Who is Paul Kearns?

Paul is an economics graduate who has spent the majority of his 30+ years in HR re-thinking and re-shaping the way organizations manage human capital. His last corporate HR role was Head of HR for an automotive, supply chain manufacturer where he first learned about the Toyota Production System and Total Quality Management; both of which subsequently influenced his thinking and practice.  In particular Paul developed his theory on HR Maturity which has recently led to the establishment of the Institute of HR Maturity.  In 2012 he also became closely involved with the development of international HR standards, under the umbrella of ISO TC260 – HR Management, and currently chairs the UK National Committee for the BSI (British Standards Institute) and acts as its Principal Expert.

In 1991 Paul started to specialise in strategic HR measurement and evaluation and established his consultancy practice – PWL. From its inception PWL focused on measured outcomes and the real value, in hard currency, that can be directly connected to effective HR and learning management.  His radical approach has drawn attention from around the world and he is a regular keynote speaker.  He has since written many articles and books on the subjects of measurement, evaluation, ROI, HR strategy and, more recently, setting the highest Professional standards in HR using the latest Evidence-Based Management methods.

Paul is still, first and foremost, an HR practitioner who always links his HR practice directly to evidence of business needs.  He also maintains close links with leading academics whose research supports progressive management thinking and practice.  His writing has gradually been taken up by those academics who want to bridge the gulf between theory and practice and this has led to him teaching a core MBA class in HR strategy for over ten years.  He now travels widely as a teacher, consultant, facilitator and keynote speaker.