Private equity fund administrator Saltgate has appointed Alison French as its first-ever Chief People Officer.
French joined Saltgate last year as a consultant to increase employee engagement, and embed Saltgate’s values. In the newly formed role, she will sit on the Group Strategic Committee to oversee recruitment, diversity, culture and communications. She reports to the group CEO, Simon Riley.
Before joining Saltgate, French ran her own talent strategy consultancy. She started her career in banking, spending 11 years at Goldman Sachs. She then joined the US hedge fund Citadel as a senior talent strategist, and the renewable energy investor Low Carbon as chief talent officer.
The hire is the latest in a series of senior female appointments at Saltgate. In 2020 the firm promoted Hannah Culshaw to Group Chief Corporate Officer, and Lizette Morales to Head of Jersey Client Services. It also hired Michala Wright as Head of People. The company now has three women on its five-person Group Strategic Committee.
French says: “I am delighted to be joining the Saltgate family – particularly now, when helping people reach their best during challenging times is paramount.
“Consulting here over the last year has shown me what a special place Saltgate is. I’ve seen people live our values of engagement, partnership, integrity and commitment every day. I am passionate about enhancing the human experience within a workplace, and Saltgate’s true people first culture makes my role that much easier.”
Simon Riley, Saltgate Chief Executive Officer, says: “This is an important step for Saltgate. We’ve always been a people-first organisation, and have built a culture where every colleague feels supported to be themselves and reach their potential.
“With Alison joining as Chief People Officer, we’re entering a new phase – she has the right skills and experience to supercharge engagement across every part of our organisation, and make sure we support our people in the best way every day.”
