Our Movers and Shakers articles highlight who’s moving up, out or across in the rapidly evolving world of workplace culture, employee health and wellbeing. Here’s a selection of just a few of the many “movers and shakers” that grabbed my attention in February 2026. Covering a wide range of job titles, what they all have in common is a workplace health and wellbeing remit and a passion to make a difference both to the lives of colleagues and their organisation’s bottom line.
Annie Wu, Director Global Labor Relations (International), McDonald’s
First up is the fantastic Annie Wu, who after 14 years at H&M Group – most recently as Global Head of People Identity & Purpose – has taken up the role of Director, Global Labor Relations (International) with multinational fast-food restaurant chain, McDonald’s.
Here she will oversee global labour relations risk and workforce governance across international markets. This includes advising senior leadership on collective labour strategy, regulatory developments, and social dialogue within a complex franchise system. Focused on strengthening resilient employment frameworks, mitigating enterprise risk, and aligning responsible labour standards with sustainable business growth.
Writing on LinkedIn about her move, Annie summed up: “H&M has been more than a workplace for me. It’s where I learned what it really means to lead at scale…with values, courage, and care. I’ve had the privilege of helping shape our People Identity & Purpose, and of doing work I will always be proud of in inclusion and diversity: moving beyond statements to the day-to-day reality of how people are treated, how decisions get made, and how fairness shows up in systems and outcomes. I’ve often said (and truly believe) that creating a workplace where people can thrive isn’t just a responsibility, it is a commitment to action, every day”.
“Over the years, that commitment looked like building stronger governance and ways of working across markets, partnering with leaders and local teams, and pushing for cultures where people feel safe, valued, and empowered to be their authentic selves and can truly feel like they belong. A lot of the impact is quiet but it’s real: clearer frameworks, stronger trust, fairer outcomes, and moments where belonging becomes something people actually feel”.
Perfectly summed up Annie. If you’d like to read more about how to make real impact through inclusion, take a look at this article by Dan Robertson, MD, Fairer Consulting highlighting ways to promote fair opportunities for all. You can read more about why inclusion is a wellbeing imperative here.
Sarah Day, Chief People Officer, Stella McCartney
Next up is Chief People Officer and Executive Coach, Sarah Day, who, with more than 25 years experience of growth and transformation in retail, fashion and beauty is moving on from her role as Chief People Officer with designer clothing brand Stella McCartney.
Writing on LinkedIn Sarah shared: “After an incredible two years at Stella McCartney, it’s time for me to move on to the next chapter of my career. Serving as Chief People Officer for such an iconic and sustainability-driven brand has been a true privilege. I’m immensely proud of the transformation we’ve achieved together and deeply grateful for the opportunities, challenges, and experiences along the way. My sincere thanks go to the inspiring leaders, my brilliant People team, and the colleagues, many now lifelong friends – I’ve had the pleasure of working with during this journey”.
We are excited to see where you go next Sarah.
If you’d like to understand more about Chief People Officer priorities for 2026 – and why, take a look at this article.
Samantha Thomas-Berry, Chief People Officer, Warburtons
Another Chief People Officer that grabbed my attention is Samantha Thomas-Berry. After 20 years with Kellogg’s/ Kellanova, Samantha, has made the move to iconic British baking firm Warburtons.
Writing on LinkedIn Samantha explained: “I’m delighted to share that I’ve joined Warburtons as Chief People Officer. It already feels like a great fit. As a family-owned, values-led business with big ambitions and exciting plans for the future, Warburtons is an inspiring place to step into”.
We’re looking forward to seeing how you approach workplace culture, employee health and wellbeing at Warburtons Samantha. For tips on supporting frontline workers, take a look at this article and you can find insight into meeting the needs of nighttime and shift workers here.
Dan Platten, Director of Health, Safety & Wellbeing, Canary Wharf Group
Reflecting the diversity of professionals with a workplace culture, employee health and wellbeing remit, next up is Dan Platten, who has taken up the role of Director of Health, Safety & Wellbeing with British property company, Canary Wharf Group.
In this far-ranging role, Dan will be leading the Group’s HSW function across all Canary Wharf Group (CWG) subsidiaries, including Construction. This involves providing leadership of a multidisciplinary team responsible for both operational and construction safety, ensuring compliance with legislation and maintaining consistent safety and wellbeing standards that protect the interests, business, assets and wellbeing of CWG, its subsidiaries, tenants, occupiers, employees, and the public through the effective and efficient management of CWG’s Health, Safety & Building Safety Policies.
It’s great to see wellbeing firmly embedded within this Dan and we wish you luck.
For inspiration, take a look at how L&Q Group are caring for contractors as well as their employees in this case study.
Nita Cumello, Vice President Account Leadership, Thomson Reuters
Last but certainly not least is Nita Cumello who announced on LinkedIn that, after 23 years at Thomson Reuters – and a career built entirely in the legal industry – she has been promoted to the role of Vice President of Account Leadership.
Nita has long been an advocate of the employee health and wellbeing agenda, even though her remit does not directly include this. You can get a sense of Nita’s perspective in this thoughtful piece that she wrote for us back in 2020, focused on why wellbeing is a commitment to self, and others as a way of life.
You might also like to listen to this Leaders podcast by Make a Difference, honing in on how the legal sector can approach balancing profits with caring for its people.
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