Kara Hughes is a seasoned Human Resources leader with over 18 years of experience, currently serving as the Vice President and HR Business Partner for Technology and Digital at Northwestern Mutual. In her pivotal role, she operates with a scope of responsibility that mirrors that...
Kara Hughes is a seasoned Human Resources leader with over 18 years of experience, currently serving as the Vice President and HR Business Partner for Technology and Digital at Northwestern Mutual. In her pivotal role, she operates with a scope of responsibility that mirrors that of a Chief Human Resources Officer, demonstrating her expertise in aligning talent strategies with overarching business objectives. Kara has been instrumental in leading HR strategy and implementation for the company's Technology and Client Experience divisions, where she has successfully overseen a significant reorganization that split the CX division into distinct Client Experience and Digital organizations. This strategic move not only enhanced operational efficiency but also allowed for the hiring of a Chief Technology Officer, ensuring that the organization is well-equipped to navigate the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Kara's pragmatic leadership style is characterized by her strong focus on relationship building and her ability to foster engagement among diverse teams. Her expertise in workforce planning, people insights, and analytics has been crucial in driving data-informed decision-making processes that enhance talent acquisition and retention strategies. As a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), she excels in organizational change management and executive succession planning, ensuring that the company is prepared for future challenges while cultivating a high-performance culture. With a deep understanding of global human resources management, Kara is committed to leveraging her skills to create a dynamic and inclusive workplace that empowers employees and aligns with Northwestern Mutual’s mission to deliver exceptional client experiences.
