Josh Bersin’s research shows that most HR leaders now work in the C-suite

A new study on the role played by the chief human resource officer in an organisation has revealed that it is now one of the most important roles.

Understanding The Path to CHRO by global HR consultancy, the Josh Bersin Company found that 53% HR leaders are now C-suite, making them just as important as the heads of finance and IT. This percentage increased to 60% in high-performing firms

The study revealed that more than one-tenth of HR leaders (13%) are now among the five highest paid executives. The study found that as the CHRO role has become more complex and important, it is becoming increasingly difficult for companies to find “the right” CHRO.

It was found that succession planning is a major challenge for many companies. The majority of companies surveyed did not have a programme to develop CHRO skills within the company. 73% new CHROs came from outside.

In more than 10% companies, non-HR candidates now hold the CHRO position despite the complexity of HR.

According to the analysis, CHROs who were promoted internally had a 40% lower chance of being promoted to C-level compared to their counterparts in the business. This shows a lack of effective succession planning for this crucial position.

Multi-disciplinary backgrounds are common among CHROs with high performance. Leaders with a high level of political science and economics are often the best fit. Those with business studies tend to be less successful.

Researchers found that CHROs are highly educated. 98% of them hold a degree. However, only 15% have a qualification in Human Resources. The likelihood of a CHRO holding a PhD was twice as high in top organisations.

Researchers found that fewer CHROs are coming from traditional sources of hiring, such as finance and administration. Researchers found that those who came from these areas had the least impact on the business. However, consulting and technology expertise appeared to be linked with higher performance.

75% of CHROs with high performance had international experience, compared to 50% of those with lower performance.

CHROs older than 50 are 36% more likely to have high performance than their younger counterparts. This shows a strong correlation between experience and success.

Rethinking HR role

The Josh Bersin Company analysed data from SeekOut – an AI powered recruiting and talent intelligence firm – to reveal that the shifts began in early 2000s, when a digital talent shortage forced many CEOs to reconsider HR’s role. As companies adapted to the information age, CHROs took on greater strategic responsibilities–moving beyond payroll and hiring to oversee performance management, leadership development, and corporate universities.

CHROs became more responsible for global workforces, diversity initiatives and change management as businesses evolved. Globalisation, remote working, and movements such as George Floyd’s impact in DEI have all contributed to the expansion of their role.

Researchers found that CHROs will be increasingly relied upon as strategic leaders in 2025. However, the complexity of their role has grown beyond “CEO recognition and assistance, leaving many without sufficient training and resources to navigate through this changing landscape”.

Amazing opportunity

Josh Bersin is the CEO of The Josh Bersin Company. He said that HR leaders who have vision can explore new possibilities: “There are many different career paths and CHROs.” Our research reveals a new opportunity that is ripe for HR leaders with vision.

The CHRO is now one of the most influential and important positions in any organization. Have you realised how much you are needed by your organization and are you prepared to take advantage of this opportunity?

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