Brenda Lawrence

Chief People Officer @ Optimized HR Global

About

I’m a global HR executive who helps startups and growing companies build HR from the ground up, fix what’s no longer working, and scale people functions through growth, M&A, and leadership change without overengineering or slowing the business down. My work creates clarity, clearer decision-making, faster execution, reduced people risk, and HR foundations that can scale as the company grows. A core focus of my work is helping founders and leaders see leadership, capability, and succession risk early before it turns into missed goals, burnout, or attrition. I start by understanding how the business actually runs, where decisions stall, where accountability is unclear, and where HR and leaders are being asked to carry weight without the right structure. From there, I design practical HR operating models that fit the company’s current stage and future direction. I stay close to execution, whether that means building the basics when nothing exists, reshaping teams that have outgrown their design, or putting systems in place that make work easier instead of heavier. I’m often brought in during moments of growth or transition because I bring structure, momentum, and calm when things feel uncertain. I’m practical, direct, and focused on outcomes. In practice, that often means: • Building foundational HR for startups scaling fast • Stabilizing teams and priorities during growth or leadership change • Implementing HR systems designed for efficiency • Clarifying decision rights, roles, and accountability • Surfacing and closing leadership and succession gaps early

Country

United States

City

Greater Phoenix Area

Industry

Human Resources

Skill

Global Talent Acquisition and Workforce Planning, Total Rewards and Compensation Strategy, Culture and Leadership Development, Governance, Risk Management, and Compliance (GRC), M&A including Change and Organizational Agility , HRIS, HR Operations, Deferred Compensation, Employee Relations, Data Privacy Awareness, Global HRIS, Cross-functional Team Leadership, HR Software, Semiconductor Industry, Data Privacy Risk Management, Organizational Alignment, Career Development, Fiduciary, Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A), Global HR Leadership

Experience

Chief People Officer

Phoenix Ecommerce Technologies

2026-6 - Present · 4 mos

Founder

Optimized HR Global

2024-12 - Present · 1 yr 10 mos

Greater Phoenix Area

When I step in, HR teams move from reactive to structured, systems start supporting execution instead of slowing it down, and leaders gain visibility into real workforce and succession risk. My work starts with a clear-eyed assessment of how the business actually operates, where decisions stall, where leadership capability is thin, where risk is accumulating, and where HR effort isn’t translating into results. My approach is hands-on and structured. I