Meet Maria

I am a commercially driven board leader with an unwavering commitment to transforming organisations from the inside out.

Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of shaping strategies for market leaders across the retail, automotive, telecoms, PR & professional services sectors. From the fast-paced floor of Selfridges and Boots to the technical complexities of Colt and the strategic demands of Next15 Group, I’ve seen firsthand what drives success in large-scale organizations.

Today, I translate that "big-brand" experience into actionable growth for private and PE-owned companies. Whether it's optimising operations or driving value within a business portfolio, my focus remains the same: high-impact results tailored to your specific industry needs.

More recently, I’m a trusted advisor and coach to the CEO and Executive Boards within the education sector. I am driven to help businesses achieve their purpose and performance goals through people.

I believe that any leadership role is running a business first, and leading a function is a subset of that. It’s in my blood; from a young age, I always took an interest in my family’s businesses.

I am really passionate about changing organisational culture by sharing my personal stories and experiences through keynote speaking, policy with cultural changes. I’d love to hear from you and discuss how we can work together to grow your business.

Key Characteristics & Skills

  • Widespread career history across multiple sectors and a honed passion for supporting people to become their best selves, particularly women and those from underrepresented groups.

  • A Executive Board member and Remco Chair, Maria’s experience includes Executive Coaching of CEO’s and Board Directors, as well as company acquisitions, growth plans and cost management.

  • With responsibility for developing and leading People strategies, Maria has overseen organisation culture, DE&I recruitment, talent, organisational change, communications, reward, and HR systems.

  • Dedicated to power the business, enabling all Team Members to deliver the business strategy with effective policies, procedures, and best practice.

  • Highly competent, charismatic people manager and leader who develops first class teams and is a fundamental believer in motivation at all levels.

  • Championed inclusivity and diversity within the workplace and made long-lasting positive change by listening to the things that matter to Team Members and creating a culture where everyone is welcome.

  • Led and influenced a huge cultural shift across the business; from creating a truly strategic people plan that ladders directly into the company strategic direction to shaping and developing the Executive Team, with new values, placing a significant emphasis on feedback and performance for growth.