Who got that job?

General manager human resources, Vodafone NZ

What were you doing before accepting your new position?

I worked for British American Tobacco New Zealand for four years.

I enjoyed my exposure to a truly global company, being a director on a board and building an understanding of the fast moving consumer goods industry. Before this, I held various HR roles in Australia and New Zealand within the financial services industry.

Why did you apply for this job?

Vodafone is a great company globally and a well-known brand in New Zealand. It has a strong reputation for its commitment to its people and is a values-based organisation, all very attractive to an HR professional. I confess also to the allure of working with the latest technology and have enjoyed my new Blackberry.

What does your new job entail?

Essentially the role leads a team of HR people to deliver HR solutions. I am also involved in the business and have input into company direction and strategy. The key deliverable is ensuring the HR infrastructure performs effectively.

The role is essentially a strategic generalist, so it covers a variety of HR projects and initiatives.

What are the major challenges ahead of you?

Primarily learning a new industry. Vodafone has invested in establishing a values-based organisation and the challenge is to embed this in a context of constant growth and change. We operate in a competitive industry so it is essential that we have strong talent and a committed and passionate team.

Will it be a difficult transition moving into this new job?

Human resources is transferable across geography and industry, the transition is in adapting to the unique requirements of Vodafone.

The main transition is adapting to being fully mobile - wireless laptop, no desk but I do have a locker. The freedom to work at any location is liberating, although a little uncomfortable to start with.

What do you do in your spare time?

Family and spare time are valuable and two very energetic boys under 3 have a wonderful way of consuming any spare time. I am also involved in the HR Institute of New Zealand.

* POCKET CV

Rowan Tonkin

* 2001-2005 HR director, British American Tobacco NZ

* 1998-2001 Group organisational development adviser, National Australia Bank

* 1995-1998 Executive assessment and development manager, Bank of New Zealand

* 1993-1995 HR consultant, IDPE Consulting