HSF appoints the firms first director of global workforce strategy and implementation

Herbert Smith Freehills has appointed Helen Hopkin as the firm's first director of global workforce strategy and implementation. Hopkin, who is based in London, joins the firm from PwC where she has worked in various operational and HR director roles for over 20 years with the last six years focused on delivering PwC’s workforce of the future strategy.

In the newly created role, Hopkin will focus on developing a clear workforce strategy that meets the firm's current and future needs on a global level and ensures that the firm has the best talent, skills and mix of people that are fundamental to its further growth and success.

"How we live and work continues to shift in ways that we would never have predicted two years ago,” said Helen Anthony, chief HR officer at Herbert Smith Freehills. “Like most organisations, this is set against a backdrop of a highly competitive talent market and unprecedented external disruption and uncertainty. Our people and their skills will always be our most important asset. They ensure we can provide the highest level of service to our clients. Having a committed workforce strategy is central to our ability to continue meeting our clients' needs.

"Helen's appointment means that we now have a dedicated HR professional solely focused on building and implementing a workforce strategy, enabling us to become even stronger and fitter for the future. It firmly aligns with our Ambition 2025 strategy and marks a key investment in our people & culture goal,” added Anthony.

At PwC, Hopkin was most recently the firm's human capital leader – head of workforce strategy, and she led a team of 350 people. She has significant experience in strategic workforce planning and work allocation as well as in developing and redesigning new and innovative workforce models that improve talent pipeline, retention and diversity and inclusion.

 “I am honoured and excited to be working with such a talented HR team at Herbert Smith Freehills,” said Hopkin. “I look forward to sharing my experience and insights to help the firm's leadership and senior management team build a workforce strategy that ensures the continued success and growth of the firm."