Carl Hillier Celebrates 5 Years

A huge congratulations to Carl Hillier who recently celebrated 5 years at OGL.

Carl looks back on the last 5 years:

“Five years have flown by. I remember the original call from HR saying they had come across my CV, and “Would I be interested in coming in for an initial chat?”. There was no role in mind, it was just a chat. I lived in Manchester at the time, and I was at the start of the process of looking at moving to Worcester. I did think for a moment, “Did I really want to go and have a chat with this company, that isn’t advertising a role, that is 2 ½ hours away?”. Deciding to ignore that thought and go for it was a wise idea.

“I really didn’t know what to expect from the initial chat. We talked about all things me and all things OGL, focusing on what the future held, especially in Software and the development of Profit4. I was asked, following this, to write back to them with my thoughts and what I saw myself doing within the OGL Group, which I did.

“I was asked to come back for a formal interview (which just so happened to fall on my birthday), and what an intense day it was! I had to present to about 8 people, the subject being websites. Then I had another interview and a tour of Stourport and Kidderminster offices, followed by a debrief, during which I was informed I had been successful and was asked if I’d like the role of Account Manager within Software. I was hoping for cake but the job offer was more than okay. I then had 6 weeks to find somewhere to live, move and prepare for my new role… 

“My background has been varied but mainly within operational leadership. Therefore, I was looking forward to something entirely different and to work my way up, and it hasn’t stopped since day one. I was welcomed by an incredible team of people, to whom I am incredibly thankful.

“Some of my best memories are from these early days, shadowing Matt Meredith and James Shelley out on the road all over the UK. The long drives would always turn into hours of laughter, making the days and stresses of the motorways a lot easier. It was a steep learning curve as we offer so many services and products but the support and guidance from everyone in the division ensured it made sense (eventually).

“Without Claire’s trust, belief, and confidence in me, it wouldn’t have been possible. I am truly thankful I was given the opportunity and autonomy to create my current role of Customer Experience Manager, which I have now been in for just over 6 months and I’m loving every minute of. However, there is always a “but” in every story. Due to positive growth and restructuring in Software, the opportunity of Head of Delivery and Support Services was created, which with the suggestion from, and full support of Claire I applied for and was successful. I move into the role in September. This gives me the perfect opportunity to blend my OGL customer and products experience with my operational leadership skills.

“I am very sad to be moving away from the Account Management team as this has been my home for 5 years. I want to say thank you to Jemma Jenkins and Samantha Griffiths – you are the glue that keeps us all together and throughout you have given invaluable support to me, through the many ups and downs. Thank you.

“I would be lying if I didn’t say I am really looking forward to the new challenges ahead, leading and working with the wider Software teams.

“I do want to take a moment to thank Claire Jones. From day one she truly has been extraordinary. I have been so incredibly fortunate to have been led by Claire, she is consistently inspirational and has challenged me and believed in me, which has allowed me to find my own way in OGL. I owe a lot to Claire personally and professionally and will be forever grateful.”

Claire Jones, Carl’s manager, congratulates him on his 5 years at OGL:

“I can clearly remember the day Carl came in for his interview. It was my job to show him around the two sites and see whether he would be a good candidate for the Software Account Management team. In short, Carl did a fantastic presentation and we immediately bonded over our mutual love of gin and wine! The deal was sealed, and he was re-locating to Worcestershire! And I can’t believe that was 5 years ago! 

“Time really does fly, especially so when you have a great team, and Carl slotted straight in from day one. Carl demonstrated a keen desire to learn quickly and absorb as much information as he could, and he started to make his mark within the Account Management team and forging strong relationships with customers! 

"Carl has been very consistent in his Account Management role and is the most organised person I know! He is now ready for that next step into management and I’m incredibly proud of how he has made the role his own, sometimes sacrificing any personal gain to do the right thing. These ethics and team spirit truly show his personal and professional qualities and will stand him in good stead for the future as the Software Head of Delivery and Support. Although I will miss working with Carl so closely, I know he is more than ready for his next adventure and will rise to the challenge with humility and respect for all those he will be working with.

“I wish you all the best of luck and thank you for your 5 years of service and everything you have achieved.”