For an HR leader who began her career in chemical engineering, Stacy Dillow’s trajectory has been anything but formulaic. She has led global supply chain transformation and steered multimillion-dollar capital projects. Now, she is poised to take on one of the most people-centric roles in tech.

By 1 May, Dillow will step into the position of executive vice president and chief people officer at Hewlett Packard Enterprise, reporting directly to CEO Antonio Neri. It’s a milestone that reflects not just her rise through the corporate ranks, but the culmination of a career shaped by both technical rigour and a genuine passion for people.

Dillow joins HPE after nearly three decades at Fluor Corporation, a global giant in engineering and construction. Most recently, she served as its chief human resources officer, leading a people function as complex and dynamic as the megaprojects the company delivered. In that role, she became known as a transformation whisperer, someone who could decode business challenges, align them with talent strategy, and help teams find renewed purpose amid change.

“Stacy is a strategic leader with a people-first mindset, a unique global perspective, and deep expertise in transformation,” said Neri. “Combined with her dedication to culture, these attributes will help her enhance HPE’s position as a destination for top talent.”

From engineering frontlines to the boardroom

Dillow’s leadership style is grounded in real-world experience. She earned her degree in chemical engineering from the University of Colorado Boulder and started her career with a hard hat and blueprint in hand.

Her professional evolution, however, soon took her from building infrastructure to building culture. That rare blend of technical savvy and human intuition has made her a bridge between engineering logic and emotional intelligence.

Her global career path reads like a masterclass in versatility: from leading supply chain transformation at Unilever across Southeast Asia and Australia to guiding HR and corporate affairs at Fluor with a steady hand. She’s lived and worked in the US, Canada, the UK, and the Philippines, absorbing different ways of thinking and leading across borders.

I take pride in fostering a workplace where team members thrive,” said Dillow.

“Culture, innovation and inclusion are top priorities for me, and HPE is well known for the way its distinctive purpose encourages passionate people to drive innovative solutions and unlock the power of AI.”

Purpose as a strategic lever

The focus on culture and purpose is her leadership blueprint. At Fluor, Dillow helped shine a spotlight on the company as a modern, values-driven organisation.

Now at HPE, her challenge – and opportunity – is to replicate that impact on a global tech stage. With the company doubling down on hybrid cloud, AI, and edge-to-core data solutions, Dillow is tasked with preparing a workforce that is not only future-ready but fuelled by meaning. Her brief will include sharpening its ability to attract and retain top talent in an increasingly competitive landscape.

A seamless transition, with an eye on the future

Dillow succeeds Dan Domenech, who has served as interim CPO and will continue in his role as chief talent officer. It’s a handover designed with continuity in mind: pairing Dillow’s strategic perspective with Domenech’s deep institutional knowledge.

Together, they form a tandem equipped to tackle the complexities of the modern workplace – from the shifting sands of remote work to the ethical dimensions of AI in the employee experience.

Winning hearts, not just market share

For HPE, Dillow’s appointment is about aligning with a leader who sees people as catalysts. In an industry obsessed with innovation, she brings a refreshing message: the most advanced technology in the world is powered by people who feel seen, valued, and inspired.

As the war for talent intensifies and culture becomes the true currency of competitiveness, the HR leader proves HPE isn’t just playing defence. It’s going on the offensive – retooling its people strategy to win not only market share but the hearts and minds that drive its future.