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Penny Stoker
HR Executive
Penny Stoker is an experienced HR executive with a strong background in global human resources leadership. She served as the Talent Leader for Executive Functions at EY from August 2017 to February 2025.1 In this role, she managed a team of over 50 HR professionals, providing support to approximately 10,000 employees across multiple countries.1
Prior to her role as Talent Leader, Stoker held the position of Global Leader of HR Services at EY from August 2013 to August 2022.1 During this time, she built and led the Global HR Services function for EY Global, which included People Shared Services Centers, Global Mobility Infrastructure, HR Technology, and various other HR-related services.1
Stoker's career history includes significant positions at other major companies:
- VP Global People Services and Transformation at AstraZeneca (2008-2013)1
- VP HR US Business at AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals (2004-2007)1
- VP Management and Organization Development at Amersham (2003-2004)1
- VP Human Resources at Internet Capital Group (2000-2002)1
- VP Human Resources at CIGNA Corporation (1997-2000)1
Stoker holds an MBA from the Johnson Graduate School of Management at Cornell University and a BA from the University of Maryland.1
Throughout her career, Stoker has been known for implementing HR transformations, driving digital HR agendas, and focusing on enhancing employee experiences.12 She has also been an advocate for internal mobility and workforce agility.34
Highlights
Retirement was always something that was going to happen at some point far, far in the future. A time to do nothing (or so it seemed). Well, I'm excited to say I'm now retired after many work adventures, companies and colleagues! While work has been fun (mostly), entertaining (always) and interesting (it's all about learning), I must say that I'm looking forward to discovering what is next.
As I look back, I'm most struck by the amazing people I've had a chance to work with and learn from (you all know who you are). I like to think I've played some small part in helping companies prosper while aiding individual growth and development. I know I've grown from every single interaction and experience.
What's next? Not sure yet. I know the immediate future holds time for building a treehouse (because why not?), reading much, spending time with family and friends and just relaxing for the summer. I'll check in here every once in awhile just to see what's going on 😉.
In the meantime, there's so much I could say about all I've learned through 7 companies and many different roles, but I'll leave it at this - be you 'cause there is no other you. If you find yourself in a place where being you isn't acceptable, maybe you are in the wrong place!
Enjoy, grow and prosper!
While we're all rushing to take advantage of/leap frog our competitors through generative AI, this article thoughtfully brings in the so essential human element. My favorite quote from the article: "Judgment is not only exercised in the moment of making a decision assessing data and information. Judgment is broader than that and it starts with asking the right questions, framing the right problem, evaluating the broader context. Judgment is co-creative, it’s a journey." How is your organization building good judgment as a capability; are you asking the right questions?
