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Top 100 Influential HR Leaders 2025 - Celebrating The World’s Most Visionary People Leaders
- WorkNourish.com
- Apr 17
- 28 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
In 2025, Human Resources professionals are navigating a rapidly evolving landscape marked by AI integration, hybrid work models, and a renewed focus on employee well-being.
The following list highlights 100 influential HR leaders who are shaping the future of work worldwide. Presented in descending order, each entry includes a brief biography and expert insights into their contributions to the HR field.
Celebrating the World’s Most Visionary People Leaders – Ranked from 100 to 1
100
Carol Surface
Role: Chief People Officer
Company: HP
HQ Country: USA
Website: hp.com
Insight: Carol works across the company to drive growth, innovation and organizational effectiveness, by enabling the power of HP’s people.
Comment: “Even in high-speed environments, people need room to grow and feel grounded.”
99
Susana Elvira
Role: EVP and Chief People Officer
Company: Maersk
HQ Country: Denmark
Website: maersk.com
Insight: Susana Elvira has been a transformative force at Maersk, one of the world's largest logistics and shipping companies. As EVP and Chief People Officer, she leads people strategy across 130+ countries and 100,000+ employees.
Comment: "The true strength of an organization lies in its people. My goal is to ensure that Maersk employees are empowered not just to survive but to thrive as we embrace new technologies and a changing global landscape."
98
Sarah Manning
Role: Group Chief People Officer
Company: Monzo
HQ Country: United Kingdom
Website: monzo.com
Insight: Manning emphasizes the importance of fostering a culture of continuous learning and feedback.
Comment: “Inclusion is our operating system—not a separate strategy.”
97
Chin Yin Ong
Role: Chief People Officer
Company: Grab Holdings
HQ Country: Singapore
Website: grab.com
Insight: Chin Yin Ong has been instrumental in shaping the future of work in Southeast Asia. She has pioneered innovative HR strategies that have transformed how people across 8 countries work, interact, and thrive in the gig economy and beyond.
Comment: "At Grab, we don't just connect people to services — we connect people to opportunity."
96
Darren Burton
Role: Chief People Officer
Company: Amentum
HQ Country: United States
Website: amentum.com
Insight: Burton leads the company’s talent strategy and talent management, supporting a diverse global workforce of 53,000 employees in 80 countries across 7 continents.
Comment: "We are harmonizing and improving the employee journey while attracting innovative talent.”
95
Isabel Naidoo
Role: Chief People Officer
Company: Wise
HQ Country: United Kingdom
Website: wise.com
Insight: Naidoo leads Wise's people strategy during a period of significant growth.
Comment: "The expectations that people have of their employers have changed dramatically."
94
Becky Woodmansee
Role: Chief People Officer
Company: Virgin Atlantic
HQ Country: United Kingdom
Website: virginatlantic.com
Insight: Leading with empathy and edge, Woodmansee is repositioning the airline workforce for agility post-pandemic.
Comment: “We fly because of our people. HR at Virgin means helping them soar with confidence.”
93.
Catalina Restrepo Duque
Role: VP of Human Resources
Company: Grupo Sura
HQ Country: Colombia
Website: gruposura.com
Insight: Catalina embeds wellness and nutrition values into internal people programs across Latin America.
Comment: "Managing organizational culture intentionally in line with strategy is crucial."
92
Louise Atkinson
Role: Chief People Officer
Company: Babcock International
HQ Country: United Kingdom
Website: babcockinternational.com
Insight: A strategist in complex industrial sectors, Atkinson leads workforce modernization for a new generation of engineers.
Comment: “Skills build systems. Our future depends on the people who design, maintain, and innovate.”
91
Line De Decker
Role: Chief Human Resources Officer
Company: Haleon
HQ Country: United Kingdom
Website: haleon.com
Insight: De Decker is aligning global wellness trends with employee health, culture, and inclusion in a high-growth consumer health firm.
Comment: “We champion well-being—starting with our employees. Culture is health, and health is culture.”
90
Erin Hagen
Role: Chief Human Resources Officer
Company: Allegro Microsystems
HQ Country: USA
Website: allegromicro.com
Insight: Erin Hagen is the Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Allegro MicroSystems, a global leader in semiconductor solutions. She joined the company in May 2024, bringing over 20 years of experience in human resources leadership.
Comment: "It is important to align HR strategies with organizational goals and enhancing employee engagement."
89
Kelly Mahon Tullier
Role: Vice Chair, Chief People and Corporate Affairs Officer
Company: Visa
HQ Country: USA
Website: visa.com
Insight: Ms. Tullier has responsibility for driving Visa’s purpose to uplift everyone, everywhere by being the best way to pay and be paid.
Comment: “As leaders, our jobs are about one thing: making others better.”
88
Lena Eliasson
Role: Head of Group Human Resources
Company: SAAB
HQ Country: Sweden
Website: saab.com
Insight: Eliasson has been instrumental in shaping the company's human resources strategy.
Comment: “We are committed to fostering a high-performance culture at Saab."
87
Becky Schmitt
Role: Chief People Officer
Company: PepsiCo
HQ Country: USA
Website: pepsico.com
Insight: Becky is the Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer at PepsiCo, a role she assumed in 2023.
Comment: “We are committed to fostering inclusive and high-performing teams and creating environments where employees can thrive."
86
Fatima Sultan Al Kuwari
Role: Group Chief Human Resources and Sustainability Officer
Company: Ooredoo
HQ Country: Qatar
Website: ooredoo.com
Insight: Fatima is leading the company’s strategic human resources management and transformation, and working on creating a more modern, efficient and agile way of work.
Comment: “In global HR, culture is the invisible language that must always be spoken fluently.”
