Katie Saunders has been appointed as HR director at JCT600.

She was previously group head of talent and leadership development at the company, which has a 2,000 stong workforce spread across 47 dealerships.

She has more than 20 years’ experience in HR and learning and development, having spent five years with Volkswagen Group UK, latterly as national Audi academy manager, and also held the position of HR director- Europe for Guilford Performance Textiles. She was HR director for the Gilder Group which became part of JCT600 in February 2013.

In her new role, she will be responsible for setting and driving the JCT600 talent and people agenda, working on projects and programmes that will increase capability and support the business in its desire to become one of the Times Top 100 best companies to work for. 

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."