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As the COVID-19 pandemic upended the global economy, Chief Human Resource Officers (CHROs) faced unprecedented challenges in navigating the shifting landscape of work and maintaining the well-being of their employees.

Despite these challenges, these 12 CHROs have demonstrated exceptional leadership and resilience in leading their organizations through the crisis and achieving noteworthy accomplishments in the past years. From driving digital transformation and driving diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives to navigating mergers and acquisitions and implementing innovative employee engagement programs, these CHROs have made a significant impact on their organizations and the broader HR industry.

In this cover story, we highlight the achievements and insights of these 12 CHROs, providing a glimpse into the dynamic and multifaceted role of the modern CHRO and the key strategies they have employed to drive success in the face of adversity.

Angie Freeman

Angie Freeman

Chief Human Resources and ESG Officer, C.H. Robinson

Angie Freeman, Chief Human Resources Officer at C.H. Robinson, recently spoke with The HR Digest about the company’s efforts in sustainability and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Under Freeman’s leadership, C.H. Robinson has implemented a variety of initiatives to reduce the environmental impact of its supply chains, including leveraging its large freight transportation dataset to create tools for measuring and reducing customers’ Scope 3 emissions. In addition, C.H. Robinson has made significant progress towards its goal of reducing its own carbon footprint, and is on pace to reach its emissions reduction target ahead of schedule. The company has also prioritized DEI in its culture, hosting focus groups with employees to understand their thoughts and concerns and actively listening to feedback on how to improve efforts. By embracing diversity and inclusion in its supply chain operations, C.H. Robinson has been able to attract and retain top talent and maintain a competitive advantage in the industry.

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Claire Isnard

Claire Isnard

Global Chief People & Organization Officer, Chanel

Claire Isnard, CHRO at Chanel, believes that personal connection is key to employee engagement and productivity. She fosters a culture of trust and transparency at Chanel through open communication and accountable leadership. Isnard also emphasizes the importance of dynamic and visionary leadership as a non-cash motivator. She has found success in creating a culture at Chanel that is as beautiful on the inside as the brand is on the outside, and believes in the power of human interaction to drive excellence. Isnard believes that empowering employees to work in ways that suit their full lives, not just their work lives, brings out the best in both individuals and teams.

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Cori Davis

Cori Davis

Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer, Genentech

Cori Davis, a leader at Genentech, recently spoke with The HR Digest about how the company prioritizes the well-being and professional development of its employees. Genentech offers mental health resources and opportunities for employees to grow and advance within the company. Davis also discussed the value of regular check-ins between managers and employees, called the 4Cs, which allow for timely feedback and promote growth within the organization. Davis emphasized the importance of work friendships, citing their benefits such as lower turnover and increased productivity. Overall, Davis’ insights provide a comprehensive understanding of Genentech’s approach to creating a positive and productive work environment.

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DJ Casto

DJ Casto

Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, Synchrony

DJ Casto, Chief Human Resources Officer of Synchrony, believes that the pandemic has permanently changed the way we work and has shown companies that employees can be just as effective while working remotely. In response to the 85% of employees who wanted a work from home option post-pandemic, Synchrony implemented a hybrid work model and Flex Fridays to give employees the flexibility they need. This approach has resulted in a 30% increase in applicant pools and 95% of employees stating that the new way of working gives them the flexibility they need. In addition, Synchrony’s Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) serve as strategic advisors and help direct and support investments, such as their Education as an Equalizer initiative, which aims to expand access to higher education for employees and underserved communities.

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Emily Forrester

Emily Forrester

Senior Vice President of Human Resources, Workiva

As a human resource leader with over 15 years of experience in various industries, including technology, financial, and professional services, Emily Forrester believes that treating employees like human beings rather than numbers is crucial for building and maintaining a positive company culture. According to Forrester, the most effective non-cash motivator is a sense of connectedness to the company’s goals and a sense of trust within the team. Forrester also values humility in leadership, citing the importance of listening to others, seeking feedback, demonstrating gratitude, and admitting mistakes. These behaviors contribute to creating a healthy work environment where employees can thrive, as exemplified by Workiva’s recognition as one of the “Best Workplaces in Technology 2022”.