85
Sun Jianping
Role: Chief Human Resources Officer
Company: Ping An Insurance Group
HQ Country: China
Website: group.pingan.com
Insight: As CHRO, he has been instrumental in driving human resources reforms, focusing on talent development, management rotation systems, and cross-functional training programs.
Comment: “The company is driving promoting human resources reform, including young talent development, a management rotation system, and cross-departmental and cross-functional talent training."
84
Gloria Byamugisha
Role: Group Chief Human Resources Officer
Company: Dangote Group
HQ Country: Nigeria
Website: dangote.com
Insight: Byamugisha drives workforce transformation across manufacturing, energy, and logistics sectors in Africa.
Comment: “Our future isn’t just industrial—it’s human-powered, at every level.”
83
Andreza de Souza Alberto
Role: Vice President of People, ESG and Communication
Company: Embraer
HQ Country: Brazil
Website: embraer.com
Insight: Andreza leads HR across a global aerospace firm, integrating workforce strategy with innovation and sustainability.
Comment: “Innovation in aviation must be matched by equally innovative people practices.”
82
Sana-Ullah Bray
Role: Group Executive: Human Capital
Company: Sanlam Group
HQ Country: South Africa
Website: sanlam.com
Insight: Bray supports inclusive leadership and HR digitalization across one of Africa’s leading financial services firms.
Comment: “Our role is to ensure transformation is not just a policy—but a daily practice.”
81
Greg Till
Role: Chief People Officer
Company: Providence Health
HQ Country: United States
Website: providence.org
Insight: Greg and his team aim to bring Providence’s vision to life by inspiring, developing and enabling the workforce, while transforming work
Comment: “AI is a key aspect of our success, improving the work experience for employees and directly contributing to our mission.”
80
Susan Muigai
Role: Chief People Officer
Company: Mastercard
HQ Country: USA
Website: mastercard.com
Insight: With deep expertise in building a dynamic, global workforce, Susan oversees all aspects of the human resources function.
Comment: "My team is focused on ensuring Mastercard is the place where the best people choose to be."
79
Jillian Slagter
Role: Chief People Officer
Company: MoneyGram
HQ Country: USA
Website: corporate.moneygram.com
Insight: Slagter leads the transformation of the company's human resources and people operations to support its strategic growth and digitization efforts.
Comment: "MoneyGram’s has built a diverse, strategic, and digital team driving digital innovation in cross-border services."
78
Immanuel Hermreck
Role: Chief Human Resources Officer
Company: Bertelsmann
HQ Country: Germany
Website: bertelsmann.com
Insight: Hermreck is responsible for leading the global HR function, focusing on areas such as executive development, organizational learning, compensation, HR strategy, services, corporate responsibility, and corporate culture.
Comment: "Our employees are the ones who make Bertelsmann a creative and innovative company – they are the key to our corporate success."
77
Manuel Montana Esteve
Role: Chief People Officer
Company: Michelin
HQ Country: France
Website: michelin.com
Insight: Manuel serves as the Chief People Officer at Michelin, a role he has held since joining the company in 2013. He is also a member of Michelin’s Group Executive Committee
Comment: “Sustainable organizations start with sustainable careers.”
76
Marin Bezic
Role: VP People Operations
Company: Infobip
HQ Country: Croatia
Website: infobip.com
Insight: Bezic drives HR for one of Europe’s fastest-growing SaaS firms, focusing on global scalability and culture preservation.
Comment: “Tech scales fast, but culture needs intention and care to grow with it.”
75
Ahmad Musfer Alghamdi
Role: Group Chief Human Resources Officer
Company: STC (Saudi Telecom Company)
HQ Country: Saudi Arabia
Website: stc.com
Insight: Alghamdi leads workforce modernization across the Gulf region, driving digital fluency and leadership development.
Comment: “HR in the Middle East is evolving fast—vision and technology must meet purpose.”
74
Yevgeniya Ni
Role: Chief Human Resources Officer
Company: Air Astana
HQ Country: Kazakhstan
Website: airastana.com
Insight: Ni champions employee experience and leadership development in Central Asia’s top airline.
Comment: “In aviation, trust and culture must fly higher than systems.”
73
Christy Pambianchi
Role: Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer
Company: Intel
HQ Country: United States
Website: intel.com
Insight: Pambianchi focuses on driving people strategy and nurturing a vibrant culture of innovation and continuous learning.
Comment: “Our people are our greatest asset, and fostering a culture of continuous learning is key to our success.”
72
Nathalie Scardino
Role: President & Chief People Officer
Company: Salesforce
HQ Country: USA
Website: salesforce.com
Insight: With more than a decade at Salesforce, Nathalie is leading employees through the digital labor revolution, and accelerating the adoption of AI agents in the workplace.
Comment: "The HR space, with the acceleration of AI, is transformative to the employee experience in a way that I don't think we've ever seen before."
71
Gloria T. Chen
Role: Chief People Officer
Company: Adobe
HQ Country: United States
Website: adobe.com
Insight: Chen has been instrumental in creating an environment where every person feels appreciated and empowered to make a difference.
Comment: “We believe that good ideas come from everywhere, and our role is to create a space where those ideas can flourish.”
70
Ali Al Mansoori
Role: VP of Human Capital
Company: Etisalat and
HQ Country: United Arab Emirates
Website: eand.com
Insight: Ali is a seasoned Human Resources leader, who has a vast experience turning business visions into impactful initiatives that fuel growth, profitability, and an energetic corporate culture.
Comment: “In a world increasingly dominated by technology, preserving a balanced, 'human' organisational culture is more important than ever.”
