Joanna Kmiec, CHRL

CEO

Toronto, Ontario, Canada23 yrs 5 mos experience
Most Likely To Switch

Key Highlights

  • Top HR Leader in Canadian Tech Award recipient
  • Achieved Great Place to Work certification for three consecutive years
  • Expert in driving cultural transformation and employee engagement
Stackforce AI infers this person is a strategic HR leader with extensive experience in SaaS and organizational development.

Contact

Skills

Core Skills

Global Hr StrategyLeadership DevelopmentBusiness StrategyHr ManagementGo-to-market StrategyOrganizational DevelopmentEmployee EngagementGlobal HrCompensation ManagementHr SoftwareEmployee Training

Other Skills

Change ManagementCoachingCompensationCompensation & BenefitsDeferred CompensationEmployee BenefitsEmployee Learning & DevelopmentEmployee RelationsEmployer BrandingEmployment LawGlobal Human Resources ManagementHR AnalyticsHR PoliciesHR StrategyHR Transformation

About

BUILD | ENGAGE | SCALE As a strategic and global Chief People Officer, I aim to redefine how organizations connect business performance with human potential. With a career spanning North America, Europe, EMEA, and APAC, I've led organizations through high-growth phases, M&A integrations, and cultural transformation—proving that people strategy is the most powerful lever for sustainable success. I bring a results-driven approach grounded in empathy, innovation, and action. Passionate about the evolving world of work, I champion the integration of technology, talent, and culture to create workplaces where people thrive and businesses outperform. From building scalable global talent strategies to fostering leadership excellence, I focus on enabling organizations to not just adapt—but to lead—in times of change. Believing that culture and the Employee Experience are a company’s ultimate competitive advantage, I advocate for purposeful leadership and brand-driven performance as the foundation of long-term growth. Global Experience: Canada | USA | UK | Australia | India | Sweden | EU Key Expertise: Global HR Strategy | Workforce Transformation | M&A Integration Employee Engagement | Talent Management/Performance | Leadership Development HRIS Implementation | HR Tech | Change Management Brand Strategy | Talent Attraction & Retention I Compensation Systems: BambooHR I Ashby I Lattice I Lever I Jobvite I Culture Amp I Barley (Comp) I Asana I Jira I Confluence I ADP I UltiPro I Net Survey I Qualtrics I OfficeVibe I Bonusly I SAP HR I Cornerstone I Quick Check (Sales Training) I Shortlyster I Performance Pro I Early Workday implementation and others. Recognized Leadership: *Top HR Leader in Canadian Tech Award *Catalyst Award- Success Leaves Clues Podcast *Start-up Advisor *Hacking HR- Experts council I Speaker *Transform Toronto- Advisory Board & Panelist *Scale HR, Unmuted Podcast Guest: "Evolving Role of the Chief People Officer (CPO)’ *Repeat Speaker/Panelist-Tech Talent North Conference-Toronto *Tech Talent North Conference Advisor 2023 *’Success Leaves Clues' repeat podcast guest *’The Modern Leader’ (U.S. CHRO podcast guest)

Experience

Loopio

Chief People Officer

Oct 2025Present · 5 mos · Greater Toronto Area, Canada · Remote

  • With a focus on global scale, performance, the EVP and EX, my role ensures that Loopio’s people strategy scales in tandem with its product innovation and operational growth, reinforcing the company’s commitment to leadership development, inclusion, and a connected global culture.
Global HR StrategyWorkforce TransformationEmployee EngagementLeadership DevelopmentHRIS ImplementationChange Management

Mystoria

Advisor

May 2025Present · 10 mos

  • Tech / saas Start-Up Advisor to the Founder and organization
Business StrategyHR ManagementGo-to-Market Strategy

Peopletech partners

Advisor

May 2025Present · 10 mos

  • PeopleTech Partners is an advisory and investment group that leverages insights of People Operations leaders operating in high-growth companies. We accelerate the growth of early-stage people technology start-ups in our portfolio through providing targeted product feedback and helping to shape the product roadmap.
  • Our thesis is simple: We believe that it’s critical for founders to have key partners that work in the companies their products serve. If founding teams have the right partners early enough, their product trajectory accelerates, and their businesses thrive
Business StrategyGo-to-Market Strategy

Elastic path

2 roles

Global SVP, People & Culture

Promoted

Sep 2024Oct 2025 · 1 yr 1 mo

  • As a Global People & Culture Executive, I partner with leadership to develop, scale, and execute the People & Culture strategy to align with business goals. I drive the strategic roadmap for employee engagement, employee experience, and the creation of high-performing teams. My role is to empower organizational success through transformative people strategies, fostering a culture of excellence and alignment with the company’s vision.
  • Key Accomplishments:
  • Achieved first Great Place to Work Certification for 3 consecutive years in Canada, the United States, and the UK.
  • Achieved consecutive Best Workplaces in Tech certifications in Canada.
  • Successfully scaled from 110-205 FTE in first year, ensuring a scalable tech stack and programs.
  • Developed and executed first Global strategic roadmap driving alignment across geographies and significant improvement in engagement for the first time (ENPS: +82, Participation: 93%, Engagement: 78%)
  • Successful rollout of a Total Rewards Philosophy and Global Pay Transparency program, enhancing morale, trust, and retention metrics.
  • Development of the first global manager training program, increasing management effectiveness (ratings improved from 75% to 90%).
  • Successful integration of a Front-End Platform Acquisition, fostering growth as a standalone product.
  • Locations include: Vancouver, Toronto, Boston, and the UK, with globally distributed remote employees
Organizational DevelopmentEmployee RelationsGlobal HRPerformance ManagementHR SoftwareHuman Resources+42

