Torrance, California, USA, June 2024 – Catherine Holdbrook-Smith has joined Robinson Helicopter Company as the new Vice President Human Resources. Catherine brings extensive experience in strategic human resource management and a proven track record of enhancing organizational performance through innovative HR practices.
Catherine Holdbrook-Smith’s most recent role was at Magnetika, Inc., where she served as Chief Human Resources Officer for over eight years. In this position, Catherine led a complete conversion from a PEO with a 100% leased employee model, trained and mentored HR staff to achieve full HR certification, and developed a robust risk management program that significantly reduced corporate risk. She also implemented a comprehensive human capital management system, improving productivity by 44%, and led ERP and payroll system conversions ahead of schedule.
Before Magnetika, Inc., Catherine was Vice President Human Resources at AKEZ Human Resources Consulting LLC for approximately one and a half years. She collaborated with client leadership on strategic human capital management, organizational change, and diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Her efforts resulted in substantial reductions in project timelines and enhanced organizational efficiency.
From around six years, Catherine worked at SMG | Worldwide Entertainment & Convention Venue Management as a Human Resources Manager. She developed strategic HR initiatives during a period of exponential growth, focusing on employee relations, risk management, workforce planning, and talent management. Her efforts led to a significant reduction in employee turnover and the successful delivery of change management methodologies.
Earlier in her career, Catherine held the position of Sr. Human Resources Generalist at LISI AEROSPACE for nearly six years. She managed HR aspects of mergers and acquisitions, implemented diversity and inclusion programs, and played an active role in the implementation of Lean Manufacturing and ISO standards, significantly increasing efficiencies and reducing waste.
Catherine also served as the Western Regional Employee Relations Representative at Hertz Corporation for about two years. She managed employee and labor relations, talent management, legal compliance, and training and development. Her talent management strategies effectively staffed Hertz Local Edition locations within 90 days of opening.
About Robinson Helicopter Company:
Robinson Helicopter Company, founded in 1973 by Frank Robinson, aims to produce the world’s highest quality, most reliable helicopters in the most efficient and cost-effective way possible. The company introduced the two-place piston-powered R22 in 1979, making helicopter ownership accessible to a broader audience and changing the face of general aviation. Today, Robinson’s top sellers are the R44 and R66 helicopters. To date, Robinson Helicopter Company has produced more than 13,000 helicopters.
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