The evolving role of CHRO – what you should know
In today’s fast-changing and complex commercial landscape, the evolving role of the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) or Chief People Officer (CPO) is breathtaking. These leaders aren’t just managing HR anymore: they’ve become specialist executives who shape strategy, enable transformation, and drive sustainable performance, especially in professional services firms. A pivotal position, they’re urging growth through talent strategy, in several key areas:- Strategic Leadership with Commercial Acumen CHROs are embedded in business decision-making. Thinking like commercial leaders, they bring deep insights into workforce dynamics, aligning people strategies to business goals. Their ability to understand the bottom line, manage risk, and use data to forecast trends makes them essential to long-term success.
- Defining the Skills for the Future As the nature of work evolves, CHROs are leading efforts to identify the capabilities organisations will need in the years ahead. This includes shaping future skills frameworks, building clear career pathways, and investing in reskilling and upskilling initiatives that keep businesses competitive and talent future-fit.
- Culture, Inclusion & Engagement CHROs are champions of workplace culture and values. Through strong Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) initiatives, they ensure employees feel heard, valued, and included, knowing that high engagement directly fuels productivity and innovation.
- Digital Transformation & Evidence-Based HR From AI in recruitment to predictive analytics, CHROs are transforming how HR operates. But beyond tools, they’re using robust data and evidence to inform decision-making, measure impact, and guide strategic workforce planning.
- Accountability & Leadership Through Change In times of uncertainty—whether economic shifts, new working models, or wellbeing challenges, CHROs are holding the organisation accountable to its values, people promises, and ESG goals. They are the voice of reason and resilience, steering the business through change with clarity and confidence.
- Building Future-Ready Organisations With a focus on learning and development, CHROs are building agile, adaptable workforces. They’re embedding a culture of continuous learning, ensuring the business has the talent it needs not just today, but for the challenges of tomorrow.