Charlene Thomas

About Charlene Thomas

I am a seasoned human resources executive and strategic leader with expertise in talent optimization, succession planning, and culture transformation. Currently serving as Chief Human Resource Officer for Sodexo North America, I lead workforce strategies for a diverse organization of employees. Starting my career at UPS, where I progressed through various leadership roles, I bring a hands-on approach to building scalable talent solutions and fostering innovation. To board service, I offer a strong foundation in aligning workforce strategies with business objectives and supporting sustainable growth through effective governance and cultural alignment. Key achievements include the following: BOARD LEADERSHIP: Provided strategic insight and guidance as a board member of Allete Energy (NYSE: ALE), where I also sit on the Audit and Human Capital Committees. Additional board roles include efforts on behalf of the West Town School, the Executive Leadership Council, the National Urban League, Orangewood Foundation, and Big Brothers Big Sisters. STRATEGIC PLANNING: Led strategic planning and execution to offshore 20% of back-office roles to global business services (GBS) model in South America for Sodexo. BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION: Orchestrated special HR transformation project on behalf of UPS, outsourcing hiring practices through a global business service model to deliver a projected $35M in annual savings over 3 years. EXECUTIVE ADVISORY: Served as a member of UPS’s executive leadership team and guided CEO transition while steering the company through its most profitable year in a decade. CRISIS MANAGEMENT: Spearheaded the mobilization of UPS’s essential workers, driving the rapid hiring of employees within 2 weeks to support critical operations, including facilitating delivery of 1 million+ vaccines. INSPIRATIONAL LEADERSHIP: Transformed a team of average performers to become the top 10% within UPS. PROCESS OPTIMIZATION: Established and executed a growth, cost-cutting, and efficiency program to recover $23M for US domestic package operations, surpassing $20M deficit in just one month. To connect about board opportunities, please contact me via LinkedIn. SKILLS Board & Stakeholder Engagement Business Process Improvement Human Capital Transformation Talent & Culture Optimization Strategic Thought Leadership Organizational Development Mergers & Acquisitions Budget Management Business Operations Succession Planning Fiscal Stewardship P&L Management

Experience

1. Senior Vice President Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), North America

   Sodexo

   Jan 2023 — Present

   Lead HR transformation for organization, including developing scalable solutions to reduce talent acquisition costs while deploying training and development programs that facilitate advancement opportunities company-wide. Evaluate internal processes for outsourcing opportunities, including GBS and platform solutions, to meet evolving workforce needs. Manage $38.6M budget and 10 vice presidents.

Education

• Temple University

  Bachelor of Arts - BA

• Eastern University

  Master of Business Administration - MBA