Say hello to Keith, our new HR Director
As part of our on-going commitment to putting our people first and continuing our proactive approach to talent engagement and culture, we have brought in seasoned HR Professional, Keith Philips, to spearhead this initiative as HR Director. .
On joining DMS, he is relishing the opportunity to ”continue to build on the great people experience that the team already have put in place, and to help enhance that experience to create something even more special”. Prior to arriving at Shand Street, he was Talent Partner (Head of HR) at Spark Foundry (Part of Publicis Media).
Born in Middlesex in a town called Shepperton (which is now famous for the Film and TV Studios that are currently being extended and due to become the Netflix European hub), he did not take the traditional route into the industry or University after studying in his home town. He firstly started working after college and later studied at Kingston University part-time whilst continuing to work. Specifically, his studies were focused on Human Resource Management. Interestingly, his first job in working life was as a Lifeguard. He then had a career change to a Security Guard on Heathrow Airport before a year playing semi-professional football in Australia for Joondalup United in Perth, WA, before he found his calling in HR.
Notably, he is still trying to play football once a week, as well as being a big Fulham fan. Away from the sport, he is an avid historian and collects military medals. Still, his biggest hobby now though is finding engaging ways to entertain his 5-year-old son on weekends.
Last and by no means least is film. His main love for cinema can be found in an array of 80’s classics with power ballad theme tunes. If he was really forced to choose one it would have to be Star Wars: A New Hope, the first film that captivated him and still does so to this day. Looking across releases enjoyed from this year already, he cannot recommend Sing 2 enough!
A very warm welcome to Keith and the best of luck in his role.
