Charlotte Pattison
Charlotte Pattison
Global Talent Acquisition Director, Reckitt
Charlotte’s journey into talent acquisition began not with a long-term plan, but with a practical decision early in her career.
After graduating from university with a background in business management and human resources, she was looking for an opportunity to start earning and gain experience. A recommendation led her to a local recruitment agency—an opportunity she initially saw as a stepping stone, but one that quickly became the foundation of her career.
What followed was eight years in agency recruitment, working across both permanent and temporary hiring in the UK. During that time, Charlotte developed a deep understanding of recruitment fundamentals—learning what great process looks like, how to manage candidates and clients effectively, and how to deliver consistently in a fast-paced, performance-driven environment.
That strong foundation would go on to shape everything that followed.
Her move into Reckitt came through a pivotal moment. Initially joining on a fixed-term contract, Charlotte made the bold decision to leave a permanent role purely for the opportunity to learn from a leader she deeply respected. What was meant to be a short-term experience turned into a defining chapter—one that has now spanned over a decade.
Over the past ten years, Charlotte has grown with the business, ultimately becoming Global Talent Acquisition Director. Her journey reflects not only her capability as a talent leader, but also her willingness to take calculated risks in pursuit of growth and learning.
What Energizes Her Most
For Charlotte, energy comes from people—and the impact talent teams can have on both individuals and organizations.
She is driven by building teams that lead with both excellence and empathy. Creating an environment where people can perform at a high level while remaining authentic and human is something she values deeply.
She is also energized by the opportunity to shape the future of talent functions. Whether it’s improving processes, evolving technology stacks, or developing her team, Charlotte thrives on creating systems that enable better outcomes at scale.
Above all, she finds fulfillment in seeing her team succeed. For her, true leadership is reflected not just in results, but in the kind of people her team becomes—capable, kind, and grounded in strong values.
How Recruiting Is Changing
Charlotte sees talent acquisition as a function that has always evolved—and will continue to do so.
From early tools like Rolodex systems to modern platforms and AI-driven solutions, the industry has consistently adapted to new technologies. For her, the key is not resisting change, but embracing it.
She views AI and emerging technologies as a “co-pilot”—tools that can enhance efficiency, streamline workflows, and improve decision-making. However, she is clear that technology should complement, not replace, the human side of recruiting.
At its core, hiring remains deeply personal.
Understanding a candidate’s motivations, addressing their concerns, and building trust are elements that cannot be automated. While technology can improve speed and scale, the human connection remains central to successful hiring.
Charlotte believes the opportunity lies in finding the right balance—leveraging technology to enhance outcomes while preserving the human moments that truly matter.
Charlotte’s Advice for 2026
Looking ahead, Charlotte’s advice is simple but powerful: prepare for continuous change.
Talent leaders must stay agile, open-minded, and willing to evolve alongside the business and the market. The pace of innovation—particularly in AI—means that adaptability is no longer optional; it is essential.
She encourages her peers to approach new technology with curiosity and intention, asking not just how it works, but how it can be used for good—improving efficiency, enhancing experiences, and driving meaningful impact.
At the same time, she emphasizes the importance of staying grounded in what makes recruiting effective: human connection, empathy, and trust.
For Charlotte, the future of talent acquisition will be defined by those who can embrace innovation while staying true to these fundamentals.
That balance of strategic thinking, people-first leadership, and forward-looking mindset is what makes Charlotte a standout leader in global talent acquisition—and a deserving member of the Talent 100.
