TOP CHRO LIST – The People Leaders To Watch
N2Growth is pleased to congratulate those individuals recognized on the 2023 Top CHRO List
N2Growth proudly presents the luminaries of the HR world in our 2023 LEADERS40 Top CHRO List. These trailblazers have excelled in their roles and redefined the boundaries of human resource management.
The past couple of years have been a testament to the resilience and adaptability inherent in top HR leaders. As we navigate the aftermath of a global pandemic, these leaders are gearing up to face 2024 with renewed vigor and innovative strategies.
“It’s an honor to be recognized by N2Growth for the 2023 LEADERS40 Award. Leading The Coca-Cola Company’s people and culture strategy at such a pivotal time in our company’s history is truly a privilege. I’m so proud of our global people community and system partners for their passion and commitment to advancing our culture, retaining, and recruiting world class talent, and helping to create inclusive and collaborative environments where our people thrive.”
Lisa Chang | Global Chief People Officer, The Coca-Cola Company
The role of the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) has never been more agile and dynamic. From grappling with economic uncertainties and political shifts to harnessing the power of AI, CHROs are constantly recalibrating their strategies. They’re not just reacting to change – they’re anticipating it. They’ve witnessed societal shifts, addressed biases, and embraced the AI-driven future, all within a short span.
Today’s CHROs are the architects of organizational culture. They navigate the complexities of a digital age where employees have a louder voice than ever before. These HR visionaries anticipate challenges and craft proactive solutions. Their leadership not only addresses immediate concerns, but also charts a visionary path for the future.
As we step into 2024, CHROs will confront both familiar and novel challenges brought on by AI, augmented realities, and a fluid global scenario. At the core, their mission remains unchanged: to serve and uplift people. The 2023 Top CHRO List spotlights those exceptional individuals whose innovation, agility, and commitment set them apart as the torchbearers for the future of work.
The annual 2023 Top CHRO Award is a list curated by a panel of N2Growth team members and other outside advisory members to ensure rigor in our selection process.
In the years since our inaugural list, we’ve continued to expand and refine the list by looking for CHROs capable of innovating and outperforming their peers, regardless of the current market dynamics in play. These Human Resource leaders represent the top 40 human resources leaders shaping careers, culture, and talent at the world’s most innovative, people-driven companies.
“To create change ahead of the speed of the market, the talent agenda must meet the aspiration of the business agenda. And today’s CHROs sit at the heart of this – combining the power of data, technology, and AI while creating the conditions of care, kindness, and connection for their people. This drives results for the business, exceptional experiences for their people and impact in their communities. To be recognized alongside fellow CHROs who do this is an incredible honor– one that I share with my HR team, who innovate for our business and people every day.”
Ellyn Shook | Chief Leadership & Human Resources Officer, Accenture
How do we discern the exceptional CHROs from the rest? What makes one worthy of the 2023 Top List? Here’s a glimpse into our selection methodology:
- Inclusivity at the Forefront: DE&I and ESG aren’t just checkboxes. We’ve delved deep into the many roles CHROs play in fostering inclusivity, especially concerning leaders with disabilities.
- Organizational Growth: Their impact on the growth trajectory of their organizations.
- Industry Footprint: Their influence within their industries and the broader communities.
- People-Centric: A genuine concern for their teams’ well-being, transparency, and accountability.
- Talent Magnet: Their prowess in attracting and retaining top talent.
- Culture Architects: Their significant influence in molding organizational culture.
- Progressive Initiatives: Their innovative workforce development plans and programs.
- Compensation Strategy: Their creative and effective compensation structures.
- Employee Satisfaction: Evidence of positive workforce dynamics and engagement.
- Branding: A strong, well-defined employer brand.
- Operational Excellence: HR’s seamless integration into all facets of the business, enhancing customer and client satisfaction.
- Leadership Development: Their adeptness in nurturing leaders, using data-driven strategies to engage high-potential talent innovatively.
While this isn’t an exhaustive list, it underscores the pivotal role CHROs play in a business’s success. To earn a spot on the 2023 Top CHRO List, terms like leadership, culture, and DE&I aren’t mere jargon. They encapsulate a CHRO’s essence, beliefs, and daily endeavors. This new generation of CHROs has transitioned from HR to potential successors for CEO roles.
“In the end, running HR is an optimization challenge. Companies need and want great employees. And people need and want to work to survive and thrive. I have dedicated my career to optimizing the balance of companies’ human capital needs and employees’ professional and personal goals. This is the incredible opportunity to make a difference in the world that we have as HR professionals.” – Christy Pambianchi | EVP & Chief People Officer, Intel
*note that industry rankings are independent of the overall rank on the list.
