What is a chief people officer?

A chief people officer, or CPO, is the C-suite-level position responsible for building a company’s culture, managing an organization’s team members, and ensuring that HR strategies align with overall business objectives and goals. The role requires a blend of business acumen, HR expertise, leadership capabilities, interpersonal skills, and creative problem-solving capabilities.

Does a chief people officer hire people?

While a chief people officer may not directly hire everyone themselves, they help lead the talent acquisition team responsible for hiring people. They review and approve the company’s hiring strategy, including the criteria for attracting and selecting team members that align with the company’s culture and needs. They also provide guidance where necessary, evaluate top candidate profiles, and make the final hiring decisions.

What is a chief people officer’s salary?

A chief people officer’s salary depends on many factors, including the country of employment, specific work location, experience, industry, level of education, and company. For example, in the United States, most CPOs earn between $265,480 and $330,080 yearly. In the United Kingdom, the estimated salary range for a CPO can be between €88,000 to €146,000, with people in London earning more due to the demand for senior roles and the cost of living. In addition to their salary, chief people officers can receive stock options, generous employee benefits packages, and yearly bonuses.

What is another name for chief people officer?

Many organizations refer to the chief people officer as the head of the HR department or the chief human resources officer (CHRO). However, the CPO is not the same as a CHRO. The CPO role focuses on people-related initiatives and implementing strategies that improve team member engagement, happiness, and the organization’s culture. Depending on the organization, the CPO may also handle traditional HR functions such as training and development, performance management, and recruitment.

Who does the chief people officer report to?

The chief people officer reports directly to the chief operating officer (COO) and chief executive officer (CEO). This reporting structure can be effective because the CPO has to align human resource management initiatives with the company strategy and goals. It enables the CPO to stay informed about key business decisions. The CPO also reports to a board if it’s directly involved in management and strategic decision-making.

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