Can chief people officers, or HR directors, make good CEOs?  

Judging by the lack of examples in the business world of HR leaders progressing to the top job, the popular answer is a resounding ‘no’.

My Google search found only a handful of CEOs of large corporates with an HR background, and none in automotive.

But times are changing, and so is the role of HR. The perception that it is an administrative support function dealing with personnel issues no longer holds water. 

With the need to attract and retain the best talent becoming ever more critical in a tight labour market, HR leaders are now driving and enabling business strategy.