EXPLORE LISA CHANG’S PEOPLE-FIRST APPROACH TO LEADERSHIP
EXPLORE LISA CHANG’S PEOPLE-FIRST APPROACH TO LEADERSHIP
Rank | Name | Title | Company | Industry | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Lisa Chang | Global Chief People Officer | The Coca-Cola Company | Consumer / Retail | Lisa ChangGlobal Chief People Officer Role Tenure: 4 Years, 6 MonthsIndustry Ranking: #1 of 5Overall Ranking: #1 of 40HQ Location: Atlanta, GA Lisa Chang is the Global Chief People Officer for The Coca-Cola Company, overseeing the company’s talent and people strategies, culture, and DE&I efforts. In her role, she is responsible for leading the company’s global people strategy, aligned with the company’s purpose of refreshing the world and making a difference. Chang and her team are focused on creating an environment where employees can thrive and equip the organization to win. Before joining Coca-Cola, Chang served as senior vice president and Chief Human Resources Officer for AMB Group, LLC in Atlanta, a privately held sports and entertainment conglomerate. Chang has held HR roles at various companies, including Equifax, Turner Broadcasting System Inc., and The Weather Channel Companies. Chang serves on the Board of Advisors for Catalyst, a non-profit organization with a mission to accelerate progress for women through workplace inclusion. She also serves as a Board member for the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and on the Board of Directors for Frontier Communications. | |
2 | Lynne Oldham | Chief People Officer | Stash | Technology | Lynne OldhamChief People Officer Role Tenure: 1 Year, 7 Months, | |
3 | Carol Surface | Chief People Officer | Apple | Technology | Carol SurfaceChief People Officer Role Tenure: 5 Months | |
4 | Beth Whited | President, Chief Human Resources Officer | Union Pacific | Transportation / Logistics | Beth WhitedPresident, Chief Human Resources Officer Role Tenure: 5 Years, 3 Months | |
5 | Ellyn Shook | Chief Leadership & Human Resources Officer | Accenture | Professional Services | Ellyn ShookChief Leadership & Human Resources Officer Role Tenure: 9 Years, 6 Months | |
6 | Tim Huval | Chief Administrative Officer & CHRO | Humana | Healthcare / Life Sciences | Tim HuvalChief Administrative Officer & CHRO Role Tenure: 10 Years, 1 Month | |
7 | Stacy Green | EVP & Chief People Officer | Sony Pictures | Media / Entertainment | Stacy GreenEVP & Chief People Officer Role Tenure: 5 Years, 2 Months | |
8 | Christy Pambianchi | EVP & Chief People Officer | Intel | Technology | Christy PambianchiEVP & Chief People Officer Role Tenure: 2 Years, 1 Month | |
9 | Katarina Berg | Chief Human Resources Officer | Spotify | Media / Entertainment | Katarina BergChief Human Resources Officer Role Tenure: 10 Years | |
10 | Lucien Alziari | EVP & Chief Human Resources Officer | Prudential | Banking/ Insurance/ Finance | Lucien AlziariEVP & Chief Human Resources Officer Role Tenure: 6 Years, 3 Months | |
11 | Trisha Conley | EVP, People & Culture | LyondellBasell | Industrial | Trisha ConleyEVP, People & Culture Role Tenure: 8 Months | |
12 | Donna Morris | EVP & Chief People Officer | Walmart | Consumer / Retail | Donna MorrisEVP & Chief People Officer Role Tenure: 3 Years, 7 Months | |
13 | Matthew Breitfelder | Head of Human Capital & Partner | Apollo Global Management | Banking/ Insurance/ Finance | Matthew BreitfelderHead of Human Capital & Partner Role Tenure: 4 Years, 4 Months | |
14 | Rhonda Morris | VP & Chief Human Resources Officer | Chevron | Industrial | Rhonda MorrisVP & Chief Human Resources Officer Role Tenure: 7 Years, 8 Months | |
15 | Holly May | EVP & Chief Human Resources Officer | Walgreens Boots Alliance | Consumer / Retail | Holly MayEVP & Chief Human Resources Officer Role Tenure: 1 Year, 11 Months | |
16 | Ola Snow | Chief Human Resources Officer | Cardinal Health | Healthcare / Life Sciences | Ola SnowChief Human Resources Officer Role Tenure: 4 Years, 11 Months | |
17 | Alexandra Brandão | Head of Human Resources | Santander Group | Banking/ Insurance/ Finance | Alexandra BrandãoHead of Human Resources Role Tenure: 3 Years | |
18 | Susan Winchester | SVP, Chief Human Resources Officer | Applied Materials | Technology | Susan WinchesterSVP, Chief Human Resources Officer Role Tenure: 4 Years, 11 Months | |
