Top HR Influencers You Must Follow In 2026

The 30 profiles span leadership, recruiting, employer brand, employee experience, HR technology, workplace culture, career advice, and people analytics. Choose by the problem you need to solve, then verify each profile’s current role, work, and relevance.

Key takeaways

• Leadership and culture: Brigette Hyacinth, Leena Nair, Josh Bersin, Jeanne Meister, Laurie Ruettimann, and Sharlyn Lauby offer leadership, culture, and people-strategy perspectives.
• Recruiting and candidate experience: Hung Lee, Stacy Zapar, Lou Adler, Sam Magadán, Melissa Grabiner, Margaret Buj, Bonnie Dilber, Jess Miller-Merrell, and Liz Ryan focus on hiring, candidates, or careers.
• HR technology and analytics: William Tincup, J.Y Delmotte, Jon Ingham, Meghan M. Biro, Frida Polli, Jason Averbook, Soumyasanto Sen, and Laura Close cover HR technology, transformation, or evidence.
• Workplace and employee experience: Ester Martinez, Ana King, Bre Bergman, Trish Steed, Gautam Ghosh, and Suzanne Lucas add workplace, communication, or employee perspectives.
• Verify current roles and separate research, experience, opinion, promotion, and career advice before applying a recommendation.

30 HR Influencers To Follow

The profiles below cover different parts of HR, so start with the people whose work matches your current question. Treat each profile as a lead for further reading, not as a substitute for evidence or policy review.

01Brigette Hyacinth

Brigette Hyacinth is a renowned international keynote speaker, bestselling author, and a prominent thought leader known for her insights on leadership, HR, Artificial Intelligence (AI,) and Digital Transformation. She is the CEO and founder of Leadership EQ which is a leadership development organization.

She is also the founder of MBA Caribbean Organization which conducts seminars and workshops in leadership, management, and education as well as provides motivational speeches. With over 4 million followers on LinkedIn, Brigette has been ranked Top 100 HR Influencers (Leadership & Development). Brigette’s thought leadership, impactful books, and keynote speeches have inspired many individuals to reach their full leadership potential across various industries worldwide.

02Hung Lee

Hung Lee is a well-known recruitment industry professional known for his thought-provoking insights that will make you think differently about recruitment. He is the mind behind the very prominent industry newsletter Recruitment Brainfood which explores a broad spectrum of topics like the future of work, AI, blockchain, employer branding, culture, HR tools and technologies, and much more.

Lee has 15 years of rich experience in the HR world as a recruiter, recruitment manager, head of talent, and recruitment trainer. He is also the founder of the award-winning online recruiting platform WorkShape. He frequently connects with industry experts and discusses the current trends ruling the HR industry. His work highlights the evolving relationship between employers and candidates, emphasizing the importance of human-centered hiring strategies.

03William Tincup

William Tincup is an acclaimed individual in HR, talent acquisition, and recruiting.

An applicant tracking system gives a hiring team one place to follow candidates and hiring stages. With over 20+ years of experience, William is a prominent speaker, writer, advisor, and thought leader. Until late 2026, he was the President and Editor-at-Large of RecruitingDaily, a leading online publication focused on human resources and recruiting. He has also served on the board of advisors of multiple ventures throughout his years in the industry, making an impact in the HR industry.

William is also renowned for being involved in multiple podcasts where he shares his insights about various recruitment trends and a particular focus on how technology is reshaping recruitment. His latest venture is the WRKdefined podcast, where he is the editor, analyst, advisor, and host.

04Stacy Zapar

Stacy Zapar is a recognized recruiting professional specializing in helping businesses improve their hiring strategies and boost their employer brand. She is the founder and principal recruiter of The Talent Agency, a recruitment consultancy specializing in executive search, recruiter training, sourcing-as-a-service, and consulting for top businesses.

With over 20+ years of experience, Stacy is one of the leading voices in the HR landscape. She has been featured in some major platforms like Washington Post, Huffington Post, Harvard Business Review, Forbes, and CNBC, for her top-notch strategies and insights. She has empowered talent acquisition teams to build a strong employer brand and meet their hiring goals.

05Lou Adler

Lou Adler is one of the prominent names in the recruitment circle, known for emphasizing performance-based hiring strategies rather than traditional recruiting practices. Lou is the CEO and founder of The Adler Group, a consulting and training firm helping companies implement “Win-Win Hiring” programs. He focuses on data-driven recruiting, encouraging businesses towards more objective, performance-oriented hiring decisions.