69
Sébastien Froidefond
Role: Chief People Officer
Company: Ubisoft
HQ Country: France
Website: ubisoft.com
Insight: Froidefond oversees global human resources functions, including talent development, workplace culture, recruitment, leadership development, and compensation and benefits.
Comment: “HR in gaming means building a culture where play meets purpose.”
68
Yolanda Talamo
Role: Chief People Officer
Company: Heineken
HQ Country: Netherlands
Website: theheinekencompany.com
Insight: Yolanda has implemented initiatives to enhance work-life balance and promote diversity within Heineken. She introduced the 'HeiLife' wellbeing initiative, which allows employees in over 80 countries to share successful approaches to work-life balance.
Comment: "We are asking all of our employees to help us identify practical solutions that take into account the cultural nuances in each of the countries we operate in so everyone can enjoy more balance between their work and personal time."
67
Jennie Rogerson
Role: Global Head of People
Company: Canva
HQ Country: Australia
Website: canva.com
Insight: Jennie leads a team of 300 professionals dedicated to shaping Canva's unique team experience for over 4,000 employees worldwide.
Comment: “Trust is huge. We just make sure that we hire amazing adults and treat them like adults.”
66
Helen Russell
Role: Chief People Officer
Company: HubSpot
HQ Country: United States
Website: hubspot.com
Insight: Helen Russell has global responsibility for the company’s most important asset — its people. She leads recruiting; learning and talent management; total rewards; culture; environmental, social, and governance (ESG); diversity, inclusion, and belonging (DI&B); and people operations.
Comment: "By embracing curiosity, respect, and empathy, HR leaders can build trust and integrity, driving positive change within organizations."
65
Ruslan Islahudin
Role: Senior Vice President & Group Chief Human Resources Officer
Company: Petronas
HQ Country: Malaysia
Website: petronas.com
Insight: Islahudin supports workforce transformation in one of Southeast Asia’s largest energy companies, focusing on reskilling and digital agility.
Comment: “In the energy transition, HR’s role is to humanize change.”
64
Mohammed Khalid Al-Taifi
Role: Group Director, Human Resources
Company: BAAN Group
HQ Country: Saudi Arabia
Website: alhokairgroup.com
Insight: Al-Taifi has been recognized as one of the world’s top CHROs for his exceptional business acumen, innovative HR strategies, and exemplary organizational leadership. His expertise in fostering collaboration, driving organizational transformation, and championing progressive people strategies has set new standards in the industry.
Comment: “Strategic HR is the backbone of organizational success.”
63
Alexandros Tzadimas
Role: Group HR & Administrative Services General Manager
Company: HelleniQ Energy
HQ Country: Greece
Website: helleniqenergy.gr
Insight: Tzadimas leads the transition to a future-ready workforce in one of Europe’s major energy companies, supporting green initiatives through people empowerment.
Comment: "The catalyst for HELLENiQ ENERGY's transformation is the energy and willingness for change of our people."
62.
Keisha Smith
Role: Executive Vice President and Chief People and Culture Officer
Company: Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
HQ Country: Canada
Website: fourseasons.com
Insight: Keisha oversees the global People and Culture strategy, internal communications, and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives, all aimed at maintaining and enriching the company's renowned culture and people-centric focus .
Comment: "I am honored to play such a pivotal role in rallying our more than 50,000 global employees around our shared culture and vision for the future."
61
David Ssegawa
Role: Director, HR & Organizational Development
Company: Equity Group Holdings
HQ Country: Kenya
Website: equitygroupholdings.com
Insight: Ssegawa's extensive experience and strategic approach to human resources have positioned him as a prominent figure in shaping effective HR practices across Africa.
Comment: “HR professionals must transcend traditional functions and contribute to shaping the strategic direction of their organizations.”
60
David Freyr Oddsson
Role: Chief Human Resources Officer
Company: Marel
HQ Country: Iceland
Website: marel.com
Insight: Under David's leadership, Marel has focused on enhancing its human resources strategies to support the company's growth and innovation. Under his leadership, Marel has introduced the "Focus First" operating model, streamlining operations and enhancing value creation across business units.
Comment: “In HR, progress is measured by the extent to which every person feels they matter.”
59
Tswelo Kodisang
Role: Chief People Officer
Company: FirstRand Group
HQ Country: South Africa
Website: firstrand.co.za
Insight: Tswelo Kodisang is the Group Chief People Officer at FirstRand Group, a leading South African financial services provider. Kodisang's leadership philosophy emphasizes the importance of building strong teams and creating a positive organizational culture.
Comment: “Success in HR comes from deliberate actions, continuous learning, and the ability to reflect on and adapt to changing business needs.”
58
Martina Verović
Role: Chief Human Resources Officer
Company: Rimac Automobili
HQ Country: Croatia
Website: rimac-automobili.com
Insight: Martina drives HR for one of Europe’s most innovative automotive tech startups, focusing on scaling culture with speed.
Comment: "Often it is said that human resources enable business development, and I truly see it that way. The most challenging part is ensuring that business develops while also taking care of the people."
57
Juan Muldoon Barrena
Role: Chief People Officer
Company: Grupo Bimbo
HQ Country: Mexico
Website: grupobimbo.com
Insight: Muldoon's strategic initiatives have contributed to Grupo Bimbo's reputation as an industry leader in human resources and organizational culture.
Comment: "Within Grupo Bimbo, we see the person as the end, not as a means, where we seek for each of our 152,000 associates to have the tools and opportunities to reach their full potential."
56
Chantal Schoombie
Role: Chief Human Resources Officer
Company: Aramex
HQ Country: United Arab Emirates
Website: aramex.com
Insight: Schoombie's leadership has been instrumental in shaping Aramex's talent strategy and fostering a culture of innovation within the company.
