Introduction Tracy Squires
VP Human Resources
Hello everyone
It is just over two months since I joined the Cicor Group. I have already had the opportunity to meet many people including at HQ, sites in Switzerland and UK. I recently visited Singapore, Indonesia and Vietnam with Germany soon and other sites remaining by the end of November! Thank you to all I have met for your warm welcome and support.
I’m from Hartlepool (Cicor location) moving to Gosport (Cicor location 😊) at 18 and extending part-time commitment in the Royal Navy Reserves to full time on a Naval base. I met my Husband in Gosport and now married for 32 years! 3 years later we moved to Nottingham, my Husband’s home, living there for 20 years during which time we had our son who is now 25.
I worked for several large companies and global businesses including Reckitt. I was invited to join Reckitt and delighted to accept; they were looking for people who would work anywhere globally and that was me! Living and working abroad, experiencing a completely different way of life as a family, culture, places, people, languages was a career aspiration and personal dream. Finally, it came true…
In 2012, 6 weeks after my Husband was offered a transfer to Bangkok our home was up for sale and belongings packed. It was an incredible 10 years in Thailand, working in APAC regional HR leadership roles and taking the lead for global talent and succession which is a personal passion of mine. I’ve worked in many sectors with significant experience of manufacturing and commercial across my career including Electrolux in Asia. I spent 2 years learning Thai and whenever I spoke it always brought a smile – perhaps my accent or because nobody could understand me! It didn’t matter, a connection in whatever way is worth the effort and instantly removes language or other barriers perceived or felt. I am just starting to learn German (as a hobby) so let’s see colleagues’ feedback another time.
I have a passion for writing and love period dramas. Pride & Prejudice is my ‘go to’ book. Sport has always been a focus, particularly running. I’ve completed half marathons and have finally secured a spot to run the London Marathon in 2025. Training is now definitely high on the agenda. I love to travel and plan to continue. I just can’t imagine being in one place forever when there is so much to see and so many incredible places to experience.
I strive to do my best at work, gaining experience and knowledge doesn’t stop that. In Nottingham, in full-time employment, I completed my PGDip with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and MSc in Strategic HRM. I hold Levels A and B Certification of Competence in Occupational Testing with membership of The British Psychological Society and SHL Occupational Personality Testing qualification too. I have held several roles in a voluntary, professional capacity, to support my local community including as Independent Person for Audit & Governance Committee (health, crime, disorder) in a local Government (public) authority which included investigatory work.
In 2021 I returned to the UK and chose to pursue interim roles. I joined TT Hartlepool as an interim consultant for 4 months and the rest is history! It is hard to describe the experience I have had in my first few months with Cicor Group. I can honestly say, with c. 30 years’ experience, there are few roles in the HR profession like this. I also want to share something else that has really stood out for me, that the Company culture and values have been felt in every single interaction with colleagues everywhere. It is a fascinating time to join the business as it continues to grow and the complexity, diversity and global reach further increases the importance of clear HR and people purpose and strategy.
It is with sincere, personal pride to have been appointed to the role of VP HR. It is also a professional highlight to have the opportunity to look and plan toward the future in an ever-evolving Company including working with a hugely experienced HR leadership team.
I wish you all kind regards and look forward to meeting you as my Cicor journey continues.