Marston Holdings is pleased to announce the appointment of David Balls as Chief People Officer. David joined the business on 3rd of August, bringing more than 20 years of experience in senior People leadership.
Throughout his career, David has led large people teams across sectors including healthcare, leisure and hospitality, technology and big data. His experience spans organisations with significant frontline workforces through to fast-growing, technology-led businesses, giving him a broad perspective on performance, leadership, and organisational development.
Prior to joining Marston Holdings, David worked with portfolio businesses backed by CVC, a leading global private equity firm. These included a sales transformation programme at QA, a global leader in technical training, and the implementation of a new HR system at Medivet.
Bringing people and performance together
David’s appointment comes at an important time for Marston Holdings as the business continues to develop its people, capabilities and technology to support its long-term growth.
Speaking about his appointment, David said:
“I’ve spent my career working across a variety of organisations and sectors, including businesses with large frontline workforces where people carry out challenging and important roles, as well as highly technology-driven businesses.
What particularly attracted me to Marston Holdings is the opportunity to bring those experiences together. The business combines a significant frontline workforce with technology, innovation and ambitious growth plans. I’m excited by the opportunity to help our people reach their full potential, strengthen our culture and capabilities, and support Marston Holdings as it continues to grow.”
In his new role, David will lead the Group’s People team, with a focus on performance, talent, leadership, culture, organisational development and colleague experience. He will work closely with colleagues across the business to ensure Marston Holdings continues to attract, develop and retain the people and capabilities needed to deliver its strategic ambitions.
Speaking on David’s appointment, Martin Johnson CEO said:
“David brings over two decades of experience leading large People teams across sectors including healthcare, leisure and hospitality, and big data. Most recently he has been working in portfolio companies for CVC, the private equity firm, leading projects such as a sales transformation at QA, a world leader in technical training, and a HR systems implementation at Medivet, a fast-growing multinational, valued at over £1billion.
David’s expertise includes supporting fast-growing organisations to scale, using best-in-class processes and technologies. David has significant experience in organisational transformations, design and people development.
I am excited to have the deep talent and expertise of David and Amanda in my Executive Team to accelerate delivery of our strategic goals in our people, talent, risk and governance agenda.”
We are delighted to welcome David to Marston Holdings and look forward to the contribution he will make as the Group continues its next phase of growth.
