Nicola Harris has been appointed Group HR Director by total supply chain solutions provider Oakland International.

A skilled professional in talent management, people development and a pragmatic leader, Nicola has 25 years’ experience in entrepreneurial and owner managed businesses across a variety of sectors and geographies.  Mostly recently, Unispace where she brought together the global HR team, navigated the challenges of the pandemic on their workforce and changes to organisational structures, and harmonised employee initiatives across the group. Nicola has worked previously with Oakland’s leadership team supporting their HR activity as an independent consultant since October 2023.

Said Nicola: “Oakland International has a strong family heritage with a deep and undeniable passion as a business to make a difference.  They have a compelling focus on culture to become an employer of choice in their sector and embrace diversity.

“I feel privileged to join Oakland’s leadership team to expand our people initiatives and continue having a positive impact on the communities we serve. The road ahead is full of opportunity.”

24-hours/7 days a week operation Oakland International is an authority in direct to consumer, case consolidation, contract packing, storage and distribution, food tempering and brand development support for ambient, chilled, and frozen food, servicing retail, convenience, discount, wholesale and food service markets in the UK and Ireland. A Certified B Corp, the company is currently working towards becoming the first business within their sector to achieve net zero.

Oakland International Group CEO Shaun Foley said: “We are delighted to welcome Nicola. Her experience will ensure our people remain at the heart of everything we do and reflect our culture across all companies within the Oakland Group, as we continue to develop and expand our service offer.”