Melanie Hughes is a transformation executive who has been in C-suite roles for the last 20 years. Hughes has experience in operational and human capital roles across several different sectors including Technology, Financial Services, Media and Retail. She is also a global citizen, having lived in 6 countries with experience in Europe, North America, Asia and Latin America.
MELANIE HUGHES
ADVISORY SERVICES
Executive Coaching
Board Meeting Preparation
Organizational Transformation
CHRO Onboarding
Human Capital
M&A Integration
Cultural Realignment
Organizational Strategy
EXPERTISE
Most recently Hughes has been CHRO for Moody’s Corporation overseeing the Human Capital function and driving culture & organizational realignment to support a change in strategy for the firm. Under her leadership Moody's was recognized as one of the "Most Loved Companies" by Newsweek. She also oversaw a successful CEO transition. At Gilt Groupe Hughes joined the firm during its infancy and supported its growth to a $1 billion valuation, responsible for operations including, sales operations, offshoring, creative/studios, real estate, facilities and building the executive team. When at Tribune she was responsible for Human Capital, driving culture change as the company emerged from bankruptcy, restructuring the company through a spinoff of the publishing business, doubling the size of the broadcast business through acquisition and building the digital arm of the media organization. Hughes joined DoubleClick at the height of the dot-com boom, building the talent infrastructure, managing through the restructuring in response to the technology crash and changing the culture to facilitate the success and regrowth of the of the company, resulting in the initial sale to Hellman & Friedman and eventually Google.
Over the last 20 years, Hughes has managed the Governance & HR committees of the board, setting the agenda through times of change. She is seasoned in presenting to the board on a range of issues and has been a trusted advisor to the Committee chairs. She has had board experience on the Moody’s Foundation board, and is currently on several advisory boards. She actively coaches CEOs and CHROs on a range of strategic and Human Capital issues. She has also had not-for-profit experience in Nicaragua, where she has set up educational and health programs.
Hughes holds an BSc. (Hons.) degree in Psychology from Brunel, London and an MBA from INSEAD in France.
20+ years in the C-Suite and Board Experience
Engaged in 30+ divestitures & acquisitions/integrations
Supported successful CEO transition at Moody's Corp
Managed operations of Gilt Group to create a $1B valuation
CHRO, public technology company based in Tel Aviv and New York
"Melanie helped me navigate my relationship with my CEO and to think through my HR structure. She has been instrumental in helping guide me in delicate situations offering insights and suggestions. Her vast past experience gives her a true understanding of the CHRO role and all the complexities that come with it, making each session with her practical and solution oriented. Her guidance has helped me become more confident in my decisions and improved my relationships with internal stakeholders.
Natalie Jew - VP HR, Mattermost
"I am grateful Melanie for her invaluable mentorship and guidance. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that has helped me develop a more strategic perspective and work with more impact. Additionally, she has been instrumental in navigating complex executive dynamics and brings a personal touch that is both empowering and genuine. Melanie is an indispensable asset to my own personal and professional growth."
Carl Sparks, Managing Partner,
Interlock Partners
"Melanie is simply the single best senior HR executive I have ever had the pleasure to work alongside. She is thoroughly versed in all the functional disciplines of HR. She is a true partner to the business teams, and hires excellent HR generalists and specialists, who in turn quickly become invaluable partners to their business teams. She does an excellent job of working in fast-paced, emerging organizations, but equally is able to make every decision a step toward building better, long-term scalable approaches. She is a courageous leader, who is able to engage people at all levels of the organization, while being unfailingly authentic, balanced and trustworthy."