The Path to CHRO

In this Oakleaf Refresh session, senior HR leaders explored the evolving pathways to the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) role, set against a cautiously improving 2026 hiring market. The discussion highlighted how organizations are approaching CHRO appointments and what HR leaders need to demonstrate to succeed at each stage of the journey.

Key takeaways include:

• The three most common routes to the CHRO seat: external hire, internal promotion, and first-time CHRO appointments.

• Why companies choose each route, often driven by growth stage, transformation needs, or risk appetite.

• The increasing importance of commercial acumen, enterprise-wide perspective, and credibility with the C-suite.

• Common challenges, including cultural misalignment, limited mandate for change, and the need to prioritize effectively in the first 12 months.

• Why self-awareness, adaptability, and leveraging external networks and mentors are critical for long-term success.

This session marked the first in a four-part series focused on building capability, visibility, and impact as a CHRO, with future sessions covering personal brand, function design, and commercial leadership.