Debbie Mcdowell (Prosci®Certified) Email & Phone Number

Burlington, On, Ca

Mississauga, Ontario

Member of the People Leadership team – led four senior managers across internal communications & events, DE&I/social impact, employer branding and translations. Led strategies to help drive employee engagement and drive award-winning top employer positioning.Accomplishments🌟 Co-created Sephora Canada’s first DE&I strategy, collaborating with executive task forces to launch key initiatives, including the first diversity survey (84% participation), ERGs, a mentorship program for diverse leaders, DE&I training, and a metrics dashboard, culminating in the company’s first annual DE&I report.🌟 Led cross-country listening tours with Beauty Advisors, gathering insights on employee experiences and developing a targeted communication program to enhance awareness of rewards, benefits, and DE&I initiatives.🌟 Designed and managed an internal communications and events strategy to drive engagement, overseeing national leadership conferences, brand partner events, and Town Halls (virtual and in-person).🌟 Championed Sephora’s EVP through impactful employee storytelling narratives, doubling @SephoraCanadaLife followers in one year and significantly increasing LinkedIn engagement.🌟 Applied Prosci® methodology to execute a change management communications strategy for Sephora’s Toronto office relocation, ensuring a smooth transition for 200 employees.🌟 Directed social impact initiatives, including Classes for Confidence, charitable partnerships, and an in-kind product donation program.

Burlington, Ontario, Canada

Member of the National People and Culture steering team, leading four areas of expertise: Total Rewards, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, Workforce Planning, and Meet & Travel.Accomplishments 🌟 Developed a multimillion-dollar business case to invest in a Total Rewards (new wages and benefits) program, positively impacting nearly half of IKEA Canada’s hourly workforce.🌟 Oversaw the RFP process and implemented change communications to transition employees to a new benefits provider within six months.🌟 Collaborated with payroll to implement and communicate Kronos My Time, a digital absence management and scheduling system, streamlining processes for employees.🌟 Supported and led DE&I initiatives, including International Women’s Day and Pride celebrations, fostering an inclusive workplace culture.

Ikea Canada

Responsible for change management workshops and project-based initiatives using IKEA’s change methodology and served as HR Business Partner for 150 employees at the corporate Head Office.Accomplishments 🌟 Developed a transformational change management plan using IKEA’s proprietary change communication model to support the doubling of IKEA Canada’s business growth strategy.🌟 Engaged stakeholders by organizing IKEA Canada’s first companywide event with 200+ retail managers, introducing the expansion and OMNI channel strategy through impactful branding, keynote presentations, interactive workshops, and change management exercises.🌟 Collaborated with finance to redesign bonus communication, enhancing employee engagement and understanding of compensation programs.🌟 Oversaw people activities including onboarding, compensation, performance development, employee relations, policy development, and the annual engagement survey.

Burlington, Ontario

Member of the Canadian Executive Team, reporting to the President of IKEA Canada and responsible for corporate, internal, and crisis communications.Accomplishments 🌟 Led communications for IKEA Canada’s annual National Business Plan, including internal messaging and crisis management to protect and strengthen the brand.🌟 Developed and executed labour relations communication strategies, ensuring clear and consistent narratives for employees during sensitive situations.🌟 Oversaw corporate PR initiatives, including the annual media training program for managers to enhance public-facing communication skills.🌟 Designed and launched IKEA Canada’s first sustainability communications strategy, managed national charitable giving, and introduced an employee engagement program in partnership with the IKEA Foundation.

Burlington, Ontario

As a member of the IKEA Canada marketing team, supported the execution and production of the commercial marketing strategy.

Toronto, Ontario

Bachelor (Hons), Sociology

Activities and Societies: Member of Alpha Gamma Delta (Zeta Chi chapter)

Graduate Certificate, Corporate Communications