Currys promotes Caroline Hirst to chief people officer
Currys has promoted Caroline Hirst to the position of chief people officer.
Hirst joined Currys in August 2025 as people director and became group talent, leadership and learning director in February 2026.
Subscribe to TRBPrior to this, she spent over two decades at Diageo and Haleon in senior people leadership roles. Currys said she has a strong track record of building world-class talent, driving organisational change and developing high-performance cultures.
Hirst will take up her new role on 28 September, succeeding Paula Coughlan, who is leaving to become Sainsbury’s chief people officer. She will also become a member of Currys’ executive committee, reporting to chief executive Fredrik Tønnesen.
Tønnesen said: “Since joining just over a year ago, Caroline has made a huge impact leading our talent and learning agenda, and she brings a wealth of experience in building the kind of cultures that bring the best out of people, gained over two decades at some of the world’s best-known consumer businesses.
“At Currys, our capable and committed colleagues are central to everything we do and are our springboard to even stronger results – which is what makes this appointment so important.”
Hirst said: “I’ve always believed people do their best work when they feel trusted, included and properly set up to succeed. I’m looking forward to working with colleagues across Currys to support that continued success.”
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