As we move into the final months of the year, I continue to be encouraged by the many ways our members connect, learn, and grow together. Whether online or in person, these connections continue to be the foundation of our community.

Over the past several months, members have participated in an outstanding lineup of virtual programmes covering topics at the forefront of our profession. These conversations, led by HR practitioners and industry experts from around the globe, have generated meaningful discussions and practical takeaways. Best of all, every session remains available through our on-demand library, allowing members to learn on their own schedules and revisit topics most relevant to their organisations.

While our virtual programmes create opportunities to connect across geographies, there is something special about coming together in person. Here are a few things that current members have said about the value of membership.

“The exchange of ideas and best practices has been invaluable in refining my skills and broadening my perspective in the field of human resource management and organisational design.” 
— Kadi Cesaire, Chief People Officer

“Learning from others’ approaches to similar obstacles, we gain valuable insights that accelerate decision-making and implementation.” 
— Rekha Weerasooriya, Group Chief People Officer

The Association in EMEA

The Association has experienced considerable growth across the EMEA region over the last two years, with close to 20% of our members located there. Our members are senior HR and TA leaders from global and EMEA-based organisations, with representation across sectors including consumer goods, healthcare, and manufacturing.

What distinguishes our community from others is the convenient structure: monthly peer-led sessions on specific challenges (AI in hiring, workforce planning, internal mobility), an on-demand library, and direct access to a global network for benchmarking and support—not just introductions.

If you are an HR or TA professional in the EMEA region, I encourage you to join us 4–5 November in Barcelona for the 2026 HRO Today Forum, EMEA. The event will bring together senior HR decision-makers and thought leaders for a dynamic exploration of where HR has been and where it needs to go. A highlight for me is presenting the 2026 HRO Today Association Awards for the EMEA region over lunch.

C-TEN Fall Retreat

In September, C-TEN members gathered in person in Atlanta for a networking dinner and a full day of educational sessions. Each speaker tackled a different dimension of today’s HR leadership landscape, including culture, employees empowered by AI, legal exposure, and the CHRO role under private equity ownership. Across all of it, one message kept surfacing: As technology takes over more of the information work, human judgment, trust, and intentional governance are what set HR leaders apart.

C-TEN (the CHRO Today Executive Network) is a trusted peer community built specifically for CHROs and senior HR leaders, bringing executives together for candid, high-trust conversations focused on real-time challenges, strategic peer problem solving, and practical insights you can apply immediately. We have space for a handful of additional members—please contact me if you’d like to learn more.

Final Thoughts

As we look ahead to the remainder of 2026, a few things continue to stand out.

1. Every conversation adds value. Whether virtual or in person, these moments build on one another.

2. Regional perspective matters. What we learn in EMEA strengthens the network as a whole.

3. The door is open. Whether you’re a member, a prospective one, or just curious, I welcome the conversation.

Thank you for your continued engagement and for the role you play in shaping this community.

Please feel free to reach out to me directly: Renee.Preston@SharedXpertise.com.

Renée Preston

Senior Vice President of Membership Services

Global Executive Director of the HRO Today Association