Experienced Retail and Consultancy Leader, Donna Stephenson, Joins Simms & Associates as Practice Manager, EMEA

 

Valencia, August 8, 2023 – Simms & Associates (S&A), a leading workforce management consultancy, is pleased to announce the appointment of Donna Stephenson as their new Practice Manager for their EMEA Region. With over 30 years of retail experience and a rich background that includes roles at Sainsbury’s, BP, and UKG, Donna brings a wealth of expertise and a diverse skill set to further enhance S&A’s commitment to delivering exceptional value and solutions to their clients.

Donna Stephenson has a proven track record of success in various capacities, including senior roles at Sainsbury’s and BP. Notably, she spent 18 months at BP, where she spearheaded the implementation of workforce management (WFM) strategies across the European Union. This experience allowed her to navigate the intricacies of multi-country implementations, adapting strategies to comply with diverse regulations and cultures.

Commenting on her decision to transition from BP to S&A, Donna expressed enthusiasm for the new role, stating, “I was inspired by the opportunity to return to the world of consultancy, leveraging my extensive background in retail, previous consulting experience, and my role as an Executive Relationship Manager at UKG. This role is a perfect amalgamation of my skills and experiences.”

In her new role as Practice Manager, Donna envisions leveraging her expertise to excel in the dynamic field of workforce management. With a focus on balancing scheduling, colleague engagement, and autonomy, Donna is committed to leading her team and clients through the ever-evolving challenges of the retail sector.

“I am excited to contribute to S&A’s mission and collaborate closely with both consulting teams and clients,” Donna shared. “Openness, transparency, and effective communication are the pillars of strong collaborative relationships. By fostering trust and understanding, I aim to drive successful project outcomes and contribute to our client’s long-term satisfaction.”

With a keen eye on industry trends, Donna emphasized the importance of staying attuned to the evolving landscape of workforce management and technology. She is committed to aligning S&A’s strategies with the latest trends to ensure clients receive cutting-edge solutions tailored to their needs.

Michiel Lely, Global Director of Professional Services at Simms & Associates, welcomed Donna’s appointment, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Donna Stephenson to Simms & Associates. With her strong retail experience and proven track record of driving success, Donna will play a crucial role in fueling the next phase of growth for our company. Her expertise will be instrumental in supporting our upcoming projects as well as our ongoing recruitment efforts as we continue to expand our team of talented consultants. We’re excited to see the transformative impact Donna will bring to our team and the positive contributions she’ll make as we chart new horizons together.”

“At S&A, client satisfaction is at the heart of our endeavours,” Donna highlighted. “By understanding the ‘Why’ behind each client’s implementation and aligning it with their strategic business objectives, we can ensure their satisfaction and deliver the right outcomes for them.”

Having previously worked with UKG, a premium partner of S&A, Donna is well-versed in fostering strong partnerships. Drawing from her past experiences, she stressed the significance of communication and transparency in collaborations with technology partners like UKG.

“My personal values of trust and integrity align seamlessly with S&A’s mission,” Donna stated. “I am committed to leading and delivering with these values in all areas of my work.”

S&A is thrilled to welcome Donna to the team and is eager to witness her contributions as she takes on the role of Practice Manager in our EMEA Region. Donna concluded, “I am excited to join the dynamic team at Simms & Associates and contribute to our journey of delivering exceptional value and solutions to our clients. This is a fantastic opportunity for me to continue growing and developing both professionally and personally.”