A conversation with HR leader Davis Aguilar on Diageo’s shift toward simplicity, agility, and world-class HR excellence.

In this episode, Davis Aguilar—Global Head of HR Operations at Diageo, the global spirits company behind brands like Guinness, Johnnie Walker, Baileys, and Captain Morgan—shares how the organisation is transforming HR through operational excellence, cultural alignment, and smarter technology. He discusses the shift toward simplified workflows using ServiceNow and Workday, the importance of leadership sponsorship, and why cultural readiness is crucial when delivering change across 29,000 employees in 67 markets.

Davis also explores the realities of transformation on the ground, from unexpected digital adoption among remote field workers in Mexico to the evolving needs of a diverse, multi-generational workforce. He reflects on Diageo’s cautious but intentional approach to generative AI, the enduring relevance of human skills, and the company’s ambition to create an internal experience as strong as its world-famous brands.

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In this episode of the ServiceNow UK&I Executive Circle Podcast, host Kat Finch speaks with Nick Pearson, CIO of Ricoh Europe, about how the company has successfully evolved from a traditional manufacturer to a technology-driven services business. Nick discusses the complex macro trends impacting European organisations, from shifting business models and tightening margins to the growing need for operational agility. He reflects on Ricoh’s 20-year transformation journey, highlighting how the company has remained resilient by continually pivoting, empowering change-makers, and fostering a culture of innovation.

The conversation explores the intersection of people and technology in driving digital transformation. Nick shares Ricoh's forward-thinking approach to AI governance and responsible innovation, alongside key themes such as:

• The rise of technical roles reshaping today's workplace.

• Building the skills and mindsets needed for a digital-first workforce.

• Simplifying processes and using sentiment analysis to enhance document management.

• Ricoh's vision to make work easier, smarter, and more human.

• How leadership, collaboration, and curiosity are shaping the workplace of the future.

Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on how leadership, collaboration, and curiosity are shaping the digital workplace of the future.

If you’ve got an idea for a topic, would like to propose a guest for the show or discuss any of the points raised in this episode with a ServiceNow representative, just send an email to executivecircleuki@servicenow.com

And if you are not already an EXECUTIVE CIRCLE member and would like to learn more about our exclusive membership and all the benefits it brings, please visit.

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In this episode of the ServiceNow Executive Circle Podcast, Jacqueline McGirr, VP of Global Change & Employee Experience at Kerry Group, shares her journey and insights on transforming HR service delivery through technology, automation, and AI. Drawing from over two decades at Kerry, Jackie discusses the evolution of their Global Business Services (GBS) model, the importance of integrating IT and HR functions, and how they're using platforms like ServiceNow to streamline and enhance employee experiences globally.

Jackie also reflects on the role of AI in enabling more human-centred support—balancing automation with empathy, upskilling employees for the future, and preparing for agentic AI. She highlights Kerry’s forward-looking approach, including their newly formed AI Governance Forum and how GBS can evolve from a transactional hub to a strategic engine room for innovation and operational excellence.

If you’ve got an idea for a topic, would like to propose a guest for the show or discuss any of the points raised in this episode with a ServiceNow representative, just send an email to executivecircleuki@servicenow.com

And if you are not already an EXECUTIVE CIRCLE member and would like to learn more about our exclusive membership and all the benefits it brings, please visit.

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In this episode of the ServiceNow Executive Circle podcast, Kat Finch sits down with Alex Hunter — global brand expert and former Global Head of Digital at Virgin Group — for a fast-paced, deeply insightful conversation on customer experience, AI, and why brand trust still matters more than ever.

Drawing on stories from his time launching Virgin America to helping brands today navigate generative AI, Alex urges businesses to start with the problem, not the platform. He explores how AI can be used to deepen human connection, not dilute it, and why the brands that succeed are those that focus on making life easier — not noisier — for their customers.

Whether you're in marketing, digital, or C-suite leadership, this is a masterclass in keeping brand experiences human at a time when everything feels increasingly automated.

