The City of London Corporation has appointed Victoria Smith as its new Executive Director of HR and Chief People Officer.

Victoria 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 is Group Chief People Officer.

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

Victoria will lead the City Corporation’s People and HR function, supporting more than 4,500 employees and helping to strengthen leadership, culture and organisational performance.

In particular, she will continue delivery of the City Corporation’s People Strategy, which sets out how it will develop its workforce, leadership, and culture to support its Corporate Plan and wider transformation programme.

City of London Corporation Policy Chairman Chris Hayward 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.

“Victoria comes to us with a wealth of experience in leading people, culture and transformation at some of the country’s largest and most complex public sector organisations, along with considerable private sector experience.

“I look forward to working with her as she builds on the excellent progress already made in delivering our People Strategy and strengthening the support we provide to colleagues across the City Corporation.”

Incoming Executive Director of HR and Chief People Officer Victoria 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.”