Marion Anderson
Palm Desert,CA
Summary
20+ years experienced global strategic executive leader in HR management, skilled in scaling startups and large corporations, and adept at supporting teams of 25 to 14,000 employees. Expert in crafting People functions with a strong commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. Known for an entrepreneurial approach, tackling complex challenges with patience and innovation. Highlights include fostering inclusive workplaces and leading thought in organizational development, particularly in hybrid environments. Engaged in academic research, contributing insights on psychological safety and team dynamics.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Founder & Freelance Consultant
The Fearless PX
05.2023 - Current
- Conduct extensive Ph.D. research on remote and hybrid work models, offering actionable insights on fostering inclusivity, practicality, and psychological safety.
- Pioneer in-depth organizational development services and innovative talent strategies tailored for the modern remote-centric workplace
- Act as the go-to consultant for organizations aiming to transition into remote or hybrid modes, ensuring they maintain optimum operational levels while guaranteeing an inclusive and safe environment for all employees
- Publish HR thought leadership pieces in industry-recognized platforms like SHRM, solidifying reputation as a subject-matter expert in the realm of flexible working strategies & guest speaker.
Global VP of People & Culture
Channel Bakers
Anaheim, US
05.2019 - 04.2023
- Channel Bakers is a global retail digital media, ecommerce and ad-tech company. In 3 years, we scaled the team from 35 to 350 employees across 3 continents.
- Led and developed the People vertical across US, EMEA & APAC (People Operations, Talent , Learning & Development / Organizational Development) with 12 multi-discipline People professionals.
- Architected integrated HR strategies to elevate global talent acquisition, retention, and professional development, reinforcing the company's position in competitive markets, maximise employee experience and enable fiscal efficiency.
- Pioneered an all-encompassing DEIB framework, translating into improved employee satisfaction and globally-inclusive operational standards
- Drove organizational performance through C-suite collaborations, consistently providing strategic HR insights to align with business goals and foster sustainable company growth
- Led initiatives to bridge the gap between employee needs and business objectives, cultivating an empowered, high-performing global workforce.
Regional HRBP
IKEA / Al Futtaim
Dubai, UAE
10.2016 - 07.2018
- Led regional HR & Learning and Development team for UAE flagship location, supporting 1000+ employees and a turnover of $0.25 billion.
- Oversaw overall talent acquisition and interview, selection and termination processes in terms of project-related labor and budget needs.
- Advised leadership and personnel on driving HR policies, contractor and government negotiations and business strategy implementation.
- Spearheaded change management while refining recruitment and onboarding, ensuring strategic alignment and agility in response to evolving business landscapes.
Regional HR Manager (Kuwait & UAE)
MH Alshaya
Kuwait & Dubai
10.2014 - 07.2016
- MH Alshaya is one of the largest retail franchisors in the Middle-East. I supported 14,000 retail and hospitality employees as part of a small regional HR management team.
- Engineered robust HR solutions catering to a multicultural workforce (120+ nationalities), which significantly enhanced employee relations, engagement, and strengthened brand partnerships
- Piloted groundbreaking HR initiatives including talent mobility, workforce localization, and HR digital transformation, positioning the company at the forefront of modern HR practices in the MENA region
- Played a pivotal role in fostering cross-departmental synergies, driving holistic and optimized HR service delivery, and facilitating strategic business partnerships.
People Leader
Apple Inc
Scotland, UK
09.2009 - 09.2014
- Front-line HR leader for Scottish flagship location, supporting 250 employees.
- Orchestrated pivotal HR transformations to align individual roles and team dynamics with Apple's iconic corporate culture, setting the gold standard for retail HR management
- Emphasized and advocated for a feedback-driven culture, not only for performance enhancement but also for strategic HR decision-making and continuous improvement
- Curated and executed state-of-the-art training modules tailored for emerging Apple leaders, highlighting the company's ethos, values, and approach to unrivaled customer relations, preparing them for leadership in a global tech-driven market.
HR Consultant
Anchor Mill Consultancy
Scotland, UK
01.2013 - 01.2014
- Advised on organizing, preparing or implementing recruiting or retention programs.
- Supported client talent acquisition needs
Head of Retail Operations
Calvin Klein
Mumbai, India
01.2008 - 01.2009
- 12-month contract to open Calvin Klein stores across India.
