WHERE ARE CHROS PLANNING TO INVEST IN 2026?

Gartner’ s Leadership Perspective survey reveals that half of CHROs are planning on investing in AI to some capacity, making it the leading area of spending for 2026. Other key areas of investment included recruitment and talent analytics, with the majority of CHRO spending being directed towards technology. Planned spending for CHROs includes:

CHRO TURNOVER: EMBEDDING HR LEADERSHIP IN BUSINESS STRATEGY

There was a 25 % increase in CHRO departures and appointments in 2025, according to research from Russell Reynolds. The consulting firms’ Global CHRO Turnover Index finds that this higher rate of turnover comes at a time when HR leadership is seeing a significant transformation. In recent years, the view of HR from a wider business perspective has shifted from an administrative function to a key strategic partner. According to the research, incoming CEOs often reassess the CHRO role to ensure there is trust between the two functions – with a strong relationship between the CEO and CHRO being crucial for business success.