Kenneth P. Pennington, MSILR, SPHR
Raleigh/Durham, NC 732-***-**** **************@*****.***
www.linkedin.com/in/kennethppennington/
HUMAN RESOURCES LEADERSHIP
Proven Leadership in Driving Talent Competency, Capabilities, and Cultures
of Excellence
Forward-thinking leadership with a solid 15+-year track record of success
in leading human resources strategy and the execution of critical
initiatives for Fortune 500 and top-tier consulting firms; consistently
exceeds goals and expectations. Diverse industry and human resources
experience across manufacturing, R&D, and site and corporate functions,
combined with a professional and creative approach to achieve a proven
record of success and delivery. Driven high-impact leader in cultural
change, executive mentoring, employee/labor relations, and innovative
facilitation.
SIGNATURE STRENGTHS:
. Excels in leading client organizations and regional markets through
complex change and transformation.
. Known for impeccable record of execution and delivery, and for
providing progressive, strategic vision that has repeatedly
prepared organizations for change in today's highly competitive
global market.
CORE COMPETENCIES / AREAS OF FOCUS:
Cultures of Accountability & Ownership HR
Performance Metrics, Analytics & KPIs
HR / Business Operations Transformation Progressive
HR Business Models
Change Management Strategy / Execution Ability to
'See Around the Corner'
Effective Leadership in High Matrix Environments Talent
Management, Development & Retention
Human Capital and Workforce Planning Leadership
Development / Executive Coaching
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
COMCAST / NBC UNIVERSAL Livermore, CA / Oakland, CA
2012 - 2014
The largest mass media and communications company with $65.4B in revenues
comprised of 136,000 employees worldwide
Director, Human Resources Operations and Strategy, 2013 - 2014 / Livermore,
CA
Market Director, Human Resources, 2012 - 2013 / Oakland, CA
Promoted within 7 months to lead a $3.97B business segment comprised of
3,800 employees, 750 front-line leaders, and 3 executive-level leaders
within Technical Operations, Engineering, and Finance, overseeing a team of
12 Human Resources Directors and Managers. Provided HR solutions in the
areas of workforce planning, pay-for-performance, talent management, talent
acquisition, and succession planning in order to achieve overarching
objectives and goals.
Achievement Highlights:
. Hired to lead a 1,100-employee regional market (the largest within CA)
through critical technology and personnel transition
- Transformed the market from a transaction-based HR business model to a
highly consultative, strategic model.
- Provided the leadership and execution needed to achieve this level of
change, introducing and establishing a Center of Excellence (COE) and
Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) model within 10 months.
- Structured and executed successfully, and promoted to within 2 months
of implementation based on level of success with improved LOA and
return to work, increased internal promotions, and an integrated and
cross-functional TMP
- Designed and implemented an HR delivery model to support this
transition. Replaced an HR business model comprised of 65 HR
Generalists to a model of 3 HR Managers and 12 Directors in the field
to achieve new, strategic-level goals.
- Provided ongoing executive coaching and counsel to HR Directors and
client group leaders to improve leadership effectiveness,
communication strategy, and employee engagement impact.
. Promoted within 7 months to Operations and Strategy Director to
additionally lead a $3.97B business segment with 3,800-employees based on
success of the new HRBP/COE business model's ability execute and deliver
services.
- Built a region that performed better than all other markets across 33
regions based on focused capabilities, specialized teams, and
strategic execution.
- Charged with leading transformation across all markets. Designed HR
strategic pillars (TMP, Diversity, Business Intelligence Modeling, and
Leadership Development) and HR transformation model needed to achieve
new objectives.
. Drove a culture of mindfulness and change, and increased accountability
and focus.
- Developed pro-employee engagement and labor strategies to maintain,
reduce, and address ongoing complaints, contract negotiations, and
possible labor risks.
- Drove long-term employee engagement programs, and tracked leadership
activities to promote open communication with the front line and
strengthen leadership competencies.
BRISTOL-MYERS SQUIBB (BMS) New Brunswick, NJ; Syracuse, NY
2006 - 2012
A $20B+ American pharmaceutical company comprised of 28,000 employees
worldwide
Global Human Resources Associate Director, 2008 - 2012 / New Brunswick, NJ
Promoted to global role, providing strategic leadership needed to effect
change, supporting a client group comprised of 3,000 non-bargaining unit
employees in CT, NJ, Puerto Rico, and major facilities in the UK, Belgium,
France, and Spain.
Achievement Highlights:
. Led significant design and change processes in the Corporate Labor
Relations COE for a union base of 440 employees in both Technical
Operations and R&D. Strengthened relationships with union enabling new
possibilities.
- Reduced overall grievances by >65% and arbitrations by 50% while
increasing business efficiencies and decreasing number of union
employees.
- Established crisis management model to handle site emergencies,
laboratory impacting events, and employee concerns.
Manager, Human Resources, 2006 - 2008 / Syracuse, NY
Partnered with Biologics to transform existing business model as the
company prepared to shift from a longstanding low risk-based manufacturing
operation to a higher risk-based manufacturing model in order to remain
competitive within a growing competitive global market.
Achievement Highlights:
. Led client organization through complex change in talent, workforce
planning, and business operations, collaborating with BioTech
Manufacturing, Process Development, and Technical Services management to
implement HR programs, practices, and initiatives that would support the
new high-tech and compliance mindset and capabilities.
. Created a culture focused on talent retention and pay-for-performance.
Developed long-term incentives, compensation planning, career development
opportunities, and business case for competitive market segments.
CITY OF PITTSBURGH Pittsburgh, PA
2003 - 2006
Newly formed municipality
Functional Director, Human Resources, 2004 - 2006
Human Resources Practice Manager, (Contracted through Tier 1 Business
Solutions, Inc.), 2003 - 2004
Built out Human Resources, Benefits, Safety, and Payroll functions for
newly formed independent municipality. Worked on a daily basis with 9 CBUs
in 6 locations. Decreased non-compensatory time off by 95% by improving
polices and advising supervisory staff. Developed case management programs
to support worker's compensation, STD, LTD, and LOA leaves.
CGEY/KPMG Peat Marwick, LLP Cleveland, OH
1998 - 2002
One of the largest professional services companies in the world and one of
the Big Four auditors
Senior Human Resources Consultant III
Provided mergers and acquisitions, change management, and process
improvement consulting to Fortune 500, emerging markets, and compliance
auditing. Developed compensation processes, conducted compliance audits,
and designed development programs.
EDUCATION / CREDENTIALS
Master's Degree in Industrial and Labor Relations, Study Concentration:
Employment Law
West Virginia University, College of Business and Economics
Bachelor's Degree in Journalism, Major: Advertising, Minors: English and
Social Psychology
West Virginia University, Reed College of Interactive Media
CERTIFICATIONS: Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)
certification, 2006
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS: Society for Human Resource Management, (SHRM),
Member 1996 - Present