JCT600 has announced the appointment of Katie Saunders (pictured left) as its new HR director.

Formally head of talent and leadership development for the group, Saunders will be responsible for setting and driving the JCT600 talent and people agenda, working on projects that will support the business to become one of the Times Top 100 best companies to work for.

Saunders has 20 years’ experience in HR and learning and development at companies such as Volkswagen Group UK Katie and Guilford Performance Textiles. She was also HR director for the Gilder Group which became part of JCT600 in February 2013.

Chief executive of JCT600 John Tordoff (pictured right) said: “We recognise that people are at the heart of our business and continuing to retain and develop the best talent is crucial to our future success. We now have a 2,000 strong workforce, spread across 47 dealerships, and it is vital that each and every one of our colleagues feels that they are part of the JCT600 family and know that we are committed to helping them to progress their career with us. 

“Over the last two years, Katie has done a fantastic job of working to convey this message and helping us to achieve our aim of making JCT600 the best place to work. With developing people being at the core of our business ethos, Katie’s input at board level will be extremely valuable.”

Saunders said: “Over the last few years, we have developed a platform of training and development initiatives to provide structured career/personal development for all groups of colleagues, from employees new to JCT600 and the motor industry, through to those aspiring to management and leadership positions. 

“It has been a really satisfying experience; there has been a transformational change in attitudes within the business with colleagues now firmly at the centre of everything we do. Having set these solid foundations in place, I am looking forward to working with the other directors to continue to grow and develop the business, I feel exceptionally proud to be part of this company.”