Comment: “We are focused on balancing present talent needs with future business demands.”
55
Antonio Schulthess
Role: Chief People Officer
Company: Qatar Airways
HQ Country: Qatar
Website: qatarairways.com
Insight: Antonio's strategic initiatives have contributed to Qatar Airways' reputation as an industry leader in service quality and safety. He continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the airline's human resources strategies.
Comment: “Qatar Airways takes pride in providing our passengers with world-class services, which would not be possible without the dedication of the employees."
54
Cole Brown
Role: Chief People Officer
Company: American Airlines
HQ Country: United States
Website: aa.com
Insight: Cole joined American Airlines in May 2021 as Chief People Officer, overseeing all aspects of the airline’s People organization.
Comment: "I am excited to contribute to American Airlines' mission of caring for people on life's journey."
53
Lorena Dellagiovanna
Role: Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer
Company: Hitachi
HQ Country: Japan
Website: hitachi.com
Insight: Dellagiovanna advocates for a mindset shift across all organizational levels, encouraging employees to embrace diverse perspectives and contribute to innovative solutions that address global challenges.
Comment: "Diversity is a business imperative that Hitachi has put at the heart of its corporate strategy."
52
Robin Kranich
Role: Chief Human Resources Officer
Company: Gartner
HQ Country: United States
Website: gartner.com
Insight: As EVP & Chief Human Resources Officer, Robin is responsible for strategy, recruiting, people analytics, talent management, learning and development, compensation, benefits, diversity and inclusion, and the continuing evolution of Gartner’s growth culture.
Comment: "We want people to grow with Gartner."
51
Marlon Sullivan
Role: Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer
Company: Johnson Controls
HQ Country: United States
Website: johnsoncontrols.com
Insight: Since joining Johnson Controls in October 2021, Marlon has played a pivotal role in enhancing the employee experience and aligning HR initiatives with the company's growth strategy.
Comment: "True leaders don't create more followers; they create more leaders."
50
Charlotte Levert
Role: Senior Vice President, Chief People Officer (CPO) and Head of Group Function People
Company: Ericsson
HQ Country: Sweden
Website: ericsson.com
Insight: Charlotte Levert assumed the role of Chief People Officer at Ericsson on February 10, 2025, after serving as Vice President and Head of People for the Business Area Cloud and Software Services.
Comment: "Working at Ericsson means we all get the chance to be part of shaping the future. I am looking forward to co-creating a future-proof organization where Ericsson remains a great place to work."
49
Jean-Claude Le Grand
Role: Chief Human Relations Officer
Company: L’Oréal
HQ Country: France
Website: loreal.com
Insight: Jean-Claude Le Grand joined L'Oréal in 1996 and has held various HR positions, including HR Director for business units, countries, and divisions. In 2004, he created the Global Diversity Department at L'Oréal. He has also been a member of the Committee for Measuring Diversity and Combating Discrimination (COMEDD) and the High Council for Gender Equality (HCE).
Comment: "Diversity is not a revolution; it's making business reflect reality."
48
Tristram Roberts
Role: Group Human Resources Director
Company: Barclays
HQ Country: United Kingdom
Website: barclays.com
Insight: As the Group Human Resources Director at Barclays, Tristram is responsible for overseeing the company's global HR strategy and operations. Tristram is also the Barclays Executive Sponsor for the employee wellbeing programme "Be Well," which supports colleagues in managing mental and physical health and wellbeing.
Comment: "I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Executive Committee, and with everyone in HR to build a successful Barclays, well regarded by all our stakeholders."
47
Paul Peterson
Role: Chief Human Resources Officer
Company: Atos
HQ Country: France
Website: atos.net
Insight: As the Chief HR Officer, Paul leads Atos's global HR strategy, focusing on talent attraction, employee development, and fostering an inclusive workplace culture. Under his leadership, Atos has been recognized as one of Europe's Best Workplaces, reflecting his commitment to creating a supportive and dynamic work environment.
Comment: "Diversity and inclusion drive huge business value by giving us the benefit of differing experiences, perspectives, and knowledge. We want our employees to feel safe and accepted in the workplace so that they can bring their best to our business."
46
Deirdre O’Brien
Role: Senior Vice President of Retail + People
Company: Apple
HQ Country: USA
Website: apple.com
Insight: In her role leading the People team, Deirdre works to help Apple connect, develop, and care for its employees, and to help those employees do the best work of their lives. Her teams oversee a broad range of functions including talent development and Apple University, recruiting, employee relations and experience, business partnership, benefits, compensation, and inclusion and diversity.
Comment: "People come to Apple to do the best work of their lives, and our retail teams show their passion every day, in every interaction, all around the world."
45
Treasure Heinle
Role: Global Head of Human Resources
Company: Nike
HQ Country: United States
Website: nike.com
Insight: Heinle is responsible for leading the global HR function and the company’s People vision and strategy.
Comment: “We are devoted to enabling our people achieve their full potential every day.”
44
Shaji Mathew
Role: Chief Human Resources Officer
Company: Infosys
HQ Country: India
Website: infosys.com
Insight: Shaji Mathew has been recognized as one of the world's top 50 most influential HR leaders for 2025. As the Chief Human Resources Officer at Infosys, he is responsible for envisioning the roadmap for HR, driving strategy, and implementing operational priorities aligned with the overall organizational mandate.
Comment: "HR is not just about managing people; it's about creating environments where people can thrive and contribute to the organization's success."
