The Path from Human Resources to CEO: A Common Trait of New Generation Leaders

Ankara, Turkey – The path from human resources leadership to the CEO's office is becoming increasingly common in Turkey, reflecting a growing recognition of the strategic importance of HR functions within major corporations. Traditionally, top executive roles were dominated by individuals with backgrounds in finance, sales, or operations. However, a new wave of leaders is emerging from HR, demonstrating that expertise in managing people, organizational culture, and strategic transformation is crucial for top-tier leadership.

Prominent figures like Özgür Tort, CEO of Migros Group, and Özgür Burak Akkol, President of Koç Holding's Tourism, Food, and Retail Group, exemplify this shift. Their ascents highlight how experience in areas such as organizational transformation, digitalization, sustainability, and corporate governance, gained through HR leadership, provides a significant advantage for leading entire companies. Today, Chief Human Resources Officers (CHROs) often report directly to the CEO, overseeing critical functions like AI-driven workforce planning and corporate strategy.

This evolution positions the HR function as a core management pillar, responsible not only for employee management but also for driving growth strategies and competitive advantage. The data underscores this trend: a study of the 50 most effective CHROs in Turkey revealed that women hold a commanding majority, making up 64% of the leaders. This strong female representation in HR leadership has been consistent over the years.

Furthermore, the educational profiles of these top HR leaders are notable. According to the research, 58% of the leaders on the "Most Effective 50 CHRO" list hold master's degrees, with a significant portion being MBA graduates. This emphasis on advanced education, particularly in business administration, suggests that aspiring HR leaders are equipping themselves with the comprehensive business acumen required to transition into the highest levels of corporate management.