Heather Simmons

Heather Simmons has extensive work experience in HR and people development. Heather is currently the Director of HR & People Development at Sonardyne International Ltd since September 2022. Prior to this, they were the Head of HR & Development at Sonardyne International Ltd from January 2018 to September 2022. Before joining Sonardyne, Heather held the position of Head of HR, Development & Communications at Kingston University from June 2009 to November 2017. Heather also served as a Senior Human Resources Manager at KBR, Inc. from October 2008 to June 2009, and as an HR Director at Paula Rosa Manhattan from June 2002 to September 2008. Heather's earlier roles include being a Managing Consultant at SAS Personnel Consultancy, where they provided HR consultancy services to various clients, and serving as the UK HR Manager at TUI from March 1998 to February 1999. Their career began at Virgin Atlantic Airways in April 1989, where they held various HR roles, including HR Manager. Heather also has experience as a Personnel & Training Officer at Courtaulds from July 1987 to April 1989.

Heather Simmons received a BA Hons in Medieval and Modern History from the University of Birmingham in 1986. Following that, they obtained a Post Graduate Diploma in Personnel Management, earning membership into the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), from the University of the West of England in 1990. In 1987, they achieved a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Aston University. Prior to higher education, Heather earned 4 A levels and 10 GCSEs from Bruton School for Girls in Somerset between 1976 and 1983. In terms of additional certifications, they have obtained qualifications in employment law, psychometric testing, and personnel development throughout their career.