19 | Robin Leopold | EVP & Head of Human Resources | JP Morgan | Banking/ Insurance/ Finance | Robin LeopoldEVP & Head of Human Resources Role Tenure: 5 Years, 8 MonthsIndustry Ranking: #4 of 5Overall Ranking: #19 of 40HQ Location: New York, NY Robin Leopold is an Executive Vice President and Head of Human Resources for JPMorgan Chase and a member of the company’s Operating Committee. Before assuming this role in 2018, Robin held a number of leadership positions in Human Resources, including Human Resources Executive for J.P. Morgan’s Corporate & Investment Bank, Human Resources Executive supporting the Corporate functions, and she also led Chase’s Home Lending Human Resources team during a significant business transformation. Before joining JPMorgan Chase, Robin spent over 20 years at Citi and its predecessor companies, starting at Shearson Lehman Hutton. Over the years, Robin has worked in various disciplines, including recruitment, compensation, employee relations, and generalist functions supporting multiple lines of businesses. For over a decade, she was the Head of Human Resources for the wealth management businesses, which included Smith Barney, the Private Bank, and Investment Research. After selling Smith Barney, Robin spent her last year at Citi leading the Human Resources team supporting Citi Holdings, Citi’s divesting businesses. | |
20 | Kristi Cappelletti-Matthews | Chief Human Resources Officer | VSP Vision | Banking/ Insurance/ Finance | Kristi Cappelletti-MatthewsChief Human Resources Officer Role Tenure: 15 Years, 8 Months | |
21 | Nabeel A. Al-Jama | EVP, Human Resources & Corporate Services | Saudi Aramco | Industrial | Nabeel A. Al-JamaEVP, Human Resources & Corporate Services Role Tenure: 3 Years, 2 MonthsIndustry Ranking: #5 of 5Overall Ranking: #21 of 40HQ Location: Dhahran, Saudi Arabia Nabeel A. Al-Jama’ is the Executive Vice President of Human Resources & Corporate Services at Saudi Aramco. Prior to his appointment, Al-Jama served as acting service line head for Operations & Business Services. His experience as a member of executive management has been extensive and varied. Before assuming his role as a service line head, Al-Jama’ was vice president for Corporate Affairs, a role he assumed in June 2018; served as vice president for Human Resources from November 2017; and led the Office of the Minister of Energy, Industry, and Mineral Resources since June 2016. Al-Jama’ was appointed Vice President for Pipelines, Distribution & Terminals in May 2015; was named executive director for Industrial Services in January 2012; and served as Executive Director of Community Services from 2009 to 2012, having become general manager of Training & Career Development in 2006. He started his career with Aramco in 1980 in the Home Ownership Division, after which he joined the company’s College Degree Program and earned a B.S. degree in 1985 and later an M.S. degree in 1998 — both in Community & Regional Planning from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals in Dhahran. Al-Jama’ returned to the Home Ownership Division after his undergraduate education, serving in various administrative roles before becoming supervisor of the Home Ownership Unit in 1992. In February 1998, Al-Jama’ became director of Aramco-Built Government Schools before taking on the role of administrator, Home Ownership & Community Development, in September 1998. In February 2002, he became manager of Central Community Services. During this period in his career, he completed several assignments within the Employee Relations and Training & Community Services organizations, as well as roles as acting general manager of Medical Operations, acting Personnel director, and acting executive director of Community, Buildings & Office Services — functions which all lie within the responsibility of the new HR&CS service line he now heads. In addition, Al-Jama’ currently chairs the Board of the Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare Company (JHAH) and is a member of several other Boards. He has completed numerous executive leadership programs, including Leadership at the Peak, Strategic Negotiations, and the University Executive Program. | |
22 | Frank Lopez | EVP & Chief Human Resources Officer | Ryder System Inc. | Transportation / Logistics | Frank LopezEVP & Chief Human Resources Officer Role Tenure: 7 Years, 8 Months | |
23 | Aimee Hoyt | Chief People Officer | Illumina | Healthcare / Life Sciences | Aimee HoytChief People Officer Role Tenure: 5 Years, 9 Months | |
