Across many organisations, the roles of HR Director, Head of HR, and Head of People have evolved significantly over the past decade. What were once largely operational leadership positions are increasingly becoming strategic roles with direct influence over organisational performance, leadership capability, and culture. As companies navigate talent shortages, hybrid work models, and accelerating organisational change, the expectations placed on senior HR leaders continue to e

Senior leadership hires represent some of the most consequential decisions a business can make. Yet despite extensive interview processes and rigorous assessments, executive hiring failure remains surprisingly common. Research across leadership advisory firms such McKinsey and Company suggests that a significant proportion of executive hires underperform or leave their roles within the first 18 to 24 months. Understanding why these failures occur is critical for boards and le