Senior people leaders from Matalan, Starbucks and Ringtons have been named in the CIPD’s HR30 2026 list, which recognises HR professionals delivering ‘standout impact inside their organisations’.

The annual list, unveiled on the opening day of the CIPD’s Festival of Work at Excel London, celebrates 30 senior HR and people professionals judged to have made a significant and measurable difference over the past year.

Among this year’s retail names are Matalan chief people officer Aly Fadil, Ringtons head of people Julija O’Keeffe and Starbucks Coffee Company vice president partner resources Lisa Robbins.

Creed Foodservice people director Martin Holmes was also recognised. The final 30 spans sectors including finance, technology, charity and the NHS.

CIPD chief executive Peter Cheese said this year’s HR30 recognised senior HR professionals who were “not only championing the value of the people profession but delivering meaningful, measurable impact for their organisations and for their workforces”.

He added: “As the world of work continues to shift at pace, the role of HR has never been more critical to organisational success.

“HR30 celebrates outstanding leadership across the profession, shining a light on those setting the direction and making a difference. It also provides a platform to connect, learn and share insight.”

The CIPD said the list was judged by an expert panel of senior people leaders and HR practitioners, with the final cohort selected for their work in driving change, championing innovation and shaping modern people practice.

With store teams facing higher customer expectations, tighter labour markets and continued operational change, the role of HR leaders is increasingly central to how retailers protect service standards, build stronger cultures and keep frontline teams engaged.

The HR30 cohort was invited to a celebration event on 10 June, held on the first day of the CIPD Festival of Work.

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