MEET THE HR
INFLUENCERS:
Nan Oldroyd,
ma, chre
From the time she was old enough to put on boots, Nan
Oldroyd learned the value of hard work.
Growing up on her family’s farm near Stratford, Ont.,
there were many opportunities to learn on the job – and
there was certainly no shortage of work to do. So, it’s no surprise
that Oldroyd brought that energy and adaptability into play when
she launched her HR career 23 years ago.
Since then, she’s held a series of progressive human resources
positions at top companies such as The Home Depot, Tim
Hortons and, finally, Loblaw Companies Limited, where she is
currently the vice-president of human resources for the market division
and emerging business. HR Professional spoke to Oldroyd
about her rewarding career and how simply believing in herself has
helped her maintain focus and overcome obstacles.
How and when did you decide upon an HR career?
Nan Oldroyd: I hadn’t considered human resources as a potential
career path. In fact, my career assessment in high school indicated
that I should consider the marketing, legal or ministerial fields.
From early experience, I realized that I enjoyed leading and inspiring
people to achieve business results. I did some career research
and human resources piqued my interest.
What was your first HR job?
NO: I was a human resources manager at Costco Wholesale. I had
my university degree and my operations experience, but no formal
HR training or education. I was hired for my customer service
skills and my ability to achieve financial results, so HR was something
I learned on the job. In this hands-on environment, I was
exposed to all facets of HR.
Describe your current job.
NO: I am the vice-president, Human Resources for the Market
and Emerging Business Divisions at Loblaw Companies Limited.
I am a business partner to two divisional presidents and their
teams. The market division has a food focus, while on the emerging
business side, we have wholesale stores and other services. I
HARD WORK AND POSITIVE THOUGHTS
By Lisa Gordon
Archiwiz /Shutterstock.com 44 ❚ MARCH/APRIL 2015 ❚ HR PROFESSIONAL
