BetterUp, the human transformation company and pioneer of virtual coaching, has announced the appointment of Jolen Anderson as the company’s first-ever chief people and community officer. As a proven executive for Fortune 500 companies, Anderson brings a deep understanding of the pivotal relationship between organizations and their employees in driving business results through equipping and empowering teams. Over the past two decades, she has identified and addressed key needs across human resources, legal, and diversity and inclusion for leading financial institutions.
In her new role, Anderson will oversee all aspects of the human resources function, including talent strategy, people operations, leadership development, and inclusion efforts. She will also support the BetterUp workforce through innovative initiatives that drive well-being, performances, and support navigating change and transformation as BetterUp employees aim to do the same for their customers and members worldwide. Anderson’s role will also be externally facing, as she will regularly convene and engage the BetterUp community and ecosystem of forward-thinking CHROs, customers, partners, and Science Board Advisors to advance the HR industry through leveraging the latest in behavioral science and technology.
“Since BetterUp is a trusted resource for CEOs, CPOs, and CHROs at some of the world’s largest organizations, our chief people and community officer role is unique in that it requires a visionary leader who pioneers new ways to invest in people and make a positive impact both within our organization and also for our broader community,” says Alexi Robichaux, CEO and co-founder of BetterUp. “We found those impressive qualities in Jolen; her innovative approach to leadership brings together purpose and performance to create cultures of belonging, drive performance, and unlock organizational results.”
Across her career, Anderson has successfully led major strategic initiatives, driven growth and innovation, and strengthened culture within global teams and companies. She most recently served as chief people officer and global head of impact citizenship at BNY Mellon, where she supported more than 50,000 employees in over 35 countries, successfully modernizing and transforming people systems while investing in world class learning, well-being, and talent programs. Anderson also led the company’s impact and philanthropic initiatives, leveraging its market influence and resources to address pressing global issues, contribute to healthy economies, and make a positive impact on people around the world.
Prior to BNY Mellon, she served as Visa’s chief human resources officer for the client organization, where she led a global team of internal strategic partners and advisors on all HR-related topics, creating and executing talent strategies aligned to business priorities. She also served as senior vice president, chief diversity officer, and chief counsel, employment and social responsibility, providing legal support to the global human resources organization, counseling senior executives and the board of directors on employment, executive compensation, and corporate governance matters. Prior to joining Visa, she practiced law at a Chicago firm where she represented parties in labor and employment matters.
“Throughout my career, I have been a student of human capital systems. BetterUp’s mission and employees are unique because they also support the performance, resilience, and well-being of enterprise and Fortune 500 workforces worldwide,” says Anderson. “I’m passionate about igniting purpose and performance for BetterUp internally and in partnership with the organizations we support. Great leadership is contagious and BetterUp inspires and transforms the lives of members everyday; I look forward to further building this community focused on strengthening mindsets, skills, and well-being.”
Anderson is a top contributor and thought leader in her field. She is a member of the Executive Leadership Council and the board of trustees for the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. She has been honored with the Aiming High Award by the Women’s Legal Education and Defense Fund, Standout HR Executive by American Banker, ChangeMaker Champion by the YWCA, Working Mother of the Year by Working Mother magazine, 11 Women Who Are Changing the Face of Finance by Forbes, Most Influential Women in Business by the San Francisco Business Times, and Top Diversity Executive by Black Enterprise Magazine, among others.
Anderson is a graduate of the Northwestern University School of Law and holds a bachelor’s degree in social policy from Northwestern University.
