How will Aardman’s People Strategy Change Under Helen Beard?

Animation studio Aardman has appointed Helen Beard as Chief People Officer and Executive Board Member, effective 12 January 2026. She will replace Paula Newport, who is retiring after working at the business for 27 years.

Sean Clarke, Managing Director at Aardman, says: “We’re delighted to welcome Helen to Aardman. 

“She is a proven and thoughtful leader, bringing deep experience in people management and skills development, alongside a values-led approach that feels entirely aligned with who we are as a studio. 

“At the same time, it’s important to recognise and celebrate the extraordinary contribution Paula has made during her many years at Aardman. 

“She has played a key role in shaping our culture whilst supporting many people along the way. We are hugely grateful to her and wish her a very happy retirement.”

Aardman’s people and culture strategy

Helen will shape a people and culture strategy at Aardman centred around long-term impact to protect the studio’s open and collaborative environment, build upon its goal to expand international reach and support its continued success as a leading force in animation.

She will work closely with both employees and the executive board to champion creative excellence, build the skills and talent needed for the future while ensuring employee ownership principles remain deeply rooted in the business.

In 2018, Aardman became employee-owned after founders Peter Lord and David Sproxton sold 75% of their shares to a trust set up for the benefit of Aardman employees. This trust is designed to protect the best interests of the business and its staff, and is managed by Sean and the executive board. 

Helen joins the company after seven and a half years at lifestyle brand Mulberry, where she most recently held the role of Human Resources Director. Before that, she took on HR roles in companies such as Regent Inns and the Arcadia Group, working as a Senior Retail HR Manager for Arcadia Group brand Dorothy Perkins for eight years. 

During her tenure at Mulberry, Helen led a global HR team through significant milestones and periods of change throughout the business, as the brand began its shift towards circularity and ethical manufacturing practices. 

With its core values of openness, boldness, imagination and responsibility, Mulberry has built an inclusive environment, providing equal opportunities for promotion and progression with a high degree of diversity across its teams globally. 

Aardman’s milestone year

Helen is beginning her role as CPO at Aardman as the animation studio enters its 50th year, which it is celebrating with an exhibition in its home city of Bristol.

People have played a critical to role to the company's success to date. Moving forward it is focused on continuing its work in neurodiversity awareness across the business and actively planning how to embed equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) across its celebrations and initiatives by writing a new three year EDI strategy. 

Discussing her appointment Helen says: “As someone who has long admired Aardman as an iconic British brand I am both excited and honoured to join the team in its 50th anniversary year. I look forward to contributing to Aardman’s continued growth and success as we shape the future together.”