DSW has announced the appointment of Craig McLoughlin as Head of Learning Solutions, as the business builds on its position as one of the UK’s leading providers of learning solutions and assessment services, and continues to invest in helping organisations develop the skills, leadership capability and performance needed in an evolving business environment.
Craig joins DSW on 13 July, having worked alongside the business as an Associate Consultant for more than a decade, delivering learning solutions for clients including Santander, Nationwide, Virgin Money and Smiths Engineering.
Employers are increasingly looking for learning partners who can go beyond training delivery to build leadership capability, improve organisational performance and support workforces through rapid technological and economic change. Craig’s appointment reflects that shift, and DSW’s ambition to meet it head on.
Craig brings more than 25 years’ experience developing stronger leaders, higher-performing teams and more capable workforces for organisations including EY, Santander, Nationwide Building Society, JCB, Aston Martin and UK Government departments. He has led learning functions supporting workforces of up to 35,000 employees and managed teams delivering programmes that have improved organisational performance, customer experience and leadership capability.
In his new role, Craig will lead the strategic development and growth of DSW’s Learning Solutions offering, working with employers to design practical, engaging learning experiences, expand DSW’s portfolio and strengthen client partnerships.
Craig McLoughlin, Head of Learning Solutions at DSW, said:
“Having worked alongside DSW for many years, I’ve seen first-hand the quality of the work the team delivers and the difference it makes to clients. Great learning isn’t just about delivering training, it’s about improving performance, building confidence and helping people succeed. I’m looking forward to working with our clients to create learning solutions that have a genuine impact.”
Dave Pearson, CEO of DSW, added:
“Craig has been a trusted part of the DSW family for many years, so it’s fantastic to welcome him into this leadership role. He combines exceptional commercial experience with a genuine passion for developing people and helping organisations achieve better outcomes through learning.
With a Net Promoter Score of 81 putting us in the world-class category, our clients already tell us how much they value the quality of our learning solutions. Craig’s appointment demonstrates our commitment to building on that success by investing in dedicated leadership to grow this important part of our business. His expertise, relationships and track record make him the ideal person to lead the next phase of our Learning Solutions strategy.”
In uncertain times, organisations that invest in developing their people are better equipped to adapt, grow and retain talent. Craig’s appointment forms part of DSW’s wider investment in helping organisations build the workforce skills, leadership capability and resilience needed to respond to changing business demands, as it expands its ability to support employers with bespoke learning, leadership development, coaching and performance improvement programmes that deliver measurable business impact.