O2 UK has announced that Ann Pickering has been appointed Head of Human Resources reporting to Matthew Key, Chief Executive of O2 UK. Ann previously held the position as General Manager of Human Resources for the Customer Service & Retail division within O2 UK. 
 
In the position of Head of Human Resources, Ann will be responsible for ensuring O2 continues to be a great place to work through investing in its employees.  O2 believes great business results can only be delivered through great people.  As a result the O2 People Promise focuses on motivating and engaging employees and ensuring their continued development.  O2 came 5th in The Sunday Times’ 2007 Best Big Companies to Work For List.
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In her previous role, Ann was responsible for Human Resources across four UK Call Centre sites and 300 stores, totalling approximately 8,500 people.  During this time she launched a number of successful initiatives such as the Customer Service Academy, a “one stop shop” for all learning and development across the whole of O2 Customer Service.  In addition Ann also introduced a new management development programme which included a trainee manager scheme, a management accreditation programme and an apprentice scheme.  Prior to joining O2 in 2004 Ann held a number of senior HR roles at both Xansa and Fidelity Investments. 
 
“I’m delighted to welcome Ann to the role of Head of Human Resources”, said Matthew Key, CEO O2 UK. “Amongst Ann’s many great qualities are her infectious passion and enthusiasm. These will be great assets as she works to ensure our People Promise remains at the heart of O2’s strategic agenda and continues our quest to make O2 an even better place to work. “
 



About O2
O2 is a leading provider of mobile services to consumers and businesses in the UK. These services include voice, text, media messaging, games, music and video, as well as always on data connections via GPRS, 3G and WLAN. Every month, O2’s 17.8 million customers send well over a billion text messages. O2 UK is part of Telefónica O2 Europe which comprises mobile network operators in the UK, Ireland and Slovakia along with integrated fixed / mobile businesses in Germany and the Czech Republic. Telefónica O2 Europe also owns 50% of the Tesco Mobile and Tchibo Mobilfunk joint venture businesses in the UK and Germany respectively as well as having 100% ownership of Be, a leading UK fixed broadband provider
 
O2 was ranked as 5th best place to work in the Best Companies to Work for 2007 List and has been awarded a two-star accreditation denoting an ’outstanding’ company.