43
Isabel Cruz
Role: Chief People Officer
Company: PayPal
HQ Country: United States
Website: paypal.com
Insight: Isabel Cruz joined PayPal in November 2023 as Chief People Officer, bringing over two decades of experience in human resources leadership. Cruz is responsible for leading global HR efforts to attract, retain, and develop talent, as well as overseeing the company's real estate strategy.
Comment: "At PayPal, our people are at the heart of everything we do. By fostering an inclusive and innovative culture, we empower our teams to drive meaningful impact for our customers and communities."
42
Carolina Granat
Role: Chief Human Resources Officer
Company: ABB
HQ Country: Switzerland
Website: abb.com
Insight: As the Chief Human Resources Officer at ABB, Carolina has demonstrated exceptional leadership in aligning HR strategies with business objectives, driving organizational effectiveness, and fostering a culture of innovation and inclusion.
Comment: "HR is not just about managing people; it's about creating environments where people can thrive and contribute to the organization's success."
41
Abdullah Nasser Al-Khalifa
Role: Senior Executive Vice President – Group Human Capital
Company: Qatar National Bank (QNB)
HQ Country: Qatar
Website: qnb.com
Insight: As the Senior Executive Vice President of Group Human Capital at QNB, Abdullah has demonstrated exceptional leadership in aligning HR strategies with business objectives, driving organizational effectiveness, and fostering a culture of innovation and inclusion.
Comment: "HR is not just about managing people; it's about creating environments where people can thrive and contribute to the organization's success."
40
Marc Borggreven
Role: Global Human Capital Leader
Company: PwC
HQ Country: United Kingdom
Website: pwc.com
Insight: As the Global Human Capital Leader, Marc directs strategic initiatives for the PwC network that promote collaboration, equity, and belonging, setting a standard for leadership and reinvention.
Comment: "The first step was bringing in diverse people. The second—and, in my view, most important step—is to learn more from each other and collaborate even better."
39
Morhaf M. Alsamman
Role: Chief Human Resources Officer
Company: Savola Group
HQ Country: Saudi Arabia
Website: savola.com
Insight: Morhaf M. Alsamman has been serving as the Chief Human Resources Officer at Savola Group since December 2019. His leadership has been instrumental in driving HR strategies that align with Savola's vision and business objectives.
Comment: "HR is not just about managing people; it's about creating environments where people can thrive and contribute to the organization's success."
38
Payal Sahni Becher
Role: Chief People Experience Officer, Executive Vice President
Company: Pfizer
HQ Country: United States
Website: pfizer.com
Insight: Payal Sahni Becher has been with Pfizer since 1997, dedicating over two decades to the company. She currently serves as the Chief People Experience Officer and Executive Vice President, overseeing the global colleague experience, including culture, talent development, engagement, benefits, compensation, and workplace experience for over 80,000 colleagues worldwide.
Comment: "Our department puts our colleagues at the center of everything we do."
37
Jacqueline Arthur
Role: Global Head of Human Capital Management
Company: Goldman Sachs
HQ Country: United States
Website: goldmansachs.com
Insight: Jacqueline Arthur serves as the Global Head of Human Capital Management (HCM) at Goldman Sachs, overseeing the firm's people strategy and operations. She is a member of the Management Committee, Partnership Committee, and Global Inclusion and Diversity Committee.
Comment: "Our firm is first and foremost a people business. We have more than 40,000 people around the world who work together to deliver for our clients, guided by our core values of client service, excellence, partnership, and integrity."
36
Amy Coleman
Role: Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer
Company: Microsoft
HQ Country: United States
Website: microsoft.com
Insight: As executive vice president and chief human resources officer, Amy Coleman is focused on empowering 220,000+ global employees to achieve Microsoft’s mission. In her role, she is dedicated to making Microsoft an exceptional workplace for employees and fostering a culture that attracts and inspires the world’s most passionate talent.
Comment: “Our focus is on continuous adaptation, especially with the rapid changes brought about by advancements in AI.”
35
Anna Lundström
Role: Chief Human Resources Officer
Company: Spotify
HQ Country: Sweden
Website: spotify.com
Insight: Anna Lundström has been with Spotify since 2016, currently serving as the Chief Human Resources Officer. She leads HR for Spotify's Freemium Business and Global Support Functions, overseeing more than 3,000 employees worldwide.
Comment: "At Spotify, we believe in empowering our employees by offering flexibility and autonomy, allowing them to choose their place of work. This approach fosters a culture of trust and collaboration, driving innovation and engagement across the organization."
34
Deeanne King
Role: Executive Vice President & Chief People Officer
Company: T-Mobile
HQ Country: United States
Website: t-mobile.com
Insight: Deeanne King serves as the Executive Vice President & Chief People Officer at T-Mobile, where she leads the company's human resources, employee experience, and corporate real estate functions. With over 30 years of experience in senior leadership roles across various functions, Deeanne has been instrumental in shaping T-Mobile's renowned "Un-carrier" culture.
Comment: "Our role as HR professionals is to take care of the people who take care of our customers."
33
Judith Wiese
Role: Chief People and Sustainability Officer
Company: Siemens
HQ Country: Germany
Website: siemens.com
Insight: Judith Wiese has been a member of the Managing Board of Siemens AG since October 1, 2020. She serves as the Chief People and Sustainability Officer, Labor Director, and Head of Global Business Services. In addition, she oversees operations in Latin America, the Nordics, the Iberian Peninsula, and the Netherlands.
Comment: "I am honored by the confidence that the Supervisory Board places in me. Success for me is measured by business impact and whether our people remain relevant and employable throughout their careers."
