Perry Timms

Perry Timms is one of the world’s most respected voices on the future of work, organisational culture and modern people practices. Recognised for challenging conventional thinking and helping organisations create more human centred workplaces, Perry has built an international reputation as an author, adviser, educator and thought leader. His work focuses on transforming organisations through innovative leadership, freedom-centred cultures and progressive approaches to people management. Ranked as the Number 1 Most Influential Thinker in HR and inducted into the HR Most Influential Hall of Fame, Perry is sought after by organisations across the globe for his expertise, insight and ability to inspire audiences with practical ideas for workplace transformation. These achievements make him a highly valued keynote speaker for conferences, leadership events and business gatherings.

Perry’s career has been shaped by a commitment to improving organisations and the experiences of the people who work within them. He served as a Workforce Development Consultant at the Big Lottery Fund before progressing to Head of HR, gaining extensive experience in organisational development and people leadership. His influence expanded through a role on the Learning and Development Advisory Group for the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), followed by becoming a Certified Consultant and Coach with WorldBlu, a global organisation promoting freedom-centred workplaces. His academic credentials include serving as Adjunct Professor at Hult International Business School and later as a Visiting Fellow at Cranfield School of Management, where he contributed to developing future leaders and advancing thinking on organisational performance.

Perry’s thought leadership has been recognised through numerous prestigious accolades. He was ranked the Number 1 Most Influential Thinker in HR and later inducted into the HR Most Influential Hall of Fame, cementing his position as a leading authority in the profession. His impact on workplace culture was further acknowledged through the Global Culture Icon Award from the People & Culture Association and the WorldBlu Lifetime Achievement Award for Freedom Centred Workplaces. Through keynote presentations, industry conferences, interviews, podcasts and media features, Perry continues to share innovative ideas that challenge organisations to rethink how work is designed and how people thrive.

As an author, Perry has made a significant contribution to modern business thinking. He published ‘Transformational HR’, followed by ‘The Energised Workplace’, which was shortlisted for UK Business Book of the Year. Most recently, he published ‘The HR Operating Model’, further advancing discussion around the future of people functions. He has also delivered multiple TEDx Talks, including his talk titled ‘The Edge – People Powered Design’. Combining award winning expertise, academic credibility, senior leadership experience and bestselling authorship, Perry delivers keynote presentations that are insightful, practical and engaging. His ability to translate complex organisational challenges into actionable strategies ensures audiences leave inspired, informed and equipped to create more effective and human centred workplaces.

Here are some of the key milestones that define Perry Timms’ remarkable career:

  • 2025 – Publication of ‘The HR Operating Model’
  • 2024 – WorldBlu Lifetime Achievement Award for Freedom-Centred Workplaces
  • 2024 – Global Culture Icon Award, People & Culture Association
  • 2023 – Inducted into HR Most Influential Hall of Fame
  • 2022 – Ranked Number 1 Most Influential Thinker in HR
  • 2021 – ‘The Energised Workplace’ shortlisted for UK Business Book of the Year
  • 2020 – Published ‘The Energised Workplace’
  • 2019 – Visiting Fellow, Cranfield School of Management
  • 2018 – Adjunct Professor, Hult International Business School
  • 2017 – Published “Transformational HR”
  • 2016 – Certified Consultant & Coach, WorldBlu
  • 2015 – Learning & Development Advisory Group Member, CIPD
  • 2008 – Head of HR, Big Lottery Fund
  • 2006 – Workforce Development Consultant, Big Lottery Fund