Additionally, Lou has authored several impactful books like Hire with Your Head on Amazon, and The Essential Guide for Hiring, and his insights are frequently published in major publications like Inc., Business Insider, Bloomberg, and The Wall Street Journal. He also actively speaks in webinars, sharing his insights and approach to how companies can transform their hiring process.

06Sam Magadán

Sam Magadan is a career coach, and speaker and currently working as the Head of Talent at The Midnight Club, a creative company for cultural advancement within the advertising sector. She has 14+ years of experience in people management and is very enthusiastic about work culture. With over 50k+ followers on Linkedin, Sam has great insights on how to improve work culture in a workplace.

Sam is also the founder and Sr. HR Consultant & Career Development Coach of Kandidaat, the #1 Career Coaching firm in New Mexico. As an HR Manager in London Communications Agency, she navigates the nuances and depth of organizational culture, ensuring a favorable environment for success. She has also been awarded as LinkedIn Top Voice for her contributions to the Future of Work and Employee & Candidate Experience.

07Leena Nair

Leena Nair is a highly respected global business leader, known for her pioneering work in human resources and leadership. She currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Chanel, one of the world’s most iconic luxury brands. Before this, she was the first woman and youngest ever CHRO of Unilever, leading the global people strategy for 160,000+ employees in more than 100 countries.

Leena Nair has been a trailblazer in modernizing HR practices and embedding sustainability and ethics into corporate cultures. She is also known for her deep commitment to gender equality and for being one of the most influential women in global business. She is also the founder of the Career by Choice initiative, which helps women who have dropped off the career ladder, owing to various obstacles.

08J.Y Delmotte

J.Y Delmotte is an up-and-coming HR influencer and a LinkedIn Top Voice, with a strong background in HR technology and strategies. J.Y. advocates for employee engagement, workplace culture, company values, and remote work. With a strong 10+ years of tech background and enthusiasm for human resources, J.Y has co-founded a lot of businesses that have made an impact.

Currently, he holds the position of co-founder at BuddiesHR, which is an employee engagement software that helps companies build a great work culture via Slack apps, and retain top talent. His strong insights on the importance of flexible work arrangements makes him a great thought leader in the current HR tech space.

09Melissa Grabiner

With a career spanning over two decades in the field of Human Resources and Talent Acquisition, is a seasoned HR professional and thought leader who focuses on strategic HR leadership, job search coaching, personal branding tips, and HR consulting. Melissa is currently working as the Job Search & Personal Brand Coach, Expert & Advisor at topmate.io. Her expertise and thought leadership have garnered her a substantial following on LinkedIn, where she is ranked #2 Female LinkedIn Creator Worldwide and #1 HR LinkedIn Creator in the USA.

She has won multiple HR & Talent Acquisition Awards and has been interviewed by The Wall Street Journal, Market Watch, Fast Company, Congrade, and Indeed Business and was featured twice on the Times Square Billboard in New York City. Beyond her professional achievements, Melissa is also a Yoga instructor.

10Margaret Buj

Margaret Buj is a renowned talent acquisition professional and influencer with expertise in interview coaching, recruiting, employer branding, and resume writing. She is a prominent interview and career coach who is featured as LinkedIn’s Top Voice. With over 19 years of experience in the recruitment landscape, she has sourced top talents for some of the leading global technology companies like VMware, Cisco, Microsoft, and Expedia.

She has been featured in some of the major platforms like Forbes, Business Insider, and Fox Business. Margaret is currently a Principal Recruiter at Mixmax where she is leading the recruitment efforts within multiple teams. She is passionate about coaching and guiding job seekers to get to their full potential and help them achieve their career goals.

11Ester Martinez

Ester Martinez is a seasoned HR professional turned entrepreneur who is passionate about all things HR. She is the CEO and Editor-in-chief of People Matters, which is one of the leading knowledge and media technology platforms in the HR space. With experience of 15+ years in the field of HR, she has worked in different functions in HR in a host of companies in different countries all over the globe.

She has been featured on the Linkedin Top Voices list and has also been ranked as the top writers for the year. Ester has also been recognized as Remote Work Thought Leaders of 2026, Power List of the Top 200 Biggest Voices in Leadership, and Top 30 Influential Women Leaders in HR Tech 2026.

12Bonnie Dilber

Bonnie Dilber is a talent acquisition professional and one of the LinkedIn Top Voices who is at the forefront of advocating for job seekers, revolutionizing recruiting, and making the workplace more equitable for everyone. With 9 years of experience, she has seamlessly transitioned from teaching to talent acquisition, leaving an indelible mark across tech, education, and non-profit sectors.

