UKG, a heavyweight in HR, payroll, and workforce management software, has recruited a major name to its board: Donna Morris, EVP and Chief People Officer at Walmart.
For UKG, which powers scheduling, payroll, and HR systems used by millions of workers globally, the move signals a continued push to cement its role as the tech backbone for frontline-heavy industries like retail, healthcare, and logistics.
Why Donna Morris Matters
Morris oversees HR and people operations for Walmart’s 2.1 million associates worldwide—including 1.6 million in the U.S.—making her one of the most influential HR leaders on the planet. She’s at the helm of strategies that blend people-first policies with tech-driven efficiency, from well-being initiatives to AI-powered tools that shape the daily experience of frontline staff.
“Her unique perspective and incredible expertise will help UKG continue to innovate on behalf of our customers,” said Aron Ain, executive chair of the UKG board.
Experience That Aligns with UKG’s Mission
Before Walmart, Morris spent 17 years at Adobe, where she spearheaded employee experience efforts and ultimately served as CHRO. She’s been recognized as a Forbes Future of Work 50 leader and one of Human Resource Executive’s Top 100 HR Tech Influencers.
That background—marrying enterprise culture-building with technology—tracks closely with UKG’s strategy. The company has been leaning hard into AI and analytics to make workforce management smarter, while also pushing messaging around belonging, employee well-being, and frontline empowerment.
Bigger Picture
UKG isn’t alone in snapping up high-profile board talent from the HR trenches. Rivals like Workday, ADP, and Ceridian have similarly leaned on C-suite HR veterans to help guide strategy in a labor market being reshaped by automation, hybrid work, and a massive shift in frontline expectations.
For Morris, joining the UKG board is an extension of her influence beyond Walmart’s walls. “Together, we can transform the way people across the frontline work, resulting in a better overall experience for employees and their customers alike,” she said.
The Takeaway
With Morris on its board, UKG gains not just a seasoned HR executive, but a frontline-focused strategist who understands the scale, speed, and complexity of workforce challenges in 2025. For employers struggling to balance efficiency with employee experience, this appointment signals that UKG is doubling down on both.
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Business Wire, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is the global leader in press release distribution and regulatory disclosure. Public relations, investor relations, public policy and marketing professionals rely on Business Wire for secure and accurate distribution of market-moving news and multimedia. Founded in 1961, Business Wire is a trusted source for news organizations, journalists, investment professionals and regulatory authorities, delivering news directly into editorial systems and leading online news sources via its multi-patented NX network. Business Wire’s global newsrooms are available to meet the needs of communications professionals and news media worldwide.
