Engineering solutions provider Methode Electronics has appointed Karen Keegans as its new chief human resources officer effective today, 3 February.

Having more than 30 years of experience as an HR leader, mostly in Fortune 250 and Fortune 500 firms in the technology and industrials space, Keegans will now assume the role of CHRO at Methode Electronics after Andrea Barry held the position for nearly eight years.

Keegans will be based in the company’s headquarters in Chicago.

“With her extensive HR experience and proven track record for helping organisations align culture and talent to business objectives, she will be a key contributor in our efforts to transform the business,” said Jon DeGaynor, president and CEO of Methode Electronics.

“She will lead critical activities such as building organisational capabilities to meet the changing needs of our end markets and the shifting of our culture to be more globally aligned and performance focused.

“This change, as with all of the recent organisational changes, is foundational to our efforts to return Methode to a prominent leadership position in the industry.”

DeGaynor also celebrated Barry for her contribution – specifically Barry’s “leadership through a turbulent period” in the past two years – and wished her well.

“I am thrilled to join Methode and look forward to supporting the talent and culture needs of the organisation while partnering with the teams across the globe,” Keegans said.

Keegans served as CHRO of Suncor in Alberta, Canada before joining Methode Electronics, and was also Vice President - Executive Partner CHRO Practice at Gartner prior to this position.

Keegans has a demonstrated track record of aligning human capital strategies and delivering business results. Her career history includes being an expert partner to CEOs and boards, “bringing a diverse set of experiences to organisations,” she said.