24 | Jeffrey Stoicheff | SVP, Human Resources | Penske Logistics | Transportation / Logistics | Jeffrey StoicheffSVP, Human Resources Role Tenure: 16 Years, 8 Months | |
25 | Russ Hagey | Senior Partner & Worldwide Chief Talent Officer | Bain | Professional Services | Russ HageySenior Partner & Worldwide Chief Talent Officer Role Tenure: 16 Years, 9 MonthsIndustry Ranking: #3 of 5Overall Ranking: #25 of 40HQ Location: Boston, MA Russ Hagey is a Partner, Director, and the Worldwide Chief Talent Officer of Bain & Company. He is based in Bain’s Los Angeles office. Russ is a leader in the firm’s Healthcare and Consumer Products practices. He advises clients in the medical devices and healthcare services sectors, as well as high technology, wholesale trade and distribution, consumer products, and retail. He holds deep expertise in corporate strategies, growth initiatives, new product development, acquisitions, sales force, and distribution issues. His work has spanned large corporate entities in addition to venture and private equity-backed ownership stakes. As Worldwide Chief Talent Officer, Russ oversees the firm’s recruiting, professional development, training, and human resources functions for Bain’s global staff. Russ has led non-profit efforts for Bain’s Los Angeles office, where he served as the office’s managing partner for more than 10 years. He serves as Chair for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation and sits on the boards of directors for LA’s BEST, a nationally recognized after-school program, and the Southern California Committee for the Olympic Games. | |
26 | Sergio Ezama | Chief Human Resources Officer | Netflix | Media / Entertainment | Sergio EzamaChief Human Resources Officer Role Tenure: 2 Years, 1 Months | |
27 | Khadija Ben Hammada | Chief People Officer | Merck | Healthcare / Life Sciences | Khadija Ben HammadaChief People Officer Role Tenure: 9 Months | |
28 | Daniel Brennan | SVP People & Sustainability | Bombardier | Transportation / Logistics | Daniel BrennanSVP People & Sustainability Role Tenure: 6 Years, 9 Months | |
29 | Lisa Esparza | Chief Human Resources Officer | Autonation | Consumer / Retail | Lisa EsparzaChief Human Resources Officer Role Tenure: 1 Years, 1 Month | |
30 | Bill Strahan | EVP, Human Resources | Comcast | Media / Entertainment | Bill StrahanEVP, Human Resources Role Tenure: 17 Years, 3 Months | |
31 | Anne Lebel | Group Chief Human Resources Officer | Capgemini | Professional Services | Anne LebelGroup Chief Human Resources Officer Role Tenure: 3 Years, 3 Months | |
32 | Dantaya Williams | EVP & Chief Human Resources Officer | Raytheon Technologies | Industrial | Dantaya WilliamsEVP & Chief Human Resources Officer Role Tenure: 3 Yeras, 4 Months | |
33 | Sven Oddens | EVP & Group Human Resources Director | Just Eat Takeaway | Consumer / Retail | Sven OddensEVP & Group Human Resources Director Role Tenure: 3 Years, 1 Months | |
34 | Deeanne King | EVP & Chief People Officer | T-Mobile | Technology | Deeanne KingEVP & Chief People Officer Role Tenure: 3 Years, 6 Months | |
35 | Darrell Ford | EVP, CHRO and Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer | UPS | Transportation / Logistics | Darrell FordEVP, CHRO, Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer Role Tenure: 3 Years, 3 Months | |
36 | Trent Henry | Global Vice Chair, Talent | Ernst & Young | Professional Services | Trent HenryGlobal Vice Chair, Talent Role Tenure: 5 Years, 3 Months | |
37 | Anne Erni | Chief People Officer | Audible | Media / Entertainment | Anne ErniChief People Officer Role Tenure: 7 Years, 8 Months | |
38 | Payal Sahni Becher | Chief People Experience Officer & EVP | Pfizer | Healthcare / Life Sciences | Payal Sahni BecherChief People Experience Officer & EVP Role Tenure: 1 Year, 9 Months | |
39 | Nicky Dingemans | Chief Human Resources Officer | Oliver Wyman | Professional Services | Nicky DingemansChief Human Resources Officer Role Tenure: 11 Years, 5 Months | |
40 | Cheryl Johnson | Chief Human Resources Officer | Caterpillar | Industrial | Cheryl JohnsonChief Human Resources Officer Role Tenure: 6 Years, 5 Months |
Name | Title | Company | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Sara Wechter | Head of Human Resources | Citi | New York City, NY |
