Top 10: Chief Human Resources Officers (CHROs) in Healthcare
Human resources (known as HR) ensures that employees are effectively utilised and supported by their employer. HR encompasses a variety of activities, including recruitment, employee development, performance management, compensation and employee relations. HR plays a vital role in aligning the workforce with the organisation’s goals and enhancing employee satisfaction, to make sure that workers remain productive.
With the rise of DEI, Human Resources has evolved to attract and retain minority groups at their company, while the development of AI has meant HR officers have new ways to maintain worker safety and identify potential problems.
Here, we chart the success of 10 leading Chief Human Resources Officers (or those in similar roles with a different title) from across the healthcare sector.
10. Julie Ann Alvarado-Dubek
Chief Human Resources Officer
Banner Health
Employees: 55,000
CEO: Amy Perry
Founded: 1999
The Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Banner Health is Julie Ann Alvarado-Dubek. She has been with Banner Health for over a decade, previously serving as Senior Vice President of Total Rewards & HR Operations. She has led initiatives such as developing Banner's award-winning well-being programme and introducing modern HR technology.
Julie holds a Master of Science in Organisational Leadership from Arizona State University and a Certificate of Global Leadership from Thunderbird School of Global Management. She is recognised for her innovative approaches to employee benefits and compensation strategies, particularly during the challenges posed by the global pandemic.
9. Linda McHugh
Executive Vice President and Chief Experience and People Officer
Hackensack Meridian Health
Employees: 36,000
CEO: Robert C. Garrett
Founded: 2016
At Hackensack Meridian Health, Linda McHugh is the Executive Vice President and Chief Experience and People Officer. She is an experienced healthcare executive, who specialises in governance.
Previously, Linda worked on the Cleveland Clinic’s strategy team, advancing key initiatives and programmes that have resulted in operational efficiencies across the health system. While in this role, she also obtained a Master of Business Administration degree from The Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University. Prior to this, Linda has also earned a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology from Bowling Green State University. She graduated from Notre Dame Academy in 1977 and is a member of St. Rita parish in Solon.
8. David Gill
VP Enterprise HR Officer
Northwell Health
Employees: 85,000
CEO: Michael Dowling
Founded: 1997
David Gill is the Vice President of Culture and Experience at Northwell Health, a role he has held from 2017, after first joining the company in 2012. He has been committed to enhancing employee experience and engagement ever since. David's responsibilities include shaping the organisation's culture, implementing engagement initiatives and overseeing employee recognition programmes.
His efforts have contributed to Northwell being recognised as a Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For®. Gill's approach focuses on listening to team members, fostering engagement and creating an environment where employees feel valued and supported both professionally and personally.
David holds a Ph.D. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Kansas State University.
7. Nigel Sullivan
Chief Sustainability and People Officer
Bupa
Employees: 100,000
CEO: Iñaki Ereño
Founded: 1947
Nigel Sullivan is the Chief Sustainability and People Officer at Bupa. He first joined the company as Chief People Officer in June 2017 and later took on additional responsibility for sustainability.
He has over 20 years of experience in HR leadership and has previously held positions at TalkTalk, Rover Group, Nortel Networks, Marconi and Wincanton plc. In his current role, Nigel oversees Bupa's sustainability efforts and human resources strategies for over 80,000 employees worldwide. He is known for his focus on employee wellbeing, leadership development and Bupa's net zero ambitions. Sullivan is also recognised for his insights on career success and workplace resilience.
6. Thomas Simons
Chief HR & OD Officer (National) at NHS England Companion CIPD Head of Profession
NHS
Employees: 1.5m
CEO: Amanda Pritchard
Founded: 1948
Thomas Simons is the Chief Human Resources and Organisational Development Officer at NHS England. He joined the NHS England and NHS Improvement team with extensive HR and OD experience and prior to his current role, he served as the Director of HR&OD at Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation Trust and led HR&OD in the North West London ICS.
His career includes positions at East & North Hertfordshire NHS Trust and Barts NHS Health Trust. Thomas has a track record of delivering large-scale change, service transformation and improvement in HR services. His expertise is crucial in supporting NHS England's workforce strategies and organisational development initiatives.
