The landscape of human resources leadership is experiencing a significant shift, with prominent organizations across the healthcare and luxury retail sectors announcing key appointments. These strategic hires underscore a continuing trend of prioritizing human capital development and culture-centric leadership within these vital industries. As companies navigate evolving market demands and workforce expectations, the infusion of experienced HR professionals signals a commitment to robust talent management, employee well-being, and sustained organizational growth.
Kaiser Permanente Appoints Shaun Smith as EVP and Chief People Officer
Kaiser Permanente, a leading integrated healthcare provider and health plan, has appointed Shaun Smith as its new Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer, effective October 12, 2026. The announcement, made on September 9, 2026, highlights Smith’s extensive experience and his mandate to steer Kaiser Permanente’s HR strategy and operations. His responsibilities will include spearheading a multiyear initiative aimed at strengthening the organization’s internal culture.
Smith joins Kaiser Permanente from NewYork-Presbyterian, a renowned academic medical center, where he held the position of Group Senior Vice President and Chief People and Culture Officer. In this role, he was instrumental in shaping the human capital strategies for a vast healthcare network, a testament to his deep understanding of the complexities inherent in large-scale healthcare organizations. His tenure at NewYork-Presbyterian involved overseeing a significant workforce and driving initiatives focused on employee engagement, professional development, and fostering a positive organizational climate.
The selection of Smith for this critical role at Kaiser Permanente is seen as a strategic move to further enhance its employee experience and operational efficiency. With a career marked by leadership in human resources within the healthcare domain, Smith is expected to bring valuable insights to Kaiser Permanente’s mission of providing high-quality, accessible healthcare. His appointment comes at a time when the healthcare industry is grappling with workforce shortages and the ongoing need to attract and retain top talent, making his leadership in HR strategy particularly crucial.
Exemplar Luxury Group Welcomes Gretchen Koback Pursel as Chief People Officer
In the realm of high-end retail, Exemplar Luxury Group, a prominent collective of luxury brands including Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Bergdorf Goodman, has named Gretchen Koback Pursel as its new Chief People Officer. Her appointment, effective Monday, September 7, 2026, marks a significant addition to the group’s executive leadership.
Koback Pursel brings a wealth of experience from her previous leadership roles within the luxury retail, beauty, and wellness sectors. Prior to joining Exemplar Luxury Group, she served as Chief People Officer at Equinox, a premium fitness and hospitality company, where she was responsible for developing and implementing human capital strategies in a dynamic and customer-centric environment. Her prior experience also includes significant leadership positions at Tiffany & Co., the iconic luxury jeweler, and The Wella Company, a global leader in beauty. This diverse background equips her with a nuanced understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities present in cultivating talent and culture within the luxury market.
In her new capacity, Koback Pursel will be tasked with developing and leading a comprehensive people strategy designed to "foster a culture of performance" across Exemplar Luxury Group’s portfolio of prestigious brands. This focus on performance culture is critical in the competitive luxury retail landscape, where exceptional customer service and brand representation are paramount. Her leadership is expected to drive initiatives that enhance employee engagement, optimize talent development, and ultimately contribute to the continued success and brand integrity of Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Bergdorf Goodman. The luxury sector, more than most, relies on the human element to deliver its signature experiences, making the CPO role a linchpin for sustained brand excellence.
Lyra Health Appoints Leslie Riggs as Chief People Officer
Lyra Health, a leading provider of mental health benefits, has welcomed Leslie Riggs as its new Chief People Officer, effective September 14, 2026. The announcement was made by the company on September 2, 2026, underscoring the growing importance of mental well-being in the workplace and Lyra Health’s commitment to leading in this space.
Riggs’s suitability for the role was highlighted by Jennifer Schulz, CEO of Lyra Health, who noted her "experience scaling global HR operations, her deep understanding of the connection between organizational performance and workforce well-being, and her commitment to our mission." This statement emphasizes Lyra Health’s strategic vision, which intrinsically links employee well-being to overall business success.
Before joining Lyra Health, Riggs held a senior HR leadership position at Skechers, where she was responsible for overseeing global human resources. Her experience in scaling HR operations across international markets is particularly relevant as Lyra Health continues its expansion and aims to provide its mental health solutions to a growing global clientele. Her expertise in connecting organizational performance with workforce well-being is directly aligned with Lyra Health’s core business, positioning her to significantly contribute to the company’s internal culture and its external mission. The company’s focus on mental health benefits makes the role of a CPO who champions employee well-being not just a functional necessity, but a strategic imperative.
Halff Promotes Leigh Hollis to Chief People Officer
Leigh Hollis has been promoted to Chief People Officer at Halff, a prominent infrastructure consulting firm, as announced on September 2, 2026. This internal promotion signifies Halff’s recognition of Hollis’s contributions and her readiness to lead the firm’s human resources function.
In her new role, Hollis will be instrumental in supporting Halff’s HR initiatives while also guiding the firm’s ongoing commitment to project delivery and quality. She joined Halff in 2005 at the firm’s Fort Worth, Texas, office and has since held various leadership positions, most recently serving as Senior Vice President and an operational leader for Halff’s offices in Dallas, Frisco, and Richardson, Texas. Her long tenure with the company and her operational leadership experience provide her with a comprehensive understanding of Halff’s business, culture, and workforce needs.
The promotion of Hollis to CPO is indicative of Halff’s strategy to leverage internal talent to drive its human capital objectives. Her deep familiarity with the firm’s operations and its core values is expected to facilitate a seamless transition and enable her to effectively implement HR strategies that align with the company’s growth and operational excellence goals. As an infrastructure consulting firm, Halff relies heavily on its highly skilled professional workforce, making effective HR leadership crucial for its continued success.
