Tessa Baker

About Tessa Baker

I am a transformational Human Resources professional with 20 years of progressive experience aligning people strategy with business performance in global, matrixed, and high-growth environments. I specialize in leading large-scale HR transformations, building talent infrastructure from the ground up, and navigating complex organizational change, including mergers and acquisitions, site closures, and integrations. Recognized for cultivating high-performing, inclusive cultures, I serve as a strategic advisor to C-suite leaders across operations, manufacturing, and corporate functions. I have a proven track record of translating workforce strategies into EBITDA impact and operational KPIs, influencing executive decisions, and driving measurable outcomes across the enterprise.Areas of Expertise:Change Management | Succession Planning | Leadership Development | Mergers & Acquisitions | Workforce Planning | HR Operations | Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)| Performance Management | Total Rewards | Talent Acquisition | Employee Experience | HR Technology | Executive Coaching | Strategic Business Partner | Compliance & Risk Mitigation Employee Relations | Internal Communications | HRIS Implementation | Private Equity Readiness | Operational ExcellenceSystems & Technology: Microsoft Office Suite | Cornerstone | Workday | WorkBoard | SharePoint | ServiceNow | Achievers

Experience

1. Vice President of Talent Management & Organizational Effectiveness

   Driven Brands Inc.

   Apr 2022 — Present · Charlotte, NC, US

   Lead enterprise-wide talent strategy and HR transformation across a high-growth, private equity-backed organization, building core infrastructure, partnering with divisional leaders, and positioning HR as a driver of business value.* Built a full Talent Center of Excellence from the ground up, launching enterprise-wide frameworks for performance management, succession planning, and mobility following the transition from a legacy tactical model* Spearheaded the six-month deployment of Workday Talent modules, replacing iCIMS, and standardized recruiting processes, improving time-to-fill to 15 days for corporate and 5–10 days for shop-level roles* Elevate HR business partner effectiveness through targeted development and coaching, while gaining C-suite trust by linking turnover costs to KPIs and influencing a pending restructure to move HR under the CEO* Served as the Interim VP, HR Business Partners for 18 months leading 10 HRBPs across the U.S. and Canada, and partnering with C-suite leaders on organizational design, workforce planning, talent strategy, and change management* Provide strategic coaching and consultation to senior leaders on team effectiveness, performance management, talent development, and engagement, ensuring alignment between people strategies and business goals

Education

• Capella University

  Master of Science - MS, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Cum laude

• University of Central Florida

  Bachelor of Science - BS, Psychology