Manage HR Magazine: Awards Ranking
Manage HR Magazine Europe proudly presents the Top 10 Chief People Officers in Europe 2026, recognizing HR leaders who are redefining workforce strategy across the region’s diverse business landscape. These executives align people initiatives with organizational priorities while supporting cultures that encourage growth and adaptability. Their leadership helps organizations strengthen employee engagement and respond to evolving workforce expectations, enabling businesses across Europe to build high-performing teams while sustaining long-term organizational success.
Top 10 Chief People Officers in Europe 2026
Wendy Tomlinson
Chief People Officer, Winston Taylor
Wendy Tomlinson has over 25 years of experience in talent, learning and organisational development within the legal sector. Her expertise spans the full employee lifecycle, from talent acquisition and business partnering to cultural integration and sustainability.
Will Serle
Chief People Officer, National Grid
Will Serle serves as Chief People Officer at National Grid and is a member of the company's Group Executive Committee. His role sits at the center of workforce decisions for an organization that operates critical electricity and gas infrastructure across the United Kingdom and the Northeastern United States. His responsibilities place him within discussions that connect business strategy, workforce planning and leadership capability across a large and geographically dispersed employee base.
Maria Kokkinou
Chief People Officer, NatWest Group
Maria Kokkinou serves as Chief People Officer at NatWest Group, where she leads the bank's people strategy and is a member of the Executive Committee. Her career spans more than two decades across human resources leadership roles in financial services and professional services, including senior positions at NatWest, HSBC and Deloitte. Her experience has centered on workforce strategy, organizational effectiveness and leadership development within large, regulated institutions.
