The CHRO Association: A New Era for Human Resource Leadership

In a significant move, the HR Policy Association has officially rebranded itself as the CHRO Association (chro.org), marking a pivotal step that reflects the shifting landscape of human resource management. This rebranding is effective immediately and aims to better encapsulate the priorities of its membership, which comprises approximately 400 of the world’s largest companies and most prominent organizations. The main goal? To advance workforce policy and practice, fostering the development of high-performing work environments.

Tim Bartl, the CEO of the newly formed CHRO Association, emphasized the vital role of HR policy advocacy for its members, stating, "This rebrand reasserts us as the 'voice of the CHRO' while expanding our expertise in areas that are making the CHRO (Chief Human Resource Officer) a transformational leader in business performance today." With the evolving landscapes of workplace strategy and technology, the CHRO's role continues to expand, and the association is keen to reflect this change.

An exciting initiative introduced alongside the rebranding is the formation of a Center on Workplace AI. This new center is set to cultivate deep expertise in how artificial intelligence can enhance workforce performance and employee engagement. Just like the well-established Center on Executive Compensation, this new center aims to provide members with top-notch knowledge and access to a network of HR executives recognized in the industry, while also delivering crucial workforce policy insights and advocacy.

Tim Richmond, chair of the board of directors for the CHRO Association and retired Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer of AbbVie, reiterated the necessity of this evolution. He asserted, "The role of the CHRO has become crucial in defining the workforce strategy that enables people with automation, digital, and AI to deliver outsized impact." The association's mission is to support top HR leaders and their teams as they navigate these changes and maximize their workforce's potential in alignment with broader business objectives.

The legacy of the CHRO Association is significant. Initially founded in the 1960s as the Labor Policy Association for managing labor and employee relations public policy, the organization underwent a transformation in the 2000s, becoming the HR Policy Association as HR roles expanded into the executive suite. Now, under the CHRO Association banner, the commitment remains to meet the needs of today’s CHROs and their teams, ensuring they can effectively foster high-performing talent, culture, and capabilities.

The leadership team remains intact post-rebranding, with Tim Bartl leading as CEO, Ani Huang taking on a more significant role as President of Policy and Practice, and Henry Eickelberg adopting a new position as Chief Experience Officer. This stability in leadership aims to provide continuity and foster trust among members as the association grows.

The CHRO Association stands as the foremost organization representing Chief Human Resource Officers from major employers. This association comprises nearly 400 large corporations operating in the United States and globally, employing over 11 million people in the U.S. alone – amounting to more than nine percent of the private sector workforce, with an astounding 20 million employees worldwide. With a combined market capitalization exceeding $8 trillion, the member companies are committed to refining human resource policies that propel business success while unlocking and maximizing human potential in the workforce.

To learn more about this exciting new chapter and what it means for human resource leaders, visit their website at chro.org. The CHRO Association is poised to redefine the future of work and workforce management, ensuring that human resource leaders are equipped for the challenges and opportunities ahead.