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The Spencer Stuart CHRO
Xcelerator Fellowship

The Spencer Stuart CHRO Xcelerator Fellowship

A tailored program for new CHROs

There has never been a more exciting or challenging time to be a new chief human resources officer. Given the complex issues dominating their agenda, new CHROs need to move quickly to prioritize the responsibilities and requirements of a C-suite executive, so they can rapidly contribute and deliver value.

Spencer Stuart’s CHRO Xcelerator Fellowship is a bespoke 12-month program that helps new CHROs achieve world-class performance while expanding their peer network. The program combines in-person, immersive experiences with virtual group gatherings to provide the foundation for long-term success. Since the Xcelerator Fellowship was launched in 2024, nearly 50 CHROs from North American and EMEA have been through the program, including some of today’s most innovative HR practitioners.

What is the CHRO Xcelerator Fellowship?

The Spencer Stuart CHRO Xcelerator Fellowship is not simply a CHRO development program — it is a transformative career milestone for first-time CHROs poised to define their influence at the enterprise level.

Every day, I reflect on the insights shared in this program. Boards and CEOs often shy away from taking risks on talent, but it’s our responsibility to push for bold choices that promote potential and impact. This program has empowered us to embrace risk in our talent strategies.”
CHRO, $2.5B global healthcare technology firm

In an era where HR leadership is central to business transformation and value creation, this Fellowship equips CHROs to transcend operational execution and step confidently into the role of strategic architect. Through a curated, cohort-based experience and engagements with world-class faculty, Fellows gain the insights and tools to elevate their voice in the C-suite, shape talent strategies that accelerate growth, and forge enduring partnerships with CEOs that anchor long-term value creation.

CHRO Xcelerator: A signal of bold, future-forward leadership

Participation in the Xcelerator is a clear declaration of ambition and strategic intent. Fellows are immersed in a high-trust, confidential peer network designed for real-time problem-solving, shared accountability, and deep strategic reflection. This environment enables participants to stress-test ideas, challenge conventional thinking, and build the confidence required to lead through complexity and ambiguity.

The Xcelerator’s emphasis on leadership acumen, stakeholder alignment and risk-informed talent strategy ensures that Fellows emerge not only more capable, but more credible — ready to influence in boardrooms and drive enterprise-wide impact. With access to proprietary assessments, personalized coaching and expert-led sessions, CHROs craft a sophisticated HR agenda that accelerates performance and strengthens organizational relevance.

The CHRO Xcelerator Fellowship is more than a learning experience — it is a launchpad for CHROs to become architects of culture, catalysts of innovation and stewards of leadership succession.

Proven impact: From strategic confidence to enterprise transformation

CHRO Xcelerator alumni consistently describe the Fellowship as a career game-changer, with transformative outcomes: sharper strategic clarity, stronger CEO alignment and a more resilient leadership posture. Many credit the experience with unlocking a new level of confidence — enabling them to challenge board assumptions, advocate for bold talent bets and lead enterprise-wide transformation.

Whether navigating CEO transitions, reshaping culture or driving growth through talent, CHROs emerge from the Xcelerator Fellowship with the clarity, conviction and network to lead decisively. The result is not just elevated leadership — it’s measurable impact on business outcomes and long-term organizational health.

Spencer Stuart: Your partner in unlocking your boldest HR ambitions

We are honored to be a partner and adviser for CHROs embarking on leadership journeys. With decades of experience advising the world’s most influential leadership teams, Spencer Stuart brings deep insights into the evolving role of the CHRO, helping leaders navigate complexity, drive transformation and build high-performing cultures. Our commitment goes beyond delivering solutions; we anticipate CHRO needs, guide decisions and stand by CHROs every step of the way.

Meeting such an incredible network of CHROs has been a highlight for me. The opportunity to work with an executive coach provided unique insights into my role and personal growth that I continue to reflect on.”
CHRO, PE-backed space technology company

Our global reach, rigorous assessment methodologies and dedication to leadership development ensure that CHROs not only accelerate their impact but also cultivate the capabilities needed for long-term success. By partnering with Spencer Stuart through the Xcelerator Fellowship, CHROs gain access to a trusted adviser who understands the strategic imperatives of modern HR leadership and empowers them to lead with confidence and vision. Together, we don’t just solve problems — we create possibilities that drive lasting impact.

The CHRO Xcelerator experience

This invitation-only Fellowship draws on the expertise of leading CHROs, CEOs and board members and Spencer Stuart’s extraordinary understanding of what drives worldclass CHRO performance. The 12-month program includes four primary components.


LEADERSHIP RETREAT

A three-day, intensive, in-person kick-off retreat incorporates themed, practitioner-led roundtable discussions, rigorous personal reflection and peer-to-peer dialogue.

MASTER CLASSES

Intimate quarterly virtual gatherings, led by world-class business practitioners and industry experts, offer participants deep dives into specific dimensions of CHRO leadership and performance, such as succession planning, collaboration with the board, corporate culture, compensation and more.

Coaching and Leadership Assessments

Spencer Stuart’s executive coaches and assessment experts benchmark the transformative CHRO capabilities that drive long-term business results, and provide participants with ongoing, practical feedback.

Developing a highly effective board

Participants are provided regular opportunities for discussion, problem-solving and real-time sharing of best practices, in collaboration with Honor Education, recognized as one of Time magazine’s Best Inventions of 2024.

The Wharton CHRO Leadership Forum: A strategic collaboration between Spencer Stuart and Wharton Executive Education

The Spencer Stuart CHRO Xcelerator Fellowship and the Wharton School have come together to co-design the Wharton CHRO Leadership Forum, an annual, exclusive, invitation-only event tailored for CHRO Xcelerator Fellows.

The Forum serves as a premier platform for:

  • Networking with a high-caliber peer group of CHROs
  • Thought leadership led by world-class Wharton faculty and researchers
  • Innovative dialogue on the future of HR leadership

Fellows gain direct access to cutting-edge insights, engage in dynamic discussions with industry leaders and alumni, and explore emerging trends shaping the CHRO role.

Executive in Residence: Lucien Alziari, former CHRO, Prudential Financial

Lucien Alziari serves as the Xcelerator’s Executive in Residence. Lucien brings world-class expertise in global human capital strategy, shaped by decades of leadership at some of the world’s most admired organizations. His deep experience and visionary approach offer Fellows in the cohort unparalleled access to strategic insights, mentorship and real-world perspective on the evolving future of work. Lucien’s presence enriches the Xcelerator experience by fostering bold thinking, elevating leadership impact, and inspiring transformative approaches to organizational growth and talent development.

Contact Us

New cohorts are launched every six to nine months. To learn more about the CHRO Xcelerator Fellowship, contact Brita Stevenson.