New people director appointed at Devonshire Group

The Devonshire Group, the company that represents the interests, charities and businesses of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, has appointed a new group people director.

Katie Saunders, who has been operating at board level for the past 15 years in retail and 20 years in the motor industry has taken up the role.

She will have responsibility for more than 1,400 employees spread across 65,000 acres at Chatsworth in Derbyshire, Bolton Abbey in Yorkshire, the Compton estate in Sussex, and Lismore in the Republic of Ireland.

She said: “I’m genuinely excited by the challenge. My experience is very broad, which I think will be important given the Devonshire Group includes such a variety of businesses from visitor attractions, shops, restaurants and luxury accommodation to farming and forestry, and property development.

“Although there are many different job roles and responsibilities, it’s very clear that there is a strong, shared passion for the organisation and its values, at all levels.

“Part of my role will be to share my experience and expertise in learning and development, and particularly management development and leadership, to enable everybody to make the very best of their skills and reach their full potential.”