Global Vice President, People & Culture

May 2022Sep 2024 · 2 yrs 4 mos

Organizational DevelopmentEmployee RelationsGlobal HRPerformance ManagementHR SoftwareHuman Resources+42

Transform

Board advisor-Toronto Chapter

Jan 2024Present · 2 yrs 2 mos · Toronto, Ontario, Canada

  • Transform is the ecosystem that connects people-driven leaders , entrepreneurs, and investors to influence strategy, ignite innovation, and shape the future of work.
Organizational DevelopmentEmployee RelationsGlobal HRHR SoftwareHuman ResourcesStrategic Human Resources Leadership+19

Hacking hr

Founding Member of HR Experts Council

Oct 2023Present · 2 yrs 5 mos · Toronto, Ontario, Canada

  • Council Position
  • Hacking HR is a global learning community of HR and Business leaders, HR practitioners, vendors, and consultants who are interested in learning, collaborating and advancing the HR profession.
  • The goal of the Hacking HR Experts council is to provide insights, ideas, recommendations, and expertise to the global Hacking HR community in an effort to elevate the Future of Work.
Organizational DevelopmentEmployee RelationsGlobal HRHR SoftwareHuman ResourcesStrategic Human Resources Leadership+19

Maropost

Vice President and Global Head of People and Culture

Nov 2020May 2022 · 1 yr 6 mos · Toronto, Ontario, Canada | Tech -SaaS-Marketing / E Commerce

  • I partnered with the global executive leadership team to rapidly scale and enhance the employee value proposition in support of M&A and high-growth initiatives. I led the strategic direction and roadmap for all areas of People & Culture, including global integration, acquisitions, talent branding, attraction and retention, training and development, employee engagement, and optimizing the employee experience. My focus was on aligning people strategy with business objectives to drive organizational success and foster a culture of high performance.
  • Key Accomplishments:
  • Achieved first “Great Place to Work” certification in India (2022) by realigning the global People Strategy
  • Spearheaded two major international acquisitions in first year, integrating marketing and e-commerce businesses
  • (130+ FTEs).
  • Increased Global ENPS from 60% to 78% within six months (81% within a year) through engagement strategies, system integrations, and global process alignment
  • Scaled workforce from 130 to 310 FTEs while enhancing the Employee EX, including the first global Taent Acquisition strategy and Onboarding program
  • Launched the first global engagement platform via Office-Vibe, boosting survey participation from 30% to 70% by refining strategic focus areas.
  • Enhanced HR team engagement (60% to 85%) and ENPS (-20 to +71) in seven months by investing in skill development, coaching and team alignment.
  • Developed the first Global Performance, Merit, and Recognition Program, empowering managers and
  • reinforcing core values.
  • Operational Excellence- Reduced time to fill TA metric from 90 to 45 days by automating pre-hire and
  • onboarding processes in BambooHR, and improving applicant and employee experiences.
  • Integrated shortlisting software to support DE&I, minimizing unconscious bias and increasing equity in
  • recruitment while reducing screening time.
  • Locations Included: Canada, USA, Australia, India, Sweden, EU Expansion
Organizational DevelopmentEmployee RelationsGlobal HRPerformance ManagementHR SoftwareHuman Resources+42

Wentworth technologies inc.

2 roles

Global Vice-President, Human Resources

Jun 2019Nov 2020 · 1 yr 5 mos

  • I led the development and execution of the company’s People Strategy for Canada, the United States, and supported Europe. I was accountable for multiple business units, driving M&A integration, and aligning people initiatives with the overall organizational strategy. My focus included employee engagement, growth, scale, and the seamless integration and alignment of diverse businesses to drive performance and organizational success. I partnered with leadership to build a high-impact people strategy that supported growth, engagement, and long-term value creation.
  • Key Accomplishments:
  • Successfully integrated and scaled an acquired business with an existing portfolio, growing from 80 to 160 FTEs while reducing turnover by 15% across a parent organization of 800 FTEs.
  • Led a post-M&A cultural assessment and implemented a Leadership Coaching program, equipping leaders to manage change effectively and enhance retention.
  • Executed a comprehensive HR assessment to position the organization for growth, aligning processes and setting the foundation for a cohesive People Strategy across 10 global businesses
  • Delivered a 3-day Global Sales Development Conference and implemented a blended learning program driving re-engagement and elevating sales performance during a market decline
  • Locations Included: Canada, US, Poland
Organizational DevelopmentEmployee RelationsGlobal HRPerformance ManagementHR SoftwareHuman Resources+42

