Representing Industry Excellence: Donna Morris of Walmart Honored as 2025 HR Executive of the Year

Core Insights - Donna Morris, Executive Vice President & Chief People Officer at Walmart, has been named the 2025 HR Executive of the Year, while Paige Ross, Global Head of Human Resources for Blackstone, has been recognized as HR Leader of Distinction [1][3] Group 1: Awards and Recognition - The annual HR Executive of the Year program has honored visionary HR executives for over 30 years, recognizing their contributions to shaping work for millions globally [2] - Recent awardees include leaders from major companies like IBM, Caterpillar, Johnson & Johnson, Microsoft, and Accenture [2] Group 2: Leadership and Impact - Donna Morris has focused on making Walmart a great workplace for its 2.1 million associates across 19 countries, emphasizing emotional, physical, and financial well-being [3] - Morris has shifted Walmart's HR focus towards skills-based learning and preparing associates for advancements in technology, including generative AI [3] - Paige Ross at Blackstone is modernizing talent processes using data science and AI, aligning the strategic talent agenda with business objectives [4] Group 3: Upcoming Celebrations - Morris and Ross will be celebrated at the HR Tech conference during the first-ever HR Icons Awards Evening, with official recognition at the Human Resources Policy Institute's Fall Summit on October 23, 2025 [5]