incredible people, and I’m looking forward to working with such a strong foundation.
“By continuing to invest in our culture and further optimising our talent, we can make Hearst UK a standout business, admired for its heart and focused on delivering long-term growth.”