Global HR Director

Apr 2018Jun 2019 · 1 yr 2 mos

Organizational DevelopmentEmployee RelationsGlobal HRPerformance ManagementHR SoftwareHuman Resources+42

The scotts miracle-gro company

Director, Human Resources- Canada

Mar 2017Apr 2018 · 1 yr 1 mo · Mississauga, Ontario I CPG

  • As a senior leadership team member, I was responsible for shaping and executing the HR strategy during a period of high-growth and scale across Canada. I led the development of our people strategy, focusing on succession planning, employee development, and ongoing coaching while integrating acquired businesses into “One Scott’s Canada.” I partnered with the North American HR Centre of Excellence on M&A initiatives, driving progressive people programs, a multi-business system implementation, and cultivating a strong organizational culture rooted in brand strength and employee commitment.
Organizational DevelopmentEmployee RelationsGlobal HRPerformance ManagementHR SoftwareHuman Resources+42

Trillium therapeutics inc.

Director, Talent Management

Mar 2016Mar 2017 · 1 yr · Mississauga, ON I Biotech Start-Up: Immuno-oncology

  • As the first Senior Talent/HR Executive, I was responsible for scaling, designing, and implementing People and Culture initiatives to drive Organizational Effectiveness and build a high-performance culture during a period of rapid growth and cultural transformation. This role involved leading the strategic review and implementation of a web-based performance management system, developing a comprehensive talent attraction and retention strategy, and rolling out impactful training and development programs. Additionally, I drove change management initiatives to ensure alignment with the company’s overall business strategy and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
Organizational DevelopmentEmployee RelationsGlobal HRPerformance ManagementHR SoftwareHuman Resources+42

Husqvarna

HR Director, Canada

Nov 2010Mar 2016 · 5 yrs 4 mos · Mississauga, ON I CPG

  • Responsible for the implementation of all Global HR initiatives and the national HR strategy within the Canadian corporation. Initially tasked with conducting a full audit and re-implementing HR processes, systems, and programs to drive organizational alignment and performance. Partnered with the U.S. HR Centre of Excellence and the Training C.O.E. in Sweden to integrate global best practices. Key areas of accountability included coaching, organizational development, employee engagement, and performance management. Additionally, I led and developed a team of HR, payroll, and benefit professionals, partnering closely with business leaders to provide development solutions for all teams across Canada.
Organizational DevelopmentEmployee RelationsGlobal HRPerformance ManagementHR SoftwareHuman Resources+42

Rhenus logistics americas

HR Manager- North America

Jun 2007Nov 2010 · 3 yrs 5 mos · Mississauga, ON I Logistics

  • Previously Rodair Logistics -As the first HR leader at Rodair Logistics, I was responsible for establishing and developing the HR department, including the creation and execution of HR strategy and initiatives from the ground up. I provided leadership and strategic direction for offices across Canada and the U.S., while collaborating with the HR team in London, UK to ensure alignment with global HR practices. Key responsibilities included driving talent management, employee engagement, and organizational development to support business growth and scalability.
Organizational DevelopmentEmployee RelationsGlobal HRPerformance ManagementHR SoftwareHuman Resources+42

Hatch ltd

Training Consultant (L&D Consultant)

Jan 2006Jan 2007 · 1 yr · Mississauga, ON I Engineering Consultation Firm

  • Specialized role with emphasis on development and facilitation of training programs. This included the Graduate Engineers New Hire and Orientation program, Succession Planning, Development of project specific Training Matrix plans, creation and analysis of online employee pulse and engagement surveys, and the launch of a Team Building project and orientation for all new graduates across Canada.
Organizational DevelopmentEmployee RelationsGlobal HRPerformance ManagementHR SoftwareHuman Resources+42

Iovate health sciences

HR Generalist

Jan 2004Jan 2006 · 2 yrs · Mississauga, ON I CPG

  • This role was created to help lead the original start up of all HR areas and initiatives for the Canadian and U.S locations. This included implementation of Performance Management programs, Recruitment , Coaching, Compensation, Benefits and Training.
Organizational DevelopmentHuman ResourcesEmployee TrainingTalent AcquisitionTraining and Development (HR)Coaching+24

Corus entertainment

2 roles

HR Generalist

Promoted

Jan 2002Jan 2004 · 2 yrs

  • True generalist role encompassing accountability for benefits, policies, the full recruitment cycle, on-boarding, terminations, restructuring, leadership training, and responsibility for 6 collective agreements across various media platforms.
Organizational DevelopmentEmployee RelationsGlobal HRPerformance ManagementHR SoftwareHuman Resources+33

Human Resources Coordinator

Jan 2001Jan 2002 · 1 yr

Organizational DevelopmentEmployee RelationsGlobal HRPerformance ManagementHR SoftwareHuman Resources+33

Education

University of Toronto

Honours BSc

Jan 1996Jan 2000

Queen's University

Executive HR Strategy Program

Jan 2007Jan 2007

Humber College

CHRM — Post-Graduate Program: Human Resource Management

Jan 2000Jan 2001

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