Zoe Skipper

H.R.

Job title: PA to Executive People Director
Joined: October 2003
Degree: BA German and Business Studies, Warwick University

I did a lot of different things after university - I was a ski guide, did some voluntary work in Mexico, travelled around Asia. But I knew within ten minutes of the assessment centre here that I wanted to work for ASDA.

I was looking for a people-focused company and straight away I could detect a real sense of fun and just clicked with the people I met. What I like is the fact that there's very little hierarchy - no-one's hung up on status, there's an open-office policy and you're respected for being yourself. That means we're all encouraged to air our views and opinions. In fact, communication is key to the company and, as a result, everyone feels involved in the business and its goals.

Another plus point is the opportunity to broaden my experience. Last year I was looking after initiatives like new recognition schemes and the roll-out of a new uniform. Now I'm in a really varied, high-profile role supporting the Executive People Director, David. I get involved in all aspects of strategic HR from executive recruitment and succession planning to writing presentations and speeches. I also get to go on lots of store visits with David and see all areas of the business.

My next role will be in-store as a People Manager. I'm really looking forward to working close to the front line.