Sarah O'Dowda, GM HR and Jayne Wilkinson, Payroll Team Leader share invaluable insights on the excitement, challenges and complexities of managing a global payroll at Pumpkin Patch.

Pumpkin Patch is one of New Zealand's real success stories both in NZ and on a global platform. Pumpkin Patch began in NZ in 1990 with one retail store in Epsom. The growth since then has been rapid with entry into Australia, the UK and the US. Now with over 200 retail stores globally and 14 Wholesale markets Pumpkin Patch really is taking kids clothes to the world.

Sarah O'Dowda - GM HR

Sarah joined Pumpkin Patch in 2005 after returning home from the UK where she gained extensive global experience with General Electric in a number of HR roles. Sarah now heads up the global Pumpkin Patch HR team, with her team spread across the world. She has overall responsibility for developing and driving the global HR strategy, payroll and remuneration structures as well as the growth and development of the Pumpkin Patch team.

Jayne Wilkinson - Payroll Team Leader

With nearly 30 years payroll experience, Jayne's career commenced in the UK with various Finance roles across a number of industries. In 2003 Jayne emigrated to NZ and joined Health Alliance where she quickly moved from processor to Team Leader and gained exposure to a large NZ payroll. Jayne joined Pumpkin Patch in 2007 and now leads the global payroll team.