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 January 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.
Jonathan Gawthrop
First up is Jonathan Gawthrop, who after 14 years as Executive Director Safety Quality and Risk with Emcor, has transitioned to OCS to become their Group Chief QHSE Officer. He will be responsible for the strategic development and leadership of OCS’s global QHSE function, supporting operational excellence through strong stakeholder collaboration, safety assurance, and continuous quality improvement.
Writing about his appointment on LinkedIn OCS commented: Jonathan brings a clear view of what colleague safety and well-being looks like over time, shaped by experience across different regions and cultures, including roles with organisations such as the British Safety Council and as Chair of the Mind Health at Work Leadership Council.
Rob Legge, Group Chief Executive Officer at OCS, said: “We are delighted to welcome Jonathan to the OCS team and to benefit from his years of experience and expertise as we further expand our business, working within more complex and critical environments.”
We applaud you Jonathan and are also very grateful to you for all your ongoing support over the years – including as a current member of our Make a Difference Leaders’ Steering Committee.
You can read more about Jonathan’s approach in this feature where he shares tips for creating lasting behaviour change around wellbeing.
Karen Birss
Next up is Karen Birss who, after working with Wood plc for 19 years, across a range of HR and Reward functions, then with ERM: Environmental Resources Management as their Global Reward Director, has taken up the role of Head of Reward with Ithaca Energy.
Writing about her move on LinkedIn Karen said: “As I reflect on my time at ERM, I’m proud of what was achieved and what I learned along the way – from building a global reward function, contributing to the people function and impacting broader business strategy”.
“I am ever grateful for the wonderful people I had the pleasure of meeting and working with – there are too many to mention. This was a place where trust and collaboration made things possible”.
Collaboration across functions – to really embed workplace culture, employee health and wellbeing as business as usual – is at the heart of everything we stand for at Make a Difference Media and Events. We wish you the best of luck in your endeavours Karen.
Stephanie Nicoll
Our next mover and shaker is Stephanie Nicoll. Stephanie started her career with Sky as a Customer Experience Leader before moving into Diversity, Equity and Inclusion roles. First with Sky, then with Tesco Bank (where she added Corporate Social Responsibility to her remit). Then with Virgin Money, (where she added Employer Brand to her remit), and now to HSBC, where she has become their Head of Inclusion – UK (Director).
Writing about her appointment on LinkedIn Stephanie said: “Anyone who knows me knows how much this work means to me. I feel deeply grateful for the trust placed in me, and for the many people who’ve supported, developed, challenged, and believed in me along the way. Inclusion has always been about people and outcomes for me, and I don’t take the responsibility lightly. I’m really looking forward to listening, learning, and contributing alongside the very welcoming and brilliant colleagues at HSBC”
With this approach, we are sure you’ll smash it Stephanie. You can read more about how to improve the crucial skill of listening here, about why active listening makes all the difference to employee wellbeing here, and why inclusion is a wellbeing imperative at work here.
Somayeh Rahimi
Somayeh Rahimi also caught my attention this month when she announced her new appointment with Harrods as their Wellbeing Manager.
With a background in marketing and sustainability, Somayeh’s path reflects the diverse ways in which professionals are able to advance their careers in workplace culture, employee health and wellbeing. You can read more about professionalising the Wellbeing role through qualifications here, and about how professionals can keep up to date in the fast-evolving world of Health & Wellbeing here.
Chloe Kirkbride
Last but certainly not least is Chloe Kirbride, who – on top of her role as Head of Occupational Health, Safety Policy & Performance at Sainsbury’s and as an Organisational Health and Wellbeing PhD candidate – is now also Co-Chair of the Society of Occupational Medicine’s Women’s Health Network.
On LinkedIn Chloe wrote: “This role means a great deal to me. Women’s health at work is something I care deeply about through my own experiences, my PhD research, and my passion for improving how workplaces support women’s health and wellbeing”.
“I’m thrilled to be chairing alongside Haley White, and grateful to be supported by such an engaged and inspiring steering group and wider network. I’m looking forward to what we can achieve together in building momentum around this incredibly important area”.
Women’s health is a topic that we cover regularly on www.makeadifference.media and through our Make a Difference Leaders events – including this article that shares links to a range of resources for any employer interested in issues and strategies linked to women’s health in the workplace.
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