Plainsboro, New Jersey, United States – November 2024 – Gemma Isherwood joins dsm-firmenich as Vice President Human Resources North America, where she will lead HR initiatives for the North America region, representing over 4,200 employees. In this role, Gemma will focus on supporting strategic HR functions, overseeing a team of 35-40 HR professionals, and aligning HR solutions to dsm-firmenich’s regional and global goals. Her responsibilities include the deployment of HR practices, labor relations, and a region-wide HR harmonization program following the recent merger. She is also tasked with fostering a collaborative and engaged work environment across dsm-firmenich’s largest region.
Prior to this role, Gemma served as Global Senior Director HR Biomedical at dsm-firmenich, where she played an instrumental role in HR strategy and culture transformation for DSM Biomedical. Her responsibilities spanned organizational design, talent acquisition, performance management, and employee engagement across North America, Europe, and Asia. During the dsm-firmenich merger, she also led a global integration project, developing a performance management approach for over 30,000 employees.
Previously, Gemma was Global Head of HR & Business Partner for DSM Biomedical and DSM Science & Innovation. Here, she provided strategic HR leadership, focusing on talent management and competence development within the global workforce. Earlier in her career, she held the role of Global Senior HR Manager for DSM’s Innovation Center and led HR for DSM’s Information Solutions and Group Business Services, managing strategic HR consultancy and transformation initiatives.
Gemma’s early career includes extensive experience in executive search and recruitment for Armstrong Craven, where she specialized in healthcare and life sciences. She developed expertise in HR strategy, people management, and global HR transformations, which continue to drive her leadership approach.
About dsm-firmenich:
dsm-firmenich is a global leader in nutrition, health, and beauty innovation, committed to creating sustainable and impactful solutions. With over 30,000 employees, the company supports ambitious global clients through extensive R&D expertise and a dedication to people and planet.
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