Kathryn Allen joined the People Resources team of McDonald’s Australia in April 2008 as National Employment Relations Manager. In 2009 Kathryn was promoted to National People Resources Manager, overseeing employment relations nationally, corporate HR and corporate services.

Kathryn has primary responsibility for the development, implementation and articulation of the national industrial relations strategy, and the management of people initiatives to ensure equitable reward and recognition that also drives business results within both company-owned and franchise markets.

Her major achievements since joining the business include negotiating, rolling out and delivering the first national enterprise agreement for the McDonald’s System in Australia. This is something that had long been an aspiration of the business – an integrated labour arrangement for Restaurant Management and Crew to ensure consistency of employment terms and conditions every restaurant in Australia. While improving conditions for employees, the Enterprise Agreement also saved McDonald’s a potential 25% increase in labour cost.

Kathryn has also been responsible for delivering a framework for diversity initiatives, as well as chairing the McDonald’s Australia Women’s Leadership Network.

Kathryn started her career as an industrial relations advisor for an employer’s association, where she worked with commercial and residential real estate clients to deliver employment law, human resources and training programs to a diverse range of stakeholders.

Kathryn holds a Bachelor of Arts (Communications) / Bachelor of Law from the University of Western Sydney Macarthur, where she graduated with distinction. Kathryn is a Director of the Quick Service Chains Association, a Board member of the Diversity Council of Australia, and a member of the Industrial Relations Society of New South Wales.

Kathryn enjoys travelling for work and pleasure, and lives in Sydney, Australia.