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Heidi Capozzi

Heidi Capozzi

Executive Vice President and Global Chief People Officer, McDonald's

Heidi Capozzi, Chief Human Resources Officer at McDonald’s, recently spoke with The HR Digest about the importance of prioritizing the employee experience and the skills that HR managers need to be successful in the future. Under Capozzi’s leadership, McDonald’s has focused on creating a positive employee experience by treating employees with respect, including them as part of the team, and providing opportunities for learning and advancement. Capozzi believes that strong business acumen, strong talent skills, and the ability to lead transformation are essential skills for HR managers to develop. In addition, Capozzi advises building a network of HR peers to turn to for outside perspective and seeking diverse perspectives to gain a deeper understanding of how to create positive change within an organization. By prioritizing the employee experience and developing key skills, HR managers can help drive success for their organizations.

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Katarina Berg

Katarina Berg

CHRO, Strategy Operations, Global Workplace Services, Spotify

Katarina Berg, Chief Human Resources Officer at Spotify, believes that prioritizing employee wellness and inclusion is key to the company’s success. To support these efforts, Berg introduced HR walks, or “Walk & Talk” sessions, 18 years ago as a way to encourage meaningful conversation, creativity, and focus while also promoting physical health. In her nine years as CHRO, Berg has learned that the key to navigating change in the tech industry is through constant, healthy dialogue between leaders and employees. Looking towards the future, Spotify is focusing on supporting artists, promoting employee wellness, and optimizing its work from anywhere policies. Diversity and inclusion have long been a focus at the company, and they have found that their work from anywhere policies have greatly benefited their diverse recruitment efforts. To support employee growth and development, Spotify offers a range of support mechanisms and learning and development opportunities through its “Heart & Soul” team, “Px” team, and “GreenHouse” portfolio.

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Laura Adams

Laura Adams

Global Chief Human Resources Officer, JLL

In an interview with The HR Digest, Laura Adams, CHRO of JLL, spoke about the company’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and the importance of creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Adams emphasized the role of active listening and driving conversations in promoting meaningful change within the organization and highlighted the use of employee-led Business Resource Groups and support for cultural events like Pride Month and National Coming Out Day. She also discussed the importance of aligning social events with a business purpose and ensuring that they are inclusive for all employees, including client entertaining. Overall, Adams is a passionate advocate for DEI in the workplace and is committed to shaping the future of real estate for a better world.

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Malaika Myers

Malaika Myers

Chief Human Resources Officer, Hyatt

Malaika Myers, Chief Human Resources Officer at Hyatt, recently spoke with The HR Digest about the company’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and its efforts to foster an inclusive culture for employees. Under Myers’ leadership, Hyatt has implemented a variety of initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion, including creating Diversity Business Resource Groups (DBRGs) led by colleagues, and establishing a Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council. Hyatt has also made significant progress towards its Change Starts Here initiative, which includes goals around hiring, development, and advancement of diverse employees, and its commitment to hire 10,000 Opportunity Youth. In addition to these efforts, Hyatt has also prioritized environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues and introduced the World of Care platform to communicate its progress towards its ESG-related goals. Through its focus on DEI and ESG, Hyatt has been recognized as a “Company that Cares” for four consecutive years.

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Sheri B. Bronstein

Sheri B. Bronstein

Chief Human Resources Officer, Bank of America

As the Chief Human Resources Officer at Bank of America, Sheri Bronstein has made significant progress in promoting diversity, inclusion, and well-being within the company. Bronstein has introduced diversity leadership councils and expanded employee resource groups, resulting in 355 chapters and 230,000 memberships worldwide. Additionally, Bronstein has placed a strong emphasis on investing in the overall well-being of employees through enhanced benefits and resources. Looking to the future, Bronstein is focused on effective onboarding, career mobility, and supporting managers through the creation of The Academy at Bank of America. Bronstein also values internal mobility, with a team of talent mobility specialists available to help employees identify new roles and prepare for interviews. Sheri Bronstein’s efforts have had a significant impact on the culture and success of Bank of America.

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Tim Richmond

Tim Richmond

Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer, Abbvie

Tim Richmond, CHRO at AbbVie, believes that finding a great company to work for is key to career success. In order to thrive and grow in your career, it’s important to find a place where you can see yourself staying long-term, learn about the business and your cross-functional peers, and constantly keep learning and growing. According to Richmond, AbbVie’s commitment to improving lives and its inclusive culture, strong financial performance, and innovative pipeline have led to its recognition as a great place to work and top employer. In the future, HR teams will face challenges in attracting talent and building robust, sustainable teams, as well as maintaining an exceptional culture and supporting flexibility without losing a culture of collaboration.

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This story first appeared in the January 2023 issue of The HR Digest magazine.

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