32
Jill Larsen
Role: Chief Human Resources Officer
Company: Synopsys
HQ Country: United States
Website: synopsys.com
Insight: Jill Larsen serves as the Chief Human Resources Officer at Synopsys, a leading company in the field of electronic design automation and semiconductor intellectual property. In her role, she oversees the global HR strategy, focusing on aligning talent management with the company's business objectives.
Comment: "Synopsys is a leading catalyst for its customers' technology ambitions because it deeply values and invests in a diverse and dedicated global workforce."
31
Maria O'Keeffe
Role: Global Chief People Officer
Company: Ogilvy
HQ Country: United Kingdom
Website: ogilvy.com
Insight: Maria O'Keeffe has been at the forefront of transforming Ogilvy's people strategy since her appointment in March 2022. With over 25 years of experience in talent leadership, she has been instrumental in reshaping Ogilvy's global people experience, strategy, and operations. Her focus areas include:
Comment: "I am honored to be part of Ogilvy's journey and excited to contribute to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where every individual can thrive."
30
Aileen Taylor
Role: Group Chief People & Governance Officer
Company: HSBC
HQ Country: United Kingdom
Website: hsbc.com
Insight: Aileen's leadership is instrumental in shaping HSBC's people strategy and governance framework, ensuring alignment with the bank's global objectives and fostering a culture of accountability and transparency.
Comment: "I am committed to leading a people strategy that empowers our employees and upholds the highest standards of governance, ensuring HSBC remains a trusted and forward-thinking organization."
29
Denise Kulikowsky
Role: Chief People Officer
Company: Tapestry
HQ Country: United States
Website: tapestry.com
Insight: Joining Tapestry in 2023, Denise Kulikowsky leads the global people function, shaping talent and organizational strategies to drive business success.
Comment: "Creating a culture that respects and values employees as individual human beings is the foundation to ensuring our Tapestry employees feel safe and comfortable."
28
Nhlamu Dlomu
Role: Chief People Officer
Company: KPMG
HQ Country: United States
Website: kpmg.com
Insight: As the Global Head of People at KPMG International, Nhlamu Dlomu is responsible for leading the execution of a cutting-edge talent strategy for over 200,000 KPMG professionals across 146 countries. Nhlamu's leadership is instrumental in driving KPMG's commitment to inclusion, diversity, and equity, fostering a culture where employees can thrive and contribute to the organization's success.
Comment: "At KPMG, we believe that when people feel they belong, they can achieve their highest potential. Creating that space is where the magic happens."
27
Gina Vargiu-Breuer
Role: Chief People Officer
Company: SAP
HQ Country: Germany
Website: sap.com
Insight: Since joining SAP in February 2024, Gina Vargiu-Breuer has been instrumental in leading the company's global People & Culture organization. With over 20 years of international experience, she has focused on transforming SAP’s HR strategy to foster a more inclusive, agile, and growth-oriented environment.
Comment: "Companies like SAP are at the center of the global economy’s digital transformation. In this context, personnel and corporate strategies must go hand in hand to ensure business success today and in the future."
26
Teuila Hanson
Role: Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer
Company: LinkedIn
HQ Country: United States
Website: linkedin.com
Insight: Teuila Hanson has been instrumental in cultivating a people-centric culture that aligns with LinkedIn’s mission to create economic opportunity for every member of the global workforce. She leads LinkedIn's global HR function with a clear focus on inclusion, innovation, and professional development.
Comment: "At LinkedIn, we believe that when employees bring their authentic selves to work, they can achieve their highest potential. Creating that space is where the magic happens."
25
Nickle LaMoreaux
Role: Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer
Company: IBM
HQ Country: United States
Website: ibm.com
Insight: As the Chief Human Resources Officer at IBM, Nickle LaMoreaux has been at the forefront of transforming how enterprise tech companies manage, retain, and develop talent in an era of rapid change. Overseeing HR across IBM's global operations, her leadership has focused on integrating agility, innovation, and inclusivity into every facet of the employee experience.
Comment: "Empowering employees to lead and innovate is about trust — and that starts by designing a workplace where people are not just seen, but valued."
24
Angela Beatty
Role: Chief Leadership & Human Resources Officer
Company: Accenture
HQ Country: Ireland
Website: accenture.com
Insight: Angela Beatty has played an instrumental role in shaping Accenture’s global workforce transformation, championing a leadership model that centers agility, inclusion, and continuous learning. As the Chief Leadership & Human Resources Officer, she is at the heart of Accenture’s culture of innovation and development, which enables the company to stay ahead in an ever-changing business world.
Comment: "Leadership is not just about guiding others; it’s about creating an environment where people feel safe to learn, grow, and lead. The future of work depends on that."
23
Francine Katsoudas
Role: EVP and Chief People, Policy & Purpose Officer
Company: Cisco
HQ Country: United States
Website: cisco.com
Insight: Few HR leaders operate with the strategic scope and societal reach of Francine Katsoudas. At Cisco, she leads not only the People function but also global policy and purpose strategy — making her a force at the intersection of culture, impact, and innovation.
Comment: "Our people strategy is grounded in a belief: when people feel they belong, they innovate. When purpose is clear, performance follows."
22
Abigail Epane-Osuala
Role: Chief Culture & Belonging Officer, HR Strategy
Company: GE Healthcare
HQ Country: United States
Website: gehealthcare.com
Insight: As the inaugural Chief Culture & Belonging Officer at GE Healthcare, Abigail Epane-Osuala is redefining what inclusive leadership looks like inside a global health tech giant. Her work in embedding equity, inclusion, and belonging into strategic HR and business planning has elevated her as a pioneering figure in the next evolution of people-first transformation.
Comment: "Belonging is not a nice-to-have — it’s the foundation of trust, innovation, and courage. Especially in healthcare, it saves lives on both sides of the stethoscope."
