President Human Resources, Croda International Plc

Odgers partnered with Croda International Plc to identify an exceptional and highly sector-experienced President of Human Resources with Michelle Lydon commencing the role in January 2023. 

Croda International Plc creates speciality chemicals and high-performance ingredients and technologies for a breadth of industries. 

What attracted you to the role?  

My career has been rooted in senior HR leadership, most recently as Chief People Officer across organizations including Renewi, QinetiQ, British Airways and now Croda. I wanted to join a company with real purpose and the chance to keep learning, and Croda’s mission of ‘smart science to improve lives’ really resonated. From vaccine ingredients to crop science, beauty and wellbeing, the impact our people create genuinely improves lives, and that was something I wanted to be part of. 

Through conversations with Áine and my own due diligence, it was clear Croda had strong capabilities, great relationships and huge potential to further shape its culture and leadership. The opportunity to influence beyond HR, help evolve ways of working, and drive long-term organizational success as part of the executive team is what drew me here.

What are your ambitions for your role?  

Working with the executive team, we’re refreshing our strategy and ensuring the whole organization is aligned behind how we truly differentiate and meet our customers’ needs. That’s meant investing heavily in listening and developing our people, taking their feedback on board, building trust across the organisation and strengthening communication.

We’re also focused on talent development, lifting leadership capability and consistency at every level, and building the pipeline we need to deliver long-term success.

How was your journey with Odgers?  

It was great. I know Áine very well and have done over many years. We’ve cultivated a great relationship based on trust and mutual respect for each other. 

It actually came up during one of our regular catch-ups. It felt like a great opportunity, so I was delighted to be put forward. The process moved incredibly quickly - about 10 days from my initial meeting with the CEO to receiving an offer. I met most of the executive team and spent the day with them, and shortly after that the offer came through. Overall, it was a very smooth experience. 

Áine is highly connected and she keeps close to her network. She knows the space around people and organizations well, she speaks our language and understands our challenges. Odgers also run great events where you can meet with others who are going through similar challenges and opportunities that you face as a CPO, which are a real magnet for talent.  

And so, when you get a call from Aine, you'll take the call because it'll have been thoughtful. 

Success in Leadership 

Read our interview with Michelle where she discusses leadership strategies, dealing with industry disruption and offers advice to other organisations facing uncertainty. 

Read our interview with Michelle Lydon

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