Shannon Hobbs | Chief People Officer | Gieco | Chevy Chase, MD |
Jacqueline Williams-Roll | Chief Human Resources Officer | General Mills | Golden Valley, MN |
Kelly Mahon Tullier | Vice Chair, Chief People and Affairs Officer | Visa | Foster City, CA |
Sheri Bronstein | Chief Human Resources Officer | Bank of America | Charlotte, NC |
Arnnon Geshuri | Chief People Officer | Teladoc Health | Purchase, New York |
Laura Kohler | Chief Sustainability & DEI Officer | Kohler | Kohler, WI |
Denis Mineret | Global Head of Human Resources, Consumer Healthcare | Sanofi | Paris, France |
Katie Burke | Chief People Officer | HubSpot | Cambridge, MA |
Anne Pearce | CHRO & Global VP HR | Shell | London, United Kingdom |
Nickle LaMoreaux | SVP & Chief Human Resources Officer | IBM | Armonk, NY |
Jean Claude Le Grand | Chief Human Relations Officer | L'Oreal | Clichy, France |
Kristina Johnson | Chief Human Resources Officer | Amplitude Inc | San Francisco, CA |
Jacqueline M. Welch | EVP & Chief Human Resources Officer | The New York TImes | New York City, NY |
Heather Ace | Chief Human Resources Officer | Qualcomm | San Diego, CA |
Jacqui Canney | Chief Human Resources Officer | Service Now | Santa Clara, CA |
Ashley Goldsmith | Chief People Officer | Workday | Pleasanton, CA |
Sabine Kohleisen | Member of the Board of Management; HR & Director of Labor Relations | Mercedes-Benz Group | Stuttgart, Germany |
Xavier Chéreau | Chief Human Resources & Transformation Officer | Stellantis | Hoofddorp, The Netherlands |
2022 Rank | Name | Title | Company | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Carol Surface | EVP & Chief Human Resources Officer | Medtronic | |
2 | Beth Whited | EVP Sustainability & Strategy & CHRO | Union Pacific | |
3 | Lisa Chang | Global Chief People Officer | The Coca-Cola Company | |
4 | Stacy Green | EVP & Chief People Officer | Sony Pictures Entertainment | |
5 | Lynne Oldham | Chief People Officer | Stash | |
6 | Mona Malone | CHRO & Head of People and Culture | BMO Financial Group | |
7 | Debra Thompson | Chief People Officer | Chegg | |
8 | Frank Lopez | EVP & Chief Human Resources Officer | Ryder System Inc. | |
9 | Katarina Berg | Chief Human Resources Officer | Spotify | |
10 | Jeffrey Stoicheff | Senior Vice President, Human Resources | Penske Logistics | |
11 | Alexandra Brandão | Head of Human Resources | Santander Group | |
12 | Donna Morris | Executive Vice President, Chief People Officer | Walmart | |
13 | Susan Winchester | Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer | Applied Materials | |
14 | Tim Huval | Chief Administrative Officer & CHRO | Humana | |
15 | Laurie Havanec | Chief People Officer | CVS Health | |
16 | Sven Oddens | EVP & Group Human Resources Director | JustEat Takeaway | |
17 | Russ Hagey | Partner & Worldwide Chief Talent Officer | Bain | |
18 | Lynanne Kunkel | Chief Human Resources Officer | Vail Resorts | |
19 | Kristi Cappelletti-Matthews | Chief Human Resources Officer | VSP Vision | |
20 | Gloria Chen | Chief People Officer & EVP, Employee Experience | Adobe | |
21 | Aimee Hoyt | Chief People Officer | Illumina | |
22 | Lothar Harings | Chief Human Resources Officer | Kuehne+Nagel | |
23 | Sergio Ezama | Chief Human Resources Officer | Netflix | |
24 | Matthew Breitfelder | Global Head of Human Capital & Partner | Apollo Global Management | |
25 | Teuila Hanson | SVP & Chief People Officer | ||
26 | Ellyn Shook | Chief Leadership & Human Resources Officer | Accenture | |
27 | Kamy Scarlett | Chief Human Resources Officer | Best Buy | |
28 | Nicky Dingemans | Chief Human Resources Officer | Oliver Wyman | |
29 | Chris Winton | Corporate Vice President, HR | Fedex | |
30 | Rich Jacquet | Chief People Officer | Coursera | |
31 | Anna Fraser | Chief People Officer | Sonos | |
32 | Anne Lebel | Group CHRO | Capgemini | |
33 | Paige Ross | Global Head of Human Resources | Blackstone | |
34 | Christy Pambianchi | Chief Human Resources Officer | Intel | |
35 | Tracey Franklin | Chief Human Resources Officer | Moderna | |
36 | Lorna Hagen | Chief People Officer | Guild Education | |
37 | Manuel Cuevas-Trisan | VP Human Resources | Harvard University | |
38 | Trent Henry | Global Vice Chair - Talent | Ernst & Young | |
39 | Paul Richardson | Chief Human Resources Officer | Walt Disney | |
40 | Pravin Prakash | Chief People Officer | Byju's |
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