Novuna appoints Zarina Ward as Chief HR Officer

Novuna has appointed Zarina Ward as Chief HR Officer, following the planned retirement of the company’s previous Group HR Director.

Ward joins the UK-based financial services group from Verian (formerly Kantar Public), where she served as Global Chief People Officer.

With more than two decades of experience in human resources, Ward has held senior roles at MindGym, RGP and Oliver Wyman Group. Her career spans professional services, consulting and private equity sectors in the UK and internationally. She also serves as a trustee at Connection Support, a charity supporting vulnerable people with complex needs.

At Novuna, Ward will lead the people function across its Consumer Finance, Vehicle Solutions, Business Finance and Business Cash Flow divisions, as well as pan-European operations including MHC Mobility and European Vendor Finance. Her remit will include talent, culture, organisational development and employee experience.

Robert Gordon, Chief Executive of Novuna, said Ward’s appointment would strengthen the company’s ability to attract and retain talent. “She brings a wealth of expertise, sector experience and a proven track record of delivery, which will be invaluable in attracting, developing and retaining the very best people across the business,” he said.

Commenting on her new role, Ward said: “It’s an exciting time to join Novuna and to build on its strong employer brand and established reputation in financial services. I’m passionate about creating inclusive people strategies that enable colleagues to reach their potential.”

Ward will be based at Novuna’s headquarters in Staines.