5. Paula Menkosky
Chief Human Resources Officer
Mayo Clinic
Employees: 76,000
CEO: Dr. Gianrico Farrugia
Founded: 1864
Before taking on this role, Paula served as the Chief Administrative Officer at the Mayo Clinic, in Arizona. She has held various leadership positions at the company, including Vice Chair of Administration responsible for external relations, overseeing public affairs and development activities enterprise-wide.
She is known for her values-driven approach and expertise in organisational leadership, having played a crucial role in Mayo Clinic's growth, including nine consecutive years of being ranked as the No. 1 hospital in Arizona.
4. Betty Larson
Chief Human Resources Officer
Merck
Employees: 63,000
CEO: Rob Davis
Founded: 1668
Betty Larson joined Merck as Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer in April 2024. Prior to Merck, she served as Chief People Officer at GE HealthCare and held executive HR positions at Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD) and Baxter International.
In her current role, Betty is responsible for global human resources and diversity, equity and inclusion at Merck. She holds bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Illinois and an MBA from Northwestern University. She also serves on the board of directors for Baxter Credit Union.
3. Adam Holton
Chief People Officer
GE HealthCare
Employees: 50,000
CEO: Peter J. Arduini
Founded: 1994
Adam Holton is the Chief People Officer at GE HealthCare. He is a U.S. Naval Academy graduate and served as an Infantry Officer in the U.S. Marine Corps, including a deployment to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Holton's career includes HR leadership positions at companies like Amedisys, Numotion, USAA and CHS Inc. He is also the Chairman of the Board of Directors for Sierra Delta, an organisation supporting veterans with service dogs. Holton is currently writing a book titled ‘Why They Served’ about his experiences in Iraq.
“Purpose-driven, integrity-led and selfless service are core values exemplified by the military and valued at GE HealthCare,” Adam said. “It’s one of many reasons GE HealthCare and the US Army continue to expand our long-term partnership.”
2. Ayana Champagne
Head of People & Organization
Novo Nordisk
Employees: 64,000
CEO: Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen
Founded: 1923
Ayana Champagne is the Corporate Vice President and Head of People & Organization (P&O) at Novo Nordisk. She has over 20 years of experience in leading human resources divisions for Fortune 50 and privately held companies. She joined Novo Nordisk in May 2021 and is responsible for cultivating culture and preserving the Novo Nordisk Way across the organisation. Ayana oversees people and organisational strategies, including HR business partnering, talent management, learning & development, diversity, equity, inclusion & belonging, employee engagement and employee relations.
She holds a Bachelor's degree in Finance from Bradley University and dual Master's degrees in Human Resources Management and Technology & Operations Management from Aurora University.
Reflecting on the recent Women of Color in Pharma (WOCIP) conference, Ayana shared that she was inspired by the event and filled with a profound sense of pride, as the environment at Novo Nordisk serves as a beacon of support and mentorship.
“Novo Nordisk is more than just a workplace; it is a talent incubator where employees are encouraged to grow and are supported every step of the way,” she said.
1. Rob Kowalski
Chief People & Organization Officer (CHRO)
Novartis
Employees: 100,000
CEO: Vasant Narasimhan
Founded: 1996
Rob Kowalski is the Chief People & Organization Officer (CHRO) at Novartis, a role he assumed in September 2021. With over 25 years of industry experience, Kowalski has held various leadership positions at Novartis, including Executive Vice President, Head of Regulatory Affairs and US Head of Development.
He leads the company's strategy to empower its employees and create an inclusive work environment. Kowalski is known for his skill in building and leading diverse organisations, having previously led Global Regulatory Affairs where he oversaw numerous new molecular entity approvals. He holds a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Rob recently attended the annual Novartis Euroforum in Basel, which is an opportunity for Novartis employee representatives to share their experiences and ideas for the future.
“As leaders, it’s an opportunity for us to learn more about what matters to our people locally, which is critical in ensuring our long-term collective impact,” he said of the event. “I strongly believe our strength lies in moments like this when we come together to listen, learn, challenge and support each other, as one community committed to making a difference for our people and patients.”
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