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 November 2025.
Kirstin Furber
First up is the fabulous Kirstin Furber. After five years as People Director at Channel 4, Kirstin has taken up the post of People Director, Manchester United. Writing about her move on LinkedIn Kirstin said: “I’m excited to join Manchester United and help build a culture where people can thrive and make a real impact on and off the pitch”.
Kirstin brings with her a font of knowledge and experience gained both at Channel 4 and across a host of employers in the creative industries, including Kantar, BBC Worldwide, 20th Century Fox and Discovery Networks Europe. She’s also Non Executive Director of British Wheelchair Basketball.
Kirstin is also fascinated by The Sunday Night Blues. Why do people feel down over the thought of going back to work on a Monday? And, importantly, what can leaders and managers do about it? She’s led research into this, examining the causes and solutions that help to improve Mondays and banish the ‘Sunday Scaries’.
You can find out more here and also in this profile interview in which Kirstin shares how her own experiences have deepened her understanding of those that are struggling both with their physical and mental health.
Anne-Marie Lister
Next is Anne-Marie Lister who, in November this year, took up the post of Chief Operations and People Officer with property finance and online savings account provider GB Bank. Prior to this, Anne-Marie was Chief People Officer with Atom Bank where she was an advocate for, and successfully led the implementation of the four-day week.
You can find out more about how Anne-Marie approached this in this article where she explains that “You can’t be innovative without being brave” and in this webinar, where Anne-Marie spoke about how the four-day week can fit into a wider workplace health and wellbeing strategy.
Denis Ogbe
It was also great to see that Denis Ogbe, formerly Global Wellbeing Specialist with Brown-Foreman, has moved to Yum! Brands as their Associate Manager, Global Benefits.
On LinkedIn Denis wrote: “This new chapter means so much to me, a reminder that faith, perseverance, and community can truly open doors. I’m deeply thankful for the mentors, colleagues, mentees, and friends who have supported, challenged, and believed in me along the way. Your encouragement has made all the difference. I’m ready to learn, contribute, and grow with this incredible organization and team, and I can’t wait to see what’s ahead! Here’s to new beginnings, meaningful work, and growth that comes from never giving up”.
Well said Denis!
Naomi Cosgrove
Next up is Naomi Cosgrove who has been promoted to Senior HR Programme Manager, Wellbeing, Inclusion and Benefits at IRIS Software Group. That’s quite a job title and is perhaps and indication that health and wellbeing are becoming woven into the fabric of life at IRIS Software Group.
Writing on LinkedIn Naomi said: “Thanks to all my wonderful colleagues who genuinely help me grow and learn and have supported and championed me on my journey at IRIS!”
You can find out more about the great work that Naomi and her colleagues at IRIS have been doing in this feature that shines a spotlight on the innovative approach taken to support older workers as an essential part of the multigenerational workforce.
Karen Smith
Another Mover & Shaker in workplace culture, employee health and wellbeing that caught my eye is Karen Smith who wrote on LinkedIn: “I’m delighted to share that I’ve have been promoted to Organisational Wellbeing Lead at BDO from 1 November. I am looking forward to working with colleagues on future plans for wellbeing at BDO”.
We’re looking forward to hearing more about this too Karen.
Karen is a member of our Make A Difference Leaders’ Club. You can find out more about this and apply to join here.
Sarah Restall
Last but certainly not least is the inimitable Sarah Restall – one of the most authentic and respected voices in workplace culture and employee health & wellbeing. After honing her skills at Mind (working with Time to Change) and across a host of leading-edge organisations – most recently as Head of Strategy and Success at Smart About Health – it’s great to see Sarah now stepping out on her own as a culture and wellbeing strategic consultant.
Her new venture, Hello All Consulting, will help organisations build the business case for wellbeing investment; run culture audits and gap analyses to pinpoint what to improve (and how); shape narratives that secure genuine leadership buy-in; design 1–3 year culture and wellbeing strategies that work in real life; and provide project-based advisory support when you need that external perspective.
We wish you every success in your new venture, Sarah – you’re sure to smash it!
You can read more about Sarah’s perspective in the many articles that she has contributed to on www.makeadifference.media. Including this one on next level ERGs and Champions networks and this one where she shared her predictions of priorities for 2025.
