Karen Criswell

About Karen Criswell

Global payroll leader with 20+ years of experience transforming multi-billion-dollar payroll operations across 50+ countries. Proven leader of global teams (80+ FTEs) delivering high-compliance, tech-forward payroll strategies aligned with enterprise HR and Finance goals. Track record of success in M&A integration, divestitures, and digital transformation using Workday, SAP, and ADP platforms. Adept at governance, regulatory compliance, and scaling shared services to support global workforce needs and business expansion.

Experience

1. Director Americas Payroll Transformation and Operational Lead

   Johnson & Johnson

   Feb 2023 — Present · Tampa, FL, US

   Global healthcare leader with $90B+ in annual revenue, operating in 70+ countries across pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and consumer health- Lead payroll integration and transformation across Americas region, influencing global operations strategy- Govern all aspects of $15B annual payroll with full compliance and internal control responsibilities- Led 80+ payroll professionals and managed SLA performance, reducing audit findings by 55% through targeted process controls- Achieved GS Delivery Score of 93.25% and improved Net Promoter Score to 6.0, reflecting enhanced global payroll satisfaction- Spearheaded Workday HR/payroll integration across Americas, streamlining employee lifecycle processes- Led payroll elements of Kenvue divestiture and multiple M&A integration efforts across the region- Implemented SOX-compliant governance frameworks and enhanced compliance KPIs- Executed operational redesign that resulted in a 42.5% reduction in headcount, while maintaining service delivery excellence and compliance across 50+ countries.

Education

• Indiana Wesleyan University

  MBA, MBA HR & Compensation

  2009 — 2011

• Indiana Wesleyan University

  Bachelors, Business Administration

  2002 — 2004

• Indiana Wesleyan University

  Associates, Business

  2000 — 2002