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How Lloyds Banking Group is redefining colleague experience through agile transformation and GenAI.

In this edition of the ServiceNow UK & I Executive Circle Podcast, host Kat Finch talks with Claire Sherwin, Colleague Success Director at Lloyds Banking Group, as they discuss how one of the largest financial institutions in the UK is changing its people strategy, leveraging technology and agility, while maintaining a human-first approach.

Since Claire’s arrival in early 2024, she has detailed her digital transformation journey and shift to agile ways of working to enhance colleague experiences. Claire shares how the bank is measured in its decisions regarding the use cases it is developing and deploying to leverage AI; it looks at automation versus human decision-making and how it combines the two distinctly. The bank's approach to personalised development opportunities, leveraging Microsoft Viva Learning, is designed to do just that.

Claire also discusses the typical resistance to AI and automation. She emphasises the need to build trust through familiar, easy-to-use interfaces and clear communication. She supports a step-by-step approach that includes feedback from colleagues in shaping the technology that serves them.

If you are an HR professional, involved in digital transformation, or in a leadership role, this episode has a number of vital nuggets that reflect the importance of connecting people, platforms, and purpose at scale.

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In this episode of the ServiceNow UK & I Executive Circle Podcast, host Kat Finch sits down with Rob Barnes, Chief Digital and Technology Officer at ASDA, for an insightful conversation about the retailer's ambitious digital transformation journey.

Rob shares his experience transitioning from consultancy at Accenture to in-house roles at Marks & Spencer and ASDA, highlighting key lessons from both worlds. He provides a behind-the-scenes look at ASDA’s large-scale technology overhaul following its separation from Walmart—one of the most significant transformations in modern retail history.

The discussion also explores the role of AI in shaping the future of retail, from improving customer service and supply chain optimization to enhancing in-store experiences and cybersecurity. Rob addresses the long-standing debate on the "death of the high street," arguing that physical stores remain integral to retail and discussing how AI and automation can drive greater efficiency across both online and brick-and-mortar shopping experiences.

Whether you're in retail, technology, or business leadership, this episode offers valuable insights into digital innovation, AI’s growing impact, and how retailers can stay ahead in an ever-evolving landscape.

Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the intersection of technology, retail, and digital transformation!

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In this episode of the ServiceNow EXECUTIVE CIRCLE Podcast, we speak with Dr. Laurence Ampofo, Practice Lead of Vodafone’s AI Transformation Office. Ampofo discusses the telco giant’s bold approach to integrating AI into its operations and customer experiences, highlighting initiatives like "TOBi," the AI-powered super-agent, which is enhancing customer service and internal workflows.

The conversation delves into how generative AI is revolutionising connectivity and productivity while addressing the challenges of operating in a highly regulated industry. Ampofo emphasizes balancing short-term efficiencies with long-term strategies, ensuring AI becomes an intuitive part of organisational transformation.

Listeners are treated to visionary insights on AI’s potential to map out optimised workflows, improve employee experiences, and uncover hidden business value. From transforming telco operations to reimagining workplace productivity and sustainability, this episode is a must-listen for executives navigating the evolving AI landscape.

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In the fourth and final episode of our mini-series, Adam Spearing, Head of AI Innovation for EMEA at ServiceNow, explores the transformative potential of agentic AI. Adam breaks down the concept of AI systems communicating and collaborating, enabling organisations to move from reactive operations to predictive, streamlined processes.

Highlighting real-world applications, Adam discusses how agentic AI and tools like Knowledge Graphs can personalise employee experiences, optimise resource allocation, and identify unknown inefficiencies. He emphasises the critical role of governance, strategy, and employee empowerment in unlocking AI’s potential, while also addressing the challenges of integrating AI across a multigenerational workforce.

With a focus on fostering innovation from all levels of an organisation, this episode is an essential listen for executives looking to capitalise on AI-driven transformation and prepare for the future of work in 2025 and beyond.

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