Adrienne Scott

Adrienne’s career spans start-ups, global corporates, government, and the not-for-profit sector, with a track record shaped by complex change and people challenges. She began in London at Zipcar navigating the fast pace and “do-everything” culture of an early-stage business through to multiple acquisitions, including by global giant Avis Budget Group. Over 10 years in the UK, she honed her HR and employment law foundations, later applying them in roles at New Zealand Post, Parliamentary Services, and now Humankind.

Adrienne specialises in change management, particularly restructures and organisational shifts, where her mix of pragmatism, creativity, and human focus delivers outcomes that are both compliant and compassionate. She’s adept at risk-spotting, tailoring processes to fit an organisation’s tone and culture, and shaping communications so they’re clear, respectful, and easy to understand. Whether coaching leaders through a high-stakes restructure or reworking documents to remove jargon and legal heaviness, she keeps people at the centre without compromising business protection.

Adrienne is proudest when her work removes unnecessary stress from already tough situations. A standout example was leading Humankind’s COVID-19 support for clients working in primary healthcare settings, where she turned Ministry of Health mandates into practical, step-by-step guidance for pharmacy owners nationwide, ensuring essential services stayed open while treating staff with dignity. She’s also supported high-profile organisations including TVNZ, Beca, and multiple government agencies through complex employment challenges.

For Adrienne, great employment relations work protects both the business and the people, proving you don’t have to choose one over the other. She believes the way a process is run can strengthen trust, preserve employer brand, and allow even those most affected to leave with their mana intact.

Casual, direct, and no-nonsense, with a strong dislike for unnecessary complexity. Adrienne balances technical expertise with a coaching style that builds capability in others, helping leaders and clients see the thinking behind the advice. She avoids jargon and always looks for the most pragmatic path that still meets the highest standard of care and compliance.