Her passion for workplace equity resonates with her 400,000+ LinkedIn followers, where she shares invaluable insights. As one of LinkedIn’s Top Voices, Bonnie’s expertise guides job seekers in writing standout resumes, networking effectively, and navigating the ever-evolving job market. Having worked at Zapier as a recruiting manager in the past, she is currently working as the brand partner at Secta Labs.

13Jon Ingham

Jon Ingham is an HR consultant, HR trainer, public speaker, blogger, author, and currently working as an independent consultant and Director of the Strategic HR Academy, which offers courses on human capital management, social organization, and HR innovation. Jon has over 25 years of experience in IT, engineering, change management, and HR. Along with being the author of The Social Organization (2026), which highlights the importance of employee relationships in driving business success, Jon is also a sought-after keynote speaker in prestigious global conferences like SHRM and HRPA. Jon has been helping organizations gain a competitive edge through human, organizational, and social capital and empowering them toward HR innovation.

14Ana king

Ana King is a seasoned recruitment professional with over 11 years of experience in talent acquisition, fostering positive people culture, and advocating for an inclusive and dynamic workplace. She has worked as a recruitment professional for some very big companies like Google, Twilio, and ChapmanBlack and currently serving as the Head of People and Talent at SAPI, a company dedicated to providing liquidity solutions for the global payment ecosystem. Having worked in recruiting within different sectors like digital marketing, e-commerce, and technology, Ana focuses on developing strategic, fair, and efficient hiring practices. Ana is also known for her insights on the evolving job market, the role of AI in hiring, and the importance of empathy and respect in recruitment.

15Bre Bergman

Bre Bergman is a seasoned HR professional with over 9 years of experience in the industry, working as a recruiter for some very huge names like Facebook and Microsoft. Currently, she is working as a Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist – Executive, Commercial Sales, IT, and Product Development at S&C Electric Company. Bre is recognized as a leading voice in recruiting on LinkedIn and keeps sharing her meaningful insights on how to empower people, develop effective hiring systems, and manage stakeholder relationships with data insights and market research. She is passionate about empowering hiring managers and recruiters and transparency in candidate recruitment.

16Meghan M. Biro

Meghan is a globally renowned HR professional and a recognized thought leader, visionary, author, speaker, analyst, and podcaster. She is the founder and CEO of TalentCulture and founder of the #WorkTrends Community. Meghan is also the host of the WorkTrends podcast, where she engages with industry leaders to discuss evolving workplace dynamics. With over 15 years of experience, Meghan has collaborated with hundreds of companies, from startups to global giants like Microsoft, IBM, and Google, helping them to recruit and empower top talent. Meghan is also a sought-after speaker in the Global HR conferences circle and also often contributes at Forbes, SHRM, and several other media outlets.

17Trish Steed

With over 20 years of experience in human resources across various industries, including Big 4 public accounting, PR, healthcare, manufacturing, and IT, Trish (McFarlane) Steed is the Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer of H3 HR Advisors. She is also the co-host of two of the most listened-to HR industry podcasts: HR Happy Hour and At Work In America. Trish is passionate about empowering organizations with their product and marketing strategies to bring HR professionals and technology vendors closer together. Her expertise encompasses HR technology, workforce management, and the evolving dynamics of workplace etiquette.

18Sharlyn Lauby

Sharlyn is a highly experienced and seasoned professional in human resources with 20+ years of experience. She is the President of the ITM Group, South Florida’s premier management training and human resources consulting firm. She is also an author of four books, speaker, and consultant in the field of human resources, best known for her creation of the popular blog HR Bartender, a friendly platform dedicated to discussing workplace issues. HR Bartender has been ranked in the Top 5 Blogs read by HR professionals by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and also awarded the best business blog by the Stevie Awards. Sharlyn is also a sought-after writer at major publications such as Reuters, The New York Times, ABC News, and The Wall Street Journal, where she shares her valuable insights on topics related to human resources and the workplace.

19Jess Miller-Merrell

Jess is a passionate human resource professional with over 20+ years of experience in the field. She left her HR executive role in 2009 to start her venture, Workology, a comprehensive resource platform for HR and recruiting professionals and also hosts the Workology Podcast, where she delves into contemporary workplace issues. Jess is also a sought-after interviewee by major publications, including HR Magazine, Fast Company, Entrepreneur, Forbes, and The Economist, and also has been recognized by Forbes as a top 50 social media influencer. Jess is highly passionate about uplifting HR professionals by up-leveling, upskilling, and upgrading them and helping them with their personal and professional development.

