CIPD recognises senior HR leaders in annual HR30 list

The CIPD has unveiled its HR30 list for 2026, recognising 30 senior HR professionals for their impact on organisations and the wider people profession over the past year.

The list recognises HR leaders from organisations spanning the private, public and third sectors, including financial services, technology, retail, healthcare, higher education and government.

Compiled by an expert panel of senior HR leaders and people professionals, the HR30 celebrates individuals who have demonstrated measurable impact through their leadership, people strategies and contributions to the profession.

Some of the names recognised include:

• Louise Brown, vice principal – corporate services, Wigan and Leigh College
• Rami Busbait, head of talent management, Savvy Games Group
• Charlotte Eaton, chief people officer, Arm
• Aly Fadil, chief people officer, Matalan
• Pamela Flynn, chief people officer, Manchester Metropolitan University
• Nik Galanis, head of equity, diversity and inclusion delivery, Department for Work and Pensions
• Heather Saville Gupta, SVP, people & culture, BritBox International
• Danny Harmer, group chief people officer Aviva
• Katie Obi, chief people officer, OneAdvanced
• Kerri O'Neill, chief people officer, UK and Ireland, Ipsos
• Lisa Robbins, vice president, partner resources, Starbucks Coffee Company
• Cheryl Samuels, people & culture director, Guy's and St Thomas' Foundation NHS Trust
• Claire Scrafton, deputy director of HR & governance, Mersey & West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
• Saira Shah, chief people officer, West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

The 2026 cohort reflects the growing strategic role of HR leaders in shaping organisational performance, workforce strategy and employee experience across some of the UK's largest employers.