Our team.

Mark Brennan, CPHR, SHRM-SCP

Mark is a Senior People & Culture Partner at Engaged, bringing with him a wealth of experience, rich stories, and a wide array of tools and expertise. Mark has a deep commitment to the people side of the business equation and is committed to quality service to all our Engaged clients.

Mark holds a Bachelor of Arts with Honors in Sociology from Western University and further enhanced his educational background with a Certificate in Labour Relations from Queen’s University IRC. He is also certified as a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) and holds a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) Designation, underscoring his deep commitment to the HR field.

In his professional journey, Mark has developed into a versatile HR generalist with specific expertise in labour relations and HR Information Systems (HRIS) implementations. His specialization extends to managing significant HR projects, including organizational transformations and startups, showcasing his ability to lead and adapt in dynamic environments. Mark strongly believes in prioritizing staff welfare, encapsulated in his philosophy of focusing on people first. This approach not only highlights his dedication to fostering a supportive work environment but also enhances organizational success through positive employee engagement.

Mark kicked off his professional journey back in the mid-90s, right after university, diving into the world of retail commission sales. It wasn’t long before his knack for leadership caught his employer’s eye, which led to a decade of climbing the ladder in retail management across Ontario. This included some heavy-duty leadership training and tackling several tough assignments—definitely a rollercoaster of growth and challenges!

Focus on your people first.

In 2004, craving a change of scenery, Mark headed west and landed a gig with Bell Canada in British Columbia, settling into Vancouver on Labour Day. He spent the next couple of years managing retail operations for Bell, honing his expertise in the bustling Vancouver scene.

By 2006, he made a big career shift to Human Resources within Bell Canada. He started out focusing on employee relations and hiring management staff as the company rapidly expanded, opening loads of new stores each year across Western Canada. By the end of 2010, he had worked his way up to Associate Director of HR, taking charge of major projects, including the HR side of the 2010 Winter Olympics —a highlight for sure!

January 2011 marked the beginning of Mark’s adventures as an HR Director, where he also got to spread his wings internationally. He managed a complex startup in the UK for a major government contract and played a key role in Saudi Arabia, helping with leadership transitions and training up HR managers in Riyadh. For the last three years, Mark has been sharing his wealth of knowledge as an HR consultant, helping various clients navigate their own HR challenges.

Mark has found a profound sense of fulfillment in his career within HR, where he has embraced numerous opportunities to positively influence others and make a significant impact. His work allows him to cultivate connections and relationships, which he deeply values.

In his role, he is committed to making a tangible difference in people’s lives, as well as in the overall success of organizations and teams. He believes that his work in HR plays a crucial role in enabling both individuals and groups to thrive.

Mark is someone who truly embodies the philosophy of living in the moment. He believes that the essence of life is not found solely in the outcomes but in the journey itself. For him, the processes and experiences along the way hold as much significance as the end results. Mark emphasizes the importance of relationships, valuing the connections and interactions that enrich our lives daily. His approach encourages a less stressful outlook, reminding us all to cherish each moment and the people we share them with.