Summary
Overview
Work history
Skills
Certification
Timeline
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Joanne Kedward

Dublin,Ireland

Summary

Results-oriented strategic thinker with a focus on measurable outcomes, known for discretion, integrity, and sound judgment. A resilient and composed leader in complex environments, adept at leveraging technology to streamline solutions. Committed to creating safe, engaging workplaces through innovative problem-solving and human capital development. Expertise in workplace strategy, global travel management, crisis management, and governance. Dedicated to stakeholder engagement and change leadership with a strong cross-cultural awareness.

Overview

31
31
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work history

Head of Workspaces, Travel & Director Administration

Primark – IHO
Dublin
06.2018 - 09.2025
  • Lead global Workspaces, Travel, and Director Administration across 17 regions.
  • Designed and implemented hybrid workspace strategy supporting international expansion (Europe, U.S., CEE, GCC).
  • Introduced global travel platforms and policies, driving compliance, wellbeing, and cost efficiency.
  • Negotiated vendor contracts, delivering multimillion-euro savings and service enhancements.
  • Directed crisis management and business continuity plans, ensuring operational resilience.
  • Embedded comprehensive duty of care framework with real-time traveller tracking and safety protocols.
  • Created Director Support function, standardising executive support across regions.

Head of CEO Office, Corporate Travel & Workspaces

Primark – IHO
Dublin
10.2009 - 06.2018
  • Supported CEO while overseeing corporate travel and workspace strategy.
  • Led strategic initiatives to enhance corporate travel policies and optimise workspace utilisation.
  • Oversaw major HQ expansion (30k → 150k sqft) and redevelopment of Primark House (125k sqft).



Investor Liaison

IIU (International Investment & Underwriting)
Dublin
01.2001 - 01.2007

EA to HR Director

Xerox (Europe) Ltd.
Dublin
01.1999 - 01.2001

Clerical Officer, Protocol Division

Department of Foreign Affairs
Dublin
01.1995 - 01.1999

Skills

  • Results-oriented strategic thinker with a focus on measurable outcomes
  • Resilient and composed in complex and crisis environments
  • People-centric, collaborative leader with strong cross-cultural awareness
  • Trusted advisor, known for discretion, integrity, and sound judgment
  • Innovative problem-solver, leveraging technology to streamline solutions
  • Committed to creating safe, engaging, and high-performing workplaces


Core Competencies

  • Workplace strategy & colleague experience
  • Global travel management & policy design
  • Duty of care & traveler wellbeing
  • Crisis management & business continuity
  • Technology-enabled transformation
  • Human capital development & workforce design
  • Governance, compliance & risk management
  • Executive administration & board support
  • Real estate & facilities optimisation
  • Stakeholder engagement & change leadership


Certification

  • Diploma in Human Resource Practice (In progress)
  • Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) Certification
  • Leadership Programme accreditations
  • Mental Health First Aider

Timeline

Head of Workspaces, Travel & Director Administration

Primark – IHO
06.2018 - 09.2025

Head of CEO Office, Corporate Travel & Workspaces

Primark – IHO
10.2009 - 06.2018

Investor Liaison

IIU (International Investment & Underwriting)
01.2001 - 01.2007

EA to HR Director

Xerox (Europe) Ltd.
01.1999 - 01.2001

Clerical Officer, Protocol Division

Department of Foreign Affairs
01.1995 - 01.1999

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Joanne Kedward