Ascensus Appoints Edward Greene as Chief Human Resources Officer
Ascensus, a leading financial services company, has appointed Edward Greene as its new Chief Human Resources Officer, with his tenure beginning on September 14, 2026. The company announced his arrival, highlighting his extensive experience in human capital strategy and organizational development.
Greene will serve as a key member of Ascensus’s executive leadership team, where he will be responsible for overseeing the company’s human capital strategy, talent development, organizational effectiveness, and culture initiatives. His appointment signals Ascensus’s commitment to investing in its people and fostering an environment conducive to growth and innovation within the financial services sector.
Prior to joining Ascensus, Greene held significant roles at Iron Mountain, where he served as an advisor to the CEO and as Chief Human Resources Officer. His background also includes valuable experience at Surfside Capital Advisors, Voya Financial, and Fidelity Investments, providing him with a broad and deep understanding of human resources management across diverse financial industry landscapes. This extensive experience is expected to be invaluable as Ascensus navigates the complexities of talent acquisition, retention, and development in the competitive financial services market. His leadership will be critical in shaping the employee experience and driving organizational performance.
Pride Industries Appoints Kim Mayes as Senior VP and Chief People Officer
Pride Industries, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating employment opportunities for people with disabilities, has appointed Kim Mayes as its new Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer. The announcement was made on September 16, 2026, highlighting Mayes’s commitment to building engaged workplaces.
Mayes joins Pride Industries from Intel Corp., a global technology giant, where she most recently served as Vice President of HR. Her extensive experience in human resources within a large, multinational corporation positions her well to lead Pride Industries’ people strategies. Craig Levra, CEO of Pride Industries, expressed confidence in Mayes’s ability to drive growth, employee engagement, and organizational performance, emphasizing her "deep commitment to building engaged workplaces."
The appointment of Mayes is particularly significant for Pride Industries, given its unique mission. Her leadership will be crucial in advancing the organization’s goals of fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment for its employees, including those with disabilities. Her focus on driving growth and engagement is expected to enhance the operational efficiency and impact of Pride Industries’ programs, further solidifying its role as a leader in social enterprise and employment inclusion. The success of such an organization is intrinsically tied to the well-being and engagement of its workforce, making Mayes’s role pivotal.
Industry-Wide Implications and Trends
The flurry of high-profile HR appointments across these diverse sectors – healthcare, luxury retail, mental health benefits, infrastructure consulting, financial services, and social enterprise – reflects a broader trend. Companies are increasingly recognizing that a strong, strategically aligned human resources function is not merely an administrative necessity but a critical driver of business success.
Data-Informed Strategies: The healthcare sector, in particular, is under immense pressure to address workforce shortages and burnout. Kaiser Permanente’s appointment of Shaun Smith, with his background in large healthcare systems, signals a focus on bolstering employee support and retention. Data from industry reports consistently show that employee well-being programs and robust HR strategies are directly correlated with reduced turnover and improved patient care outcomes. For instance, a 2025 survey by the Healthcare Human Resources Association indicated that organizations with dedicated chief people officers reported 15% lower voluntary turnover rates compared to those without.
Culture as a Competitive Advantage: In the luxury market, where brand perception is paramount, Exemplar Luxury Group’s hiring of Gretchen Koback Pursel underscores the understanding that an exceptional customer experience is rooted in a highly engaged and motivated workforce. The luxury retail sector is competitive, and a strong internal culture that values employees translates directly into superior customer service and brand loyalty. Companies like Exemplar understand that their people are their most valuable asset in delivering the aspirational experiences their brands promise.
Well-being as a Core Business Tenet: Lyra Health’s appointment of Leslie Riggs as CPO highlights the growing integration of employee well-being into core business strategies. As mental health awareness continues to rise, companies are realizing that investing in the mental and emotional health of their employees is not just a benefit but a fundamental aspect of productivity, innovation, and resilience. This aligns with broader economic data indicating a significant return on investment for companies prioritizing mental health support.
Internal Development and Expertise: The promotion of Leigh Hollis at Halff exemplifies a strategic approach to leadership development. Promoting from within can foster a deeper understanding of the company’s unique culture, operational challenges, and long-term vision. This internal expertise is often invaluable in shaping HR policies that are closely aligned with the firm’s strategic objectives and workforce needs.
Talent and Human Capital as Strategic Assets: Ascensus’s appointment of Edward Greene reflects a sophisticated understanding of human capital as a strategic asset in the financial services industry. The ability to attract, develop, and retain top talent is crucial for innovation, risk management, and client service in this highly regulated and competitive sector. Greene’s broad experience across different financial institutions suggests a forward-thinking approach to talent management.
Social Impact and Mission Alignment: Pride Industries’ appointment of Kim Mayes highlights the critical role of HR in organizations with a strong social mission. Ensuring a positive and productive work environment for all employees, while upholding the organization’s commitment to inclusivity and empowerment, requires specialized HR leadership. Mayes’s background at Intel suggests an ability to bring best practices from large corporations to a mission-driven non-profit.
Collectively, these appointments signify a robust and evolving HR landscape. The trend towards appointing experienced Chief People Officers or Chief Human Resources Officers, with a focus on strategy, culture, and employee well-being, indicates a mature understanding of the critical role HR plays in organizational success across all industries. As companies continue to prioritize their human capital, these leadership changes are poised to shape the future of work, employee experience, and overall business performance.
About the Author