20Josh Bersin

Josh Bersin is a globally recognized analyst, researcher, author of several books, and educator in the field of human resources. He specializes in corporate HR, training HR professionals, talent management, recruiting, leadership, and workplace technology. Josh was the founder of Bersin & Associates, a research and advisory consulting in enterprise learning and talent management, which was later acquired by Deloitte. Josh is the Founder and Dean of The Josh Bersin Academy, an online professional development platform offering courses and insights to navigate the evolving HR landscape. He is also the Founder and CEO of The Josh Bersin Company, which provides research and advisory services to help organizations navigate the ever-changing world of work.

21Ben Eubanks

Ben is a distinguished HR professional, analyst, author, and speaker specializing in HR/talent technology and trends. With a diverse experience of over 15 years, Ben is currently the Chief Research Officer at Lighthouse Research & Advisory, where he oversees the development of research, assets, and insights to support HR, learning, and talent executives across the globe. He is also the Podcast Host at We’re Only Human, where he discusses important topics revolving around the intersection of people and technology. In addition to this, Ben also foundedupstartR, a platform dedicated to sharing insights and resources for HR practitioners. He also co-founded the HRevolution movement, an initiative designed to bring together HR professionals and business leaders to discuss and drive forward-thinking practices within the industry.

22Jeanne Meister

Jeanne is a widely respected global HR consultant helping organizations better understand the changes in how we work, where we work, and the evolving demographics of the workforce. She is well-known for her innovative perspectives on the future of work and workplace learning. Jeane is the author of several best-selling books that have helped transform HR practices in the best way and is the recipient of several industry awards. Currently, she is working as the Strategic Advisor at Uplimit, an AI-powered cohort-based learning platform. Jeanne is an active contributing writer to Forbes and Harvard Business Review, where she explores emerging HR trends and technologies shaping the future of work.

23Gautam Ghosh

Gautam is a well-known HR professional with over 30 years of experience in the areas of Human Resources and Organization Development. Having worked for some of the major organizations like Flipkart, Deloitte, Phillips, and Dell, Gautam is currently working as an independent content creator, consultant, and speaker to empower HR professionals to increase their competence and build efficient hiring strategies. Gautam helps businesses create and manage talent communities, emphasizing the importance of social media in modern HR practices. He is one of India’s leading bloggers and commentators on career, work, and HR His thought leadership inspires HR professionals and organizations to adopt innovative approaches to talent management and employer branding.

24Frida Polli

Frida is one of the most respected HR tech influencers in the world. She is the CEO and co-founder of Pymetrics, a platform that uses AI and neuroscience-based tests to improve workforce management and talent acquisition. Pymetrics helps organizations reduce bias and encourage diversity in recruiting by concentrating on assessing individuals’ potential rather than using conventional measures. Under Dr. Polli’s direction, Pymetrics has helped companies like Accenture, LinkedIn, and Unilever make more accurate and equitable hiring decisions. Her work challenges conventional hiring methods to establish a more equal job market, highlighting the significance of ethical AI in recruitment.

25Jason Averbook

Jason Averbook is a globally recognized thought leader, author, and keynote speaker specializing in the future of work, HR transformation, and digital workforce experience. With over 25+ years of experience in the HR and technology industry, Jason is a Senior Partner and the Global HR Transformation Leader at Mercer right now. Jason is the co-founder of Leapgen, a digital transformation consultancy. Earlier in his career, he co-founded Knowledge Infusion, which was later acquired by Appirio, and held leadership roles at The Marcus Buckingham Company, PeopleSoft, and Ceridian Corporation. He is the author of two books that explore the intersection of HR and technology, helping organizations reimagine their people strategies in the digital age.

26Soumyasanto Sen

Soumyasanto Sen is an influential industry figure, advisor, and author specializing in digital HR, workforce transformation, and people analytics. With over 20 years of experience across North America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific, he has advised large and mid-sized companies on HR technology and transformation strategies. Soumyasanto is the founder of People Conscience, a firm dedicated to guiding organizations through digital HR transformations. He authored “Digital HR Strategy: Achieving Sustainable Transformation in the Digital Age” and co-authored “The Sustainable Organisation – a paradigm for a fairer society.” As a keynote speaker and thought leader, he focuses on AI-driven analytics, culture analytics, blockchain, and the future of work.

27Laura Close

Laura Close is a distinguished executive coach, entrepreneur, and thought leader specializing in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), as well as career strategy. As the Founder and CEO of Close Cohen Career Consulting, established in 2013, she has guided numerous executives, VPs, and C-suite leaders across major companies like Amazon, Apple, and Cisco. Her mission is to revolutionize human resources through artificial intelligence, ensuring an intuitive and insightful experience for our clients. Laura is also the Co-founder and Chief Business Development Officer at Included, an AI-native software platform for people analytics, where she leverages her two decades of DEI expertise to drive innovative solutions. Her insights have been featured in prominent outlets such as Marketplace and The Wall Street Journal, and she is a sought-after speaker on topics ranging from AI to workplace inclusion.

