Orchid merges HR and commercial teams

Managed pub operator Orchid Group is claiming a first for the pub sector by merging its human resources and commercial departments.

A new division called Commercial & People is set to encompass all aspects of employee relations, communications, food strategy and consumer marketing.

Orchid's former commercial director Simon Dodd will oversee the new department as commercial & people director.

Working with him will be Gill Dixon and Nina Marshall, both joint head of people, and Tracy Read, who takes the role of head of communication & development for the groups' people initiatives.

The Commercial & People department will use means such as social networking, the company intranet, weekly newsletters and quarterly magazines, as well as a wide range of other HR, marketing, promotion and communication activities, to communicate with staff.

Proud of people​

"We are immensely proud of our people and it is only right that we should do our best for them at all times," said Simon Dodd.

"That is why the new Commercial & People division has been formed. The team and I will be focusing on HR and resourcing, ensuring we make the most of the skills of our people.

"By taking a fresh approach to corporate communications and marketing management, we will further build on our success and grow our already exceptional levels of customer satisfaction.

"Bringing these two sides together under one department will ensure Orchid Group is always focused on its two main values - 'attracting and nurturing the very best people' and 'always delivering exceptional standards and service'"

Yesterday Orchid was named fifth in the Sunday Times' list of the 25 best big companies to work for — last year it was in 20th place.