• by Steve McClellan  @mp_mcclellan, October 6, 2014

MEC has appointed Marie-Claire Barker global chief talent officer, a new position at the agency.

Barker -- based in New York -- joins from the Ogilvy Group, where for the past six years she has been chief talent officer, responsible for talent strategy for their 22,000 staff, globally. 

Barker will work with the agency’s global CEO Charles Courtier as well as the company’s global Executive Committee, discipline leaders and People and Culture teams around the world. She is tasked with developing a consistent talent strategy and approach to how MEC attracts, evaluates, motivates and grows its staff. 

Commenting on the appointment Courtier said, “Talent is the single most important ingredient to the future success of MEC. Marie-Claire has an absolute passion for the growth and development of people, and I know that she’s looking forward to working with MEC leaders to drive a culture where each employee is able to contribute in a meaningful way to improve business results, and reach their own personal potential. “  

A UK native, Barker started her career in sales and marketing in the UK with Kimberley-Clark and Britvic Soft Drinks where she had her first exposure to training and development, with responsibility for training the nationwide sales team. Her move to Human Resources came in 1995 when she joined Allied Domecq Spirits and Wine where she spent five years and held roles in International Leadership and Management Development, Organizational Development and in Corporate HR. 

Barker sits on the advisory board of the HR Management Institute in the US, and is the Chair of the 4 A's Talent Committee, where she is leading the initiative to change the face of talent management in our industry.

Said Barker: “I have a strong desire to change the face of talent management in our industry, so operating in an environment that encourages uniqueness and innovation in a culture where employees feel there are no barriers to reaching their potential is what has drawn me to MEC.”