CAHRS Advisory Board Departures
Boeing and GE CHROs Retire After Impressive Careers
CAHRS would like to thank Kevin Cox (pictured left), former General Electric Chief Human Resources Officer, and Mike D’Ambrose (pictured right), former Boeing Chief Human Resources Officer and Executive Vice President of Human Resources, for sharing their valuable time serving on its Advisory Board.
Kevin Cox joined the CAHRS Advisory Board in 2006 and served as Chairperson from 2009 to 2012. He has been a leader in Human Resources for nearly three decades, driving business results through the unique intersection of strategy, talent, and culture. With a distinct focus on leadership, his areas of expertise include developing top talent, succession planning for critical roles, helping organizations thrive in dynamic conditions, and leading large-scale complex change.
Prior to joining GE, Kevin served as the Chief Human Resources Officer at American Express for 14 years. Previously, he spent 16 years at Pepsi-Cola and the Pepsi Bottling Group (PBG), where he held positions leading strategy, business development, technology, and Human Resources. He played a significant role in the successful initial public offering of PBG in 1999.
Mike D’Ambrose joined the CAHRS Advisory Board in 2003 and served as Chairperson from 2019 to 2022. He challenged and transformed HR functions to become innovative, people-driven, business catalysts. Mike is known for breaking down bureaucracy to identify and honor each person’s unique value to an organization.
He played a key role in multiple Fortune 50 turnarounds and led seven CEO transitions across five public companies including Boeing, ADM, First Data Corporation, Toys “R” Us, and Citigroup. Earlier in his career, he developed deep financial acumen and business approach to HR after acquiring and transforming a bankrupt New York business into a nationwide premier media enterprise as CEO. He has navigated numerous corporate crises, renegotiated global labor contracts, driven complex turnarounds, and led worldwide organizational restructurings.
Upon reflecting on the departures of these two HR stars, Brad Bell, CAHRS Academic Director and William J. Conaty Professor of Strategic Human Resources, says “It is difficult to put into words what both Kevin and Mike have meant to CAHRS. As two of the most highly regarded HR leaders in the field, they have graciously committed their time and expertise to the CAHRS Advisory Board for almost two decades apiece. During this time they have helped to push CAHRS in new and exciting directions, always with an eye toward how CAHRS can deliver on its mission of advancing the function. Although we will miss having them as members of the Advisory Board, their imprint on CAHRS will endure and we look forward to continuing to work with them on special projects and initiatives in the years ahead.”
On behalf of CAHRS, best of luck to Kevin and Mike as you enter a well-deserved retirement phase!