Each year, HRO Today publishes a list of HR Superstars who have been leading the charge in HR transformation and innovation at their organisations. This year’s HRO Today Superstars have a proven track record of innovating, challenging the status quo, and redefining the new normal for HR. All the leaders featured this year have worked to deliver technologies, solutions and strategies to uplift each employee while supporting organisational goals.
We are proud to announce that Rachel Merry, Vice President, Global Head of HR Business Partnering, and Lee Baldwin, SVP Global Segment Head – Financial Services, Midmarket have been named 2020 HRO Today Superstars.
Rachel Merry has 10 years’ experience in the HR Staffing industry. Her career encompasses global strategic advisory roles, as well as leadership and management of human resource initiatives across multiple sectors and industries.
Rachel joined the Adecco Group in 2011 with Ajilon, one of the Group’s professional staffing brands. Having held a number of senior roles including Organisational Change Lead, Adecco Staffing and People & Culture Manager, Ajilon, Rachel joined Pontoon Solutions where she currently serves as VP, Global Head of HR Business Partnering.
With strong experience in HR communications, relationship building, and project management, Rachel focuses on delivering measurable value to those she works with. Her commitment to delivering impactful business outcomes is underpinned by her clarity, commercial acumen, deep business knowledge, and practical “working on the work” orientation. With a proven track record of effective stakeholder engagement based on her expertise with designing, implementing, and supporting strategic organisational change initiatives, Rachel is a positive force for business performance and profitability.
Rachel currently resides in London, UK, however, has spent many years of her career in Australia. In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors with nature, walking her dogs and spending time with her family and friends.
Lee is Global Head of Financial Services and Midmarket Business LATAM, North America & APAC. Having been with Pontoon for 11 years, he has held multiple leadership roles within our financial services segment. Experienced at driving cross-regional and global workforce strategy and innovation for highly complex clients, he has a passion for developing teams and creating career development opportunities. Lee is responsible for the full life cycle of the financial services client portfolio. Described by colleagues as forward-thinking and committed to delivering a best-in-class experience for customers.
Lee and his team are working to further automate MSP, RXO and Sevices Procurement processes by utilising innovative technologies that improve the hiring manager experience while reducing their overall touches in the process. Lee believes greater utilisation of technology will not eliminate but enhance the human experience for both clients and candidates.
Lee sits on the Global Board of Advisors for HRO Today. He is an avid triathlete and a previous Adecco Win4Youth Ambassador. He is originally from the UK and currently resides in Charlotte, North Carolina with his wife and 3 children.