21
Ben Perry
Role: Chief Human Resources Officer
Company: Infor
HQ Country: United States
Website: infor.com
Insight: Ben Perry has brought a strategic, digitally fluent mindset to the HR function at Infor, a global enterprise software leader. At the intersection of tech, culture, and talent strategy, his leadership has helped shape a resilient, high-performance workforce across 170+ countries.
Comment: "Tech without talent is just potential. Our job in HR is to unlock that potential through clarity, culture, and care."
20
Marta Machicot
Role: Chief People Officer
Company: Telefónica
HQ Country: Spain
Website: telefonica.com
Insight: At the helm of HR for one of Europe and Latin America’s largest telecommunications companies, Marta Machicot has been a driving force behind Telefónica’s people-first digital transformation. With more than 100,000 employees across 40+ countries, her leadership has been critical to redefining what it means to lead with humanity in a technology-driven world.
Comment: "People are not passengers in transformation — they are the pilots. Our role is to give them the vision, tools, and freedom to fly."
19
Matthew Saxon
Role: Chief People Officer
Company: Zoom Video Communications
HQ Country: United States
Website: zoom.com
Insight: Matthew Saxon has helped shape what the future of work actually feels like — not just for Zoom employees, but for millions of users globally who rely on the platform daily. As Chief People Officer, he’s led Zoom’s own cultural transformation from fast-scaling tech darling to an enduring, people-centered organization.
Comment: "It’s not about where you work — it’s about how people feel when they show up. Our role in HR is to make those feelings meaningful, connected, and human."
18
Bala Purushothaman
Role: Chief HR Officer
Company: Procter & Gamble
HQ Country: United States
Website: pg.com
Insight: Bala is responsible for developing and leading P&G’s people and organization strategy. This includes attracting and developing the best talent and building a culture that drives innovation and productivity to support P&G's business strategy and people across 70+ countries.
Comment: “We attract great and principled people for a career, give them early and increasing responsibility, inspire managers to be coaches and include everyone."
17
Dave Stephenson
Role: Head of Employee Experience
Company: Airbnb
HQ Country: United States
Website: airbnb.com
Insight: Dave Stephenson holds one of the most influential dual roles in the global people landscape — blending business operations and employee experience at the heart of Airbnb’s culture-first philosophy. In 2025, he is widely credited with architecting Airbnb’s “Live and Work Anywhere” revolution from the inside out.
Comment: "At Airbnb, employee experience isn’t an initiative — it’s our operating system. We design it like we design our homes: with people at the center."
16
Michelle Robertson
Role: SVP, Global Human Resources – People and Culture
Company: Adidas
HQ Country: Germany
Website: adidas.com
Insight: Michelle Robertson is at the forefront of transforming adidas into one of the most people-forward and purpose-driven consumer brands in the world. Her leadership in People & Culture has helped turn the company’s values into real-world employee experiences — from inclusive hiring to mental health to purpose-led performance.
Comment: "Culture isn’t a campaign — it’s the outcome of everyday decisions. Our job in HR is to make sure those decisions reflect who we say we are."
15
Bruno Laforge
Role: Chief People & Organization Officer
Company: Renault Group
HQ Country: France
Website: group.renault.com
Insight: Bruno Laforge is leading the human transformation behind Renault’s sweeping reinvention — from an iconic auto manufacturer to a future-focused mobility company. As Chief People & Organization Officer, he is at the heart of redefining talent, purpose, and adaptability in a legacy industrial context.
Comment: "Industrial evolution is human evolution. At Renault, we are not just electrifying our cars — we are re-energizing our people with skills, vision, and purpose."
14
Volker Steuer
Role: Global Head of Human Resources
Company: Deutsche Bank
HQ Country: Germany
Website: db.com
Insight: As the Global Head of HR at Deutsche Bank, Volker Steuer has been instrumental in modernizing the bank’s workforce model amid sweeping changes in global finance. His leadership has helped steer the organization through transformation with a clear focus on future skills, digital empowerment, and inclusive leadership.
Comment: "In banking, transformation starts with people. When you give employees the tools, trust, and purpose they need — the business transformation follows naturally."
13
Renate Wagner
Role: Member of the Board of Management, People and Culture
Company: Allianz
HQ Country: Germany
Website: allianz.com
Insight: Renate Wagner has played a central role in shaping Allianz's culture and employee experience during a pivotal time of transformation in the insurance industry. She oversees the People and Culture function, ensuring Allianz’s human capital strategy aligns with its global ambitions and sustainability goals.
Comment: "The world of work is changing at an accelerated pace. At Allianz, we empower our people to thrive in this environment by investing in culture, technology, and most importantly, human connection."
12
Alexandra Brandão
Role: Global Head of Human Resources
Company: Santander Group
HQ Country: Spain
Website: santander.com
Insight: As the global HR head for one of the world’s most international banks, Alexandra Brandão has played a vital role in transforming Santander’s workforce culture across Europe, the Americas, and beyond. Alexandra has become a model for cross-cultural HR leadership in financial services, known for building people-centric infrastructure at scale in a traditionally rigid industry.
Comment: "For HR to truly matter in banking, it must go beyond policies and into people’s lives — empowering our teams to grow, adapt, and drive change with confidence and compassion."
11
Joyce Westerdahl
Role: Executive Vice President, Human Resources
Company: Oracle
HQ Country: United States
Website: oracle.com
Insight: With more than 25 years at Oracle, Joyce Westerdahl has been a cornerstone of the company’s global expansion and technological transformation. As EVP of HR, she’s championed talent innovation, internal mobility, and a robust leadership culture, especially vital in Oracle’s shift toward cloud and AI solutions.