- Provided leadership, insight and mentoring to newly hired employees to supply knowledge of brand, processes and products.
- Devised, implemented and managed promotions to enhance store profits and drive customer engagement.
Retail Operations Manager
BAA Edinburgh Airport
Edinburgh, UK
01.2006 - 01.2007
UK Stores Operations Manager
Calvin Klein (Warnaco)
London, UK
01.2004 - 01.2006
Education
Ph.D. - Business Administration
Glasgow Caledonian University
United Kingdom08-2025
MSc International HR Management -
Glasgow Caledonian University
United Kingdom01.2014
BA Property & Economics -
University of Paisley
United Kingdom01.2001
Skills
- Strategic HR Planning
- International Human Resources Management
- Leadership & Executive Development
- Change Management and Transformative Leadership
- Defining Company Vision
- People, Culture and DEIB
- Employee Motivation and Performance Management
- Recruiting and Hiring Top Talent
- Onboarding and Training
- Learning and Organizational Development
- Employee Engagement and Retention
- Human Resource Information System HRIS
- Staff Compensation and Benefits Programs
- Employee Relations
- Policies and Procedures
- Benefits & Payroll Administration
- Onboarding and Training
- Employee Engagement and Retention
- Employee & Executive Coaching
- Relationship and Team Building
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Leadership and People Development
- Management Team Leadership
- Innovative and Visionary
- Executive Leadership
- Organizational Management
- Business Planning & Commercial Acumen
- Effective Communicator and Public Speaker
- Analytical with Data and Critical Thinker
- Stakeholder Relations
Accomplishments
- Awarded "HR Team of the Year 2021" by The Drum Magazine
- Nominated as an "OC Register Distinguished HR Leader" in 2022
- Finalist for "OC Register Businesswoman of the Year" in 2021
- Recognized as a "Graduate of the Year" finalist by the Scottish HR Network Magazine in 2015
- Co-Host of the 'Elephant in the Org' podcast
- Featured co-host of the HR-centric podcast, "It's a People Thing"
- Esteemed contributor and guest speaker for SHRM conferences and publications
Academic Contributions
- Glasgow Caledonian University, 2013, 2017, Lectured on HR strategies in fashion retail and provided real-world IHRM insights from the Middle East
- University of Arkansas, 2012, 2014, Explored "Scottish Culture & Diversity," underscoring cultural complexities in HR management
- Jueswar Center for Retail Excellence, 2011, Present, Act as an industry advisor, bridging academia and retail industry insights
Certification
- Chartered MCIPD
Timeline
Founder & Freelance Consultant
The Fearless PX
05.2023 - Current
Global VP of People & Culture
Channel Bakers
05.2019 - 04.2023
Regional HRBP
IKEA / Al Futtaim
10.2016 - 07.2018
Regional HR Manager (Kuwait & UAE)
MH Alshaya
10.2014 - 07.2016
HR Consultant
Anchor Mill Consultancy
01.2013 - 01.2014
People Leader
Apple Inc
09.2009 - 09.2014
Head of Retail Operations
Calvin Klein
01.2008 - 01.2009
Retail Operations Manager
BAA Edinburgh Airport
01.2006 - 01.2007
UK Stores Operations Manager
Calvin Klein (Warnaco)
01.2004 - 01.2006
Ph.D. - Business Administration
Glasgow Caledonian University
MSc International HR Management -
Glasgow Caledonian University
BA Property & Economics -
University of Paisley
Similar Profiles
Talon RussellTalon Russell
Seasonal Lot Worker at Christmas Tree Lot, PX LocationSeasonal Lot Worker at Christmas Tree Lot, PX Location
Jaskarn JohalJaskarn Johal
Small Business Owner at PX LiquorSmall Business Owner at PX Liquor
Benjamin Morales ElizaldeBenjamin Morales Elizalde
Operations and Strategic Partnerships Manager at PX SPORTSOperations and Strategic Partnerships Manager at PX SPORTS
Alex ShenAlex Shen
Volunteer at Leilani SimpsonVolunteer at Leilani Simpson
Adam LucasAdam Lucas
Special Education Teacher at High Impact EducationSpecial Education Teacher at High Impact Education