CHRISTA KING
Toronto
Summary
People-centered and solutions-driven office and operations professional with over 10 years of experience supporting senior executives, managing multi-site facilities, and coordinating HR, finance, and vendor operations. Backed by a background in Psychology and Human Resource Management; known for bringing empathy, precision, and calm professionalism to everything from high-profile event planning to last-minute problem-solving and streamlined operational support.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Office Coordinator
Mo Ibrahim Foundation
London
07.2024 - 07.2025
- Supported daily operations for a high-profile, HNW-led foundation, working closely with the Office Manager across HR, facilities, finance, IT, and administration.
- Managed vendor relationships and negotiated service contracts, reducing procurement costs while improving service delivery.
- Delivered HR and onboarding support, maintained the staff leave calendar, and handled sensitive documentation in line with GDPR.
- Oversaw facilities and coordinated with building management and third-party contractors to ensure smooth office operations.
- Maintained office expenditure, staff leave, and vendor performance records; produced reports for budget tracking and internal decision-making.
- Supported sustainable procurement practices by sourcing eco-friendly supplies and aligning purchasing with ESG goals.
- Played a key role in delivering IGW 2025 in Marrakesh—attended by thousands, including UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy—coordinating VIP logistics, accommodation, and private events.
- Responded to urgent last-minute issues and requests with professionalism, efficiency, and a calm, solutions-focused approach.
Office Manager
Ancestry
London
12.2022 - 07.2024
- Owned all aspects of London office operations, acting as the single point of contact for staff support, troubleshooting, and workplace experience.
- Delivered first-line IT support and liaised with the Dublin-based IT team to ensure swift resolution of technical issues.
- Managed weekly Ocado deliveries and introduced regular catered lunches to encourage in-office attendance and support hybrid working culture.
- Launched internal communication improvements including shared calendars, onboarding guides, and streamlined update processes.
- Implemented simple office tracking systems (e.g., spend, inventory, and vendor logs) to reduce inefficiencies and support accurate reporting.
- Supported senior leadership with office compliance, site visits, and event planning under tight deadlines and evolving business needs.
- Spearheaded a series of team experience initiatives—including wellness events and cultural celebrations—that improved engagement and morale.
Executive Assistant
MeiraGTx
London
01.2019 - 10.2022
- Provided proactive, high-level administrative support to senior executives, ensuring seamless day-to-day operations and effective time management.
- Managed complex calendars, scheduled meetings across multiple time zones, and coordinated international travel and accommodation.
- Acted as a key liaison between executives and internal/external stakeholders, representing leadership with professionalism and discretion.
- Oversaw the preparation, distribution, and secure handling of confidential documents including board papers, legal files, and investor communications.
- Streamlined office procedures and implemented admin systems that improved task tracking, expense management, and internal reporting.
- Supported executive operations during key milestones—including clinical trial launches, investor roadshows, and regulatory updates—as the company advanced gene therapies targeting inherited retinal diseases and neurodegenerative conditions.
Reception & Facilities Team Leader
Tilney
London
05.2016 - 12.2018
- Led and managed a team of receptionists across two London offices, overseeing daily front-desk operations and ensuring a professional, client-focused environment.
- Supervised facilities operations, including oversight of catering staff, office supplies, and maintenance coordination to support smooth office functioning.
- Managed team rotas, balancing workloads effectively to maintain consistent coverage and high service standards.
- Proactively resolved complex scheduling conflicts caused by high meeting demand and limited room availability, prioritizing client needs and minimizing disruption.
- Coordinated meeting logistics, including room bookings, materials preparation, and AV support, ensuring seamless execution of internal and client events.
- Served as the primary point of contact for visitors and staff, consistently delivering excellent customer service aligned with company standards.
Office Manager / Executive Assistant
Nekton Services (Private Office of Gerard Lopez Fojaca)
London
09.2013 - 04.2016
- Managed all aspects of office operations including maintenance, procurement, and vendor contract negotiations, ensuring smooth and cost-effective functioning.
- Coordinated onboarding, meetings, and complex international travel arrangements—including booking flights and handling out-of-hours requests—to support busy executives efficiently.
- Prepared and maintained monthly budget forecasts, implementing cost-saving measures to ensure expenditure stayed within approved limits.
- Provided personalised support to a high-net-worth individual, Gerard Lopez Fojaca, tailoring services to meet unique and evolving needs with discretion and professionalism.
- Acted as the sole female team member, navigating a male-dominated environment with confidence and fostering positive working relationships.
- Maintained strict confidentiality handling sensitive financial and personal information.
HR Coordinator
Debenhams
London
10.2011 - 08.2013
- Provided comprehensive administrative support to the HR Business Partner, managing complex diaries, international travel, and recruitment scheduling for multiple departments.
- Maintained and updated confidential employee records within HRIS platforms such as Oracle Fusion, ensuring accuracy and compliance with data protection policies.
- Assisted with end-to-end onboarding processes including preparing new starter documentation, coordinating induction sessions, and facilitating smooth employee integration.
- Supported HR event planning including training sessions, employee engagement initiatives, and internal communications to enhance workplace culture.
- Acted as a trusted point of contact for sensitive employee queries, maintaining discretion and professionalism at all times.
Education
BSc (Hons) - Psychology & Human Resource Management
De Montfort University
Leicester, UK 09.2006 - 07.2009
Skills
Executive & C-Suite Support
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Office Coordinator
Mo Ibrahim Foundation
07.2024 - 07.2025
Office Manager
Ancestry
12.2022 - 07.2024
Executive Assistant
MeiraGTx
01.2019 - 10.2022
Reception & Facilities Team Leader
Tilney
05.2016 - 12.2018
Office Manager / Executive Assistant
Nekton Services (Private Office of Gerard Lopez Fojaca)
09.2013 - 04.2016
HR Coordinator
Debenhams
10.2011 - 08.2013
BSc (Hons) - Psychology & Human Resource Management
De Montfort University
09.2006 - 07.2009