McDonald’s David Fairhurst appointed to the UK Commission for Employment and Skills

The Chief People Officer of McDonald’s Europe, David Fairhurst has been appointed to act as a Commissioner for the UK Commission for Employment and Skills by Business Secretary Vince Cable.

He is already visiting Professor at Manchester Metropolitan University Business School and a Teaching Fellow at Lancaster University alongside his 'McJob' and his appointment is hoped to 'bring insight and a unique perspective on how employers can develop and inspire their staff. The Commissioner appointment is also in recognition of the pioneering work he has done throughout his career in the field of Human Resources both in the UK and internationally.

David said: “I am delighted and honoured to have been appointed to this important role."

With 20 years experience in HR, David currently leads the strategic development of McDonalds' people practices, including talent and education programmes across 40 countries. He has won HR Magazine's Most Influential HR Practitioner three years' running.

In his previous role as Senior Vice President, Chief People Officer for McDonald’s UK and Northern Europe, he lead the process which resulted in the company becoming one of the country’s first employers to achieve awarding body status, allowing it to offer nationally recognised qualifications as part of its own curriculum. He was also instrumental in creating McDonald’s Apprenticeship programme which currently has over 8,000 apprentices in learning.

David added: "I look forward to sharing our learnings on the revolving door between work and education and on how businesses can provide valuable employment opportunities in our communities.”

The purpose of the UK Commission for Employment and Skills is to ensure investment from Government is spent on raising skill levels to help drive enterprise, create more and better jobs and boost economic growth. Led by business leaders from large and small organisations, trade unions and the voluntary sector, with Commissioners acting as ambassadors for employer-led and Government supported initiatives, David will join a team of 16, and is amongst nine new appointments announced today.