Comment: "When your business moves fast, your people need to move faster — but with support, opportunity, and purpose behind every step."
10
Mairéad Nayager
Role: Chief People Officer
Company: Unilever
HQ Country: United Kingdom
Website: unilever.com
Insight: Mairéad Nayager has redefined the role of HR at Unilever, steering a company with more than 125,000 employees across 190+ countries through seismic shifts in sustainability, equity, and purpose-led growth. As Chief People Officer, she has been instrumental in embedding values deeply into business outcomes.
Comment: "We’re here to unlock the full potential of our people by building a culture where everyone belongs, thrives, and contributes to a better world — inside and outside our walls."
9
Saurabh Govil
Role: Chief Human Resources Officer
Company: Wipro
HQ Country: India
Website: wipro.com
Insight: Saurabh Govil has played a pivotal role in reshaping the talent landscape at Wipro, one of India’s most influential IT services and consulting firms. Leading HR for a workforce of over 250,000 people across 60+ countries, his approach blends strategic foresight, digital transformation, and a deeply human ethos.
Comment: "The future of work is not just digital — it’s decisively human. At Wipro, we focus on creating opportunities where people grow, lead, and transform from the inside out."
8
Xi Dan
Role: Senior Vice President, Talent Development
Company: Tencent
HQ Country: China
Website: tencent.com
Insight: Xi Dan plays a critical role in shaping Tencent’s talent strategy across one of the most complex ecosystems in global tech — spanning gaming, fintech, social platforms, cloud computing, and AI. As Senior Vice President of HR, Xi Dan is recognized for quietly but powerfully reshaping how large tech ecosystems can remain deeply human, even as they lead the world in automation and scale.
Comment: "Innovation needs more than great code — it needs trust, values, and people who feel like they belong to something bigger than work."
7
Milind Lakkad
Role: Chief Human Resources Officer
Company: Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)
HQ Country: India
Website: tcs.com
Insight: Milind Lakkad leads HR for one of the world’s largest IT services companies, TCS, with over 600,000 employees in more than 50 countries. His work has been central to reshaping workforce models in a post-pandemic world and driving human capital innovation at scale.
Comment: "Our size is not our challenge — it’s our opportunity. HR at scale means thinking ahead, investing in capability, and staying human through every layer of change."
6
Kristen Mulholland
Role: Chief Human Resources Officer
Company: Johnson & Johnson
HQ Country: United States
Website: jnj.com
Insight: Kristen Mulholland leads the people function at Johnson & Johnson, one of the world’s most influential healthcare companies. In a time of profound change in both global health and the nature of work, Kristen has positioned J&J’s HR strategy at the forefront of resilience, empathy, and innovation.
Comment: "The most powerful innovation we can invest in is our people. In healthcare, this means creating space for empathy, adaptability, and the kind of purpose that fuels progress."
5
Gustavo Vitti
Role: Chief People Officer
Company: Naspers
HQ Country: South Africa
Website: naspers.com
Insight: Gustavo Vitti has brought a bold and human-centric approach to HR at Naspers, a global consumer internet group and one of the largest tech investors in the world. Overseeing people strategy across dozens of countries and high-growth tech ventures, he’s developed an agile HR model that supports scale without sacrificing culture.
Comment: "At Naspers, we don’t just invest in companies — we invest in people building the future. HR must empower that future with courage, clarity, and culture that scales."
4
Paulo Pisano
Role: Chief People Officer
Company: Booking.com
HQ Country: Netherlands
Website: booking.com
Insight: Paulo Pisano has been instrumental in shaping the culture and workforce strategy at Booking.com, leading the company through significant transformations in the travel and tech industries. As the Chief People Officer, his focus on people development, inclusivity, and future-proofing talent has made Booking.com one of the top places to work globally.
Comment: "A strong organization starts with a healthy and diverse workforce. As we navigate the future of work, it’s our responsibility to create a workplace that not only adapts to change but drives it from within."
3
Sofia Merlo
Role: Head of Human Resources
Company: BNP Paribas
HQ Country: France
Website: group.bnpparibas
Insight: Merlo's extensive experience and leadership in human resources have been instrumental in driving BNP Paribas's commitment to diversity, inclusion, and employee well-being.
Comment: “In these difficult times, especially for the most fragile populations, giving some time to help others and protect our planet is more important than ever."
2
Sheri B. Bronstein
Role: Chief People Officer
Company: Bank of America
HQ Country: USA
Website: bankofamerica.com
Insight: Bronstein leads a global team of 4,800 professionals across 26 countries who drive the company’s commitment to be a Great Place to Work.
Comment: “I have an incredible data and analytics team that really sits behind all of our HR processes and services and products and helps us analyze and make sure that we’re using every dollar of that investment in the best way possible.”
1
Lisa Chang
Role: EVP and Global Chief People Officer
Company: The Coca-Cola Company
HQ Country: United States
Website: coca-colacompany.com
Insight: Lisa Chang has been at the forefront of people innovation at one of the world’s most iconic companies. As the EVP and Global Chief People Officer at Coca-Cola, she is known for modernizing the workforce strategy at an organization that touches over 200 countries.
Comment: "In a world that’s rapidly changing, our people are our biggest asset. At Coca-Cola, we believe that nurturing talent and championing diversity is how we continue to lead, innovate, and grow."
Final Thought:
These 100 HR leaders represent a truly global perspective—spanning industries from automotive and aviation to tech, performance arts, and energy. What unites them? A deep commitment to people-first leadership, innovation, and transformation at scale. Their collective insights offer a bold roadmap for how HR can shape not only companies—but entire industries and regions—for the better.
