8 HR leaders who rose to become CEOs

In the corporate world, the transition from Human Resources (HR) to the CEO's office is uncommon. While HR plays a crucial role in shaping organizational culture and managing talent, it is not traditionally seen as a pipeline to the top job. Yet, a select group of HR leaders has defied this trend, proving that the skills honed in managing people can indeed be the cornerstone of successful leadership at the highest levels. This article explores the journeys of several HR professionals who rose to become CEOs, leading global organizations and transforming industries along the way.

1. Anne Mulcahy: From Xerox HR to Corporate Savior

Anne Mulcahy’s rise from Vice President of HR to CEO of Xerox is one of the most notable examples of an HR professional ascending to the top. In 1996, Mulcahy took on her first senior role at Xerox as VP of HR, where she encountered skepticism from peers. HR was often seen as a corporate dead-end. However, Mulcahy quickly proved her detractors wrong by transforming the department and elevating its importance within the company.

By 2001, she had made such a mark that she was appointed CEO of Xerox, a company then drowning in debt and on the verge of collapse. Under her leadership, Xerox not only survived but also thrived. Her bold decisions and strategic vision are credited with turning the company around, making her one of the most respected leaders in American business by the end of the decade.

2. Mary Barra: Breaking New Ground at General Motors

Mary Barra, the current CEO of General Motors (GM), holds the distinction of being the first woman to lead a global automaker. However, her path to the top was far from typical. Barra spent a significant portion of her early career in HR, a detour that many might have seen as an obstacle to reaching the CEO position. But her deep understanding of the company's people and culture, coupled with her technical expertise, allowed her to rise steadily through the ranks.

Barra’s unique background in HR and engineering gave her a comprehensive perspective on GM's operations, helping her to make tough decisions that would guide the company through challenges like the ignition switch recall crisis. Her leadership is a testament to the power of people-focused management, a skill she honed during her time in HR.

3. Lisa M. Weber: A Decade in HR Leading to the Presidency at MetLife

Lisa M. Weber's career is another example of an HR professional reaching the highest levels of corporate leadership. After spending a decade in HR, Weber became President of MetLife, one of the largest insurance companies in the world, from 2004 to 2010. Her background in HR helped her navigate the complexities of running a large organization with a focus on talent management and corporate culture. Her leadership at MetLife was defined by her ability to align the company's human capital strategies with its broader business goals.

4. Bernard Fontana: From CHRO to CEO in Steel and Nuclear Industries

Bernard Fontana, former CEO of Areva, began his career in HR, serving as Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) at ArcelorMittal. His HR experience gave him deep insights into managing large workforces and complex organizational dynamics. After his time in HR, Fontana transitioned to the CEO role at Aperam, the stainless steel division of ArcelorMittal, before moving on to lead Swiss cement giant Holcim. In 2015, he took the helm at Areva, a France-based nuclear and renewable energy company, further proving that HR leaders can successfully transition into the top job in diverse industries.

5. Leena Nair: A Trailblazing HR Leader Turned Luxury Brand CEO

Leena Nair’s career is filled with firsts. As the first female, first Asian, and youngest-ever CHRO at Unilever, Nair broke barriers throughout her career. After a 30-year stint with Unilever, she made a groundbreaking move in 2022, becoming the Global CEO of Chanel, the iconic French luxury brand. Nair’s appointment was hailed as a progressive step for Chanel, which aimed to foster greater diversity within the luxury fashion industry. Her background in HR, known for championing inclusivity and people-first leadership, has positioned her to lead Chanel into a more diverse and innovative future.

6. Laszlo Bock: Revolutionizing HR and Leadership with Google and Humu

Laszlo Bock is one of the most famous HR executives globally, thanks to his tenure at Google, where he implemented innovative practices that transformed how companies approach HR. Bock’s leadership was instrumental in making Google one of the best places to work, with his focus on data-driven approaches to managing people. After his time at Google, Bock co-founded Humu, a company that leverages technology to improve workplace productivity and employee well-being. While Bock has not taken the traditional CEO role at a large corporation, his work at Humu continues to influence how companies manage and lead their teams.

7. Josh Bersin: A Thought Leader in HR Becoming a CEO

Josh Bersin is the founder and CEO of The Josh Bersin Company, a global HR consulting firm. Known for his deep expertise in HR and workplace trends, Bersin has become one of the most influential voices in the field. While his path differs from traditional corporate leadership, Bersin’s work as a thought leader and consultant has made him a CEO in his own right, driving HR innovation at companies around the world.

8. Meghan Biro: Building Dynamic Cultures as CEO of TalentCulture

Meghan Biro, founder and CEO of TalentCulture, has worked with global brands like Microsoft, IBM, and Google to help them build dynamic, people-first cultures. Her background in HR and talent management has positioned her as a leader in helping organizations maximize employee productivity and engagement. Biro believes that success in today’s world of work requires organizations to build cultures that are hardwired for social media and collaboration. Her focus on people-centric leadership continues to influence how companies approach talent and culture in the digital age.

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As more companies recognize the strategic value of HR, it’s likely that we’ll see more HR leaders making the leap to the CEO’s office in the future. These trailblazers are proof that the skills honed in HR—empathy, communication, and leadership—are exactly what is needed to lead companies through today’s challenges and into tomorrow’s opportunities.