Erin Gordon
Vice President HR
Lindt & Sprungli (Canada), Inc.
As the Vice President of Human Resources at Swiss chocolatier Lindt, Erin Gordon contributes to the company’s overall business strategy and helps establish its priorities through a people-focused lens. She is passionate about delivering meaningful and relevant people experiences and creating workplaces where people want to work.
Gordon sees HR as a real game changer in terms of the company's successes. She has over two decades of HR leadership experiences across very diverse industries, including hospitality, mining and experiential organizational development.
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Give us a brief overview of the path that led to your current role.
When I started my career in social services, I had no idea the profession of Human Resources existed. I loved the idea of combining people and business and have embraced a career in HR ever since.
I began my formal HR career in the training and hospitality industries, but really honed my skills when I joined Falconbridge and later Xstrata, both global mining companies. I have been with Lindt for 15 years and feel fortunate to have grown with the organization as we tripled sales revenue and opened over 50 retail locations.
What is one of your guiding leadership principles?
Stay curious and listen to understand! I love the opportunity to learn from others, especially the newest members of our team who challenge us to continue to innovate and think differently.
With disruption being a key theme of the past year, where do you see your role as a CHRO going in the next 1-2 years?
Developing outstanding leadership across all levels of the organization. From my perspective, leadership is the most important enabler to both the business and the people strategy and will support an organization in succeeding in a world of ongoing disruption.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the role as a CHRO?
Really understand the business first. An awesome people strategy will fall short if it is not effectively integrated and aligned with the business strategy. Second, be ruthless in bringing the values and organizational purpose to life. People want to be inspired and feel confident the work they do is meaningful and makes a difference.
Tell us 3 fun facts about yourself.
- I have run 13 marathons, including the 6 world majors. It was a great way to see the world!
- I am addicted to tennis: watching and playing.
- I could never work for a candy company. I have a weakness for licorice and sour candies.
What is the value of joining an Evanta community?
Having the opportunity to connect with awesome HR professionals. They inspire me daily.
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