28Laurie Ruettimann

Laurie Ruettimann is a former HR leader turned writer, entrepreneur, trainer, and speaker. She worked as the author, keynote speaker, and podcaster at Punk Rock, where she had some thought-provoking conversations on pressing work-life issues, offering listeners practical advice and insights to navigate the nuances of modern work environments. She is also the best-selling author of ‘Betting On You,’ which gives lessons on how to put yourself first and advance in your career. Laurie is a trainer and LinkedIn Learning Instructor with 2MM+ Views. She has dedicated her career to revolutionizing work culture by advocating for self-leadership and individual accountability. Her insights have been featured in esteemed publications such as NPR, The New Yorker, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, and Vox.

29Suzanne Lucas

Suzanne Lucas, also known as the “Evil HR Lady,” is a former corporate HR professional turned speaker and writer. With over 19 years of experience, Suzanne specializes in empowering HR and Talent Acquisition professionals and is a prominent voice in the field, offering insights and advice through various platforms. In 2006, Suzanne launched the “Evil HR Lady” blog, where she demystified HR practices and provided guidance to both employees and employers. After 18 years, she rebranded her platform to “Improve Your HR” to better reflect her mission of enhancing human resources practices.

30Liz Ryan

Liz Ryan is a renowned HR professional with over 25 years of experience working in multiple major organizations in different roles, where she developed and implemented strategic HR initiatives that helped shape the corporate culture. Liz is the founder and CEO of Human Workplace, a coaching, content, and consulting firm that focuses on reinventing work with a human voice. Liz is also a sought-after keynote speaker at some of the major conferences and a popular columnist in media outlets like Forbes, The Denver Post, and Harvard Business Review, as well as through her platform. Her writing and insights emphasize the importance of career growth, navigating job searches, and overcoming workplace challenges.

Top HR influencers to follow in 2026: choose by expertise and evidence

An influencer list becomes more useful when it explains how to choose as well as who to follow. A current HR influencer selection guide uses criteria such as relevance, demonstrated expertise, professional credibility, and ongoing contributions. Use those criteria alongside the person’s direct profile and published work.

For AI-related hiring advice, compare the recommendation with the NIST AI Risk Management Framework and the EEOC guidance on artificial intelligence and the ADA. Recooty’s articles on AI in recruitment and AI-powered ATS tools can provide additional workflow context.

A simple follow-and-test routine

1. Choose one learning question for the month.
2. Follow two or three relevant voices and save only advice connected to that question.
3. Trace important claims to the person’s source, research, policy, or example.
4. Test one low-risk idea with a defined owner and success measure.
5. Keep, change, or discard the idea after reviewing the result with the hiring team.

Conclusion

Use the list to build a small, relevant learning feed. Follow voices that match your role, check their current work, and test useful ideas against your own hiring process before adopting them.

The related HR technology influencer guide can help if your focus is AI or recruiting software.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I follow HR influencers?

HR influencers share valuable insights on trends, best practices, and strategies to improve recruitment and employee management.

Who are the top HR influencers to watch in 2026?

Top influencers include Leena Nair, Lou Adler, and Margaret Buj, known for shaping recruitment, leadership, and workplace culture.

How can HR influencers help me grow in my career?

They offer actionable advice on career development, leadership, and employee engagement, helping you stay ahead in the HR field.

What makes an HR influencer credible?

Credible influencers have extensive experience, and a strong track record, and contribute consistently to industry conversations.

How do I engage with HR influencers effectively?

Engage by commenting on posts, attending webinars, and sharing their insights to foster meaningful connections.

How can I verify an HR influencer’s current role?

Open the person’s current LinkedIn profile or official website, check the date of recent activity, and compare the profile with the person’s own published work. Do not rely on an old job title or an undated list.

Should HR teams use influencer advice as policy?

No. Use it as a prompt for research or a small workflow test. Policies involving hiring, employee data, accessibility, or automated decisions should be reviewed against applicable law, internal controls, and authoritative guidance.

How many HR influencers should a recruiter follow?

There is no useful universal number. Start with a small group that covers your learning needs, such as recruiting practice, HR technology, employee experience, and responsible AI, then remove accounts that no longer provide relevant or evidence-based value.

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Source: https://recooty.com/blog/top-hr-influencers-you-must-follow-in-2026/