City of London Corporation appoints executive director of HR and CPO

The City of London Corporation has appointed Victoria Smith as executive director of human resources (HR) and chief people officer (CPO).

Smith will join the Square Mile’s governing body in November from St George’s, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group, where she was group CPO.

She previously held senior HR and transformation roles at the Ministry of Defence and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Smith will lead the City Corporation’s people and HR function, which supports more than 4,500 employees.

She will also continue the delivery of its people strategy, covering workforce development, leadership and culture.

Smith said: “I am delighted to be joining the City of London Corporation, bringing together two things I care deeply about: public service and the City, where I began my career in professional services.

“I’m looking forward to returning to the Square Mile and working with colleagues, Members and partners to build on the strong foundations already in place, strengthen leadership and culture, and help ensure the City Corporation has the people and capability to deliver its ambitious agenda.”

Chris Hayward, policy chairman at the City of London Corporation, said: “Our people are at the heart of everything we do, from supporting the City’s role as global financial hub to delivering excellent services for communities across London and beyond.