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The University of Abertay Dundee has a new Head of Human Resources – Colin Grethè.
Colin
has worked in human resources for over 25 years, mainly within the
higher education sector but also in the NHS and at Wigan Athletic
Football Club. He has also worked with youngsters with special needs,
and undertaken consultancy work with major companies such as British
Airways, Sainsbury’s, and Heinz.
But that’s just the start of
his story. As well as spending five years working in the Netherlands,
Colin has travelled extensively and experienced the different cultures
of almost 30 countries, including Ukraine, Japan, USA, Indonesia,
Luxembourg, Norway, and his personal favourite - Thailand, where he met
his wife.
Travelling isn’t his only interest though: some people
might just recognise Colin from his TV debut back in 1995. His
appearance started with the now immortal words: ‘Tonight Matthew, I’m
going to be…’. When those sliding doors opened Colin had been
transformed into cult Australian entertainer Rolf Harris and his
version of Two Little Boys was such a hit he was invited back for the
Granada TV Christmas Special, attracting an audience of some 12 million!
Colin’s
interests also include complementary therapies, and he is a qualified
hypnotherapist. His other passion is the paranormal and he is currently
developing a research website for a planned PhD looking at paranormal
activity in the workplace.
Colin is originally from Anfield,
Liverpool (growing up in the shadow of the world-famous Kop), but his
family have always had strong connections with Scotland, being part of
the Lindsay Clan. On arriving in Scotland, Colin said: “I am absolutely
delighted to be in Dundee and in particular with Abertay. It is a
hugely impressive organisation, brimming with professionalism,
innovation and enthusiasm, all focused on delivering a great experience
for students”.
As Head of Human Resources, Colin’s role is to
ensure HR effectively underpins Abertay’s Strategic Plan and integrates
best working practices, policies and procedures. Colin’s ambition is to
provide an HR function with a bit of a difference, he says: “I want us
to undertake our work in a positive manner……it is not just about ‘what’
you do, but ‘how’ you do it.”
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