As the HR function increasingly becomes one of an organization’s most critical strategic contributors, the work of the professionals staffing that function becomes even more impactful—heightening both the expectations and the potential for innovation. Every year, in the HR’s Rising Stars competition, HR Executive shines a light on the professionals who sit at that nexus: expertly navigating a quickly evolving profession while driving progress with their own leadership capabilities and sharp people acumen.
Nominations are now open for HR’s Rising Stars of 2026, with applications accepted until July 6. (Click here to learn more about the competition, and here for the nomination portal.)
New this year, candidates will be judged in one of two categories, based on organization size (above and below 1,000 employees). The nomination process has also been streamlined, with a new nomination portal through which all nomination materials can be submitted. The nomination form prompts submitters to outline candidates’ most significant contributions, with a new emphasis this year on demonstrating impact through data.
The 2026 winners will be given a free expo pass to the HR Tech conference in Las Vegas, Oct. 20-22 and recognized during the event.
As in previous years, candidates must have between 3-15 years of experience in HR, and have been at their current organization for at least one year. Importantly, HR’s Rising Stars must not be the top-ranked HR professional at their organization.
This year’s competition will be judged by: Prerna Ajmera, general manager, HR digital strategy and innovation at Microsoft, and a 2025 HR’s Rising Star; Xan Daniels, vice president of inclusion, diversity and employee engagement, at Alight Solutions and a 2024 HR’s Rising Star; Gregory Hessel, managing director, global HR practice, at Korn Ferry, and Heather Vogel, chief talent officer at Children’s Home Society of Florida and a 2023 inductee into HR Executive′s HR Honor Roll.
Last year’s winners include Ajmera, Drew Howell of World Wide Fulfillment by Amazon and North America Selling Business Programs; Mai Lan Nguyen of Schneider Electric; Gabrielle Rodman of Dell Technologies; and Sarah Tilley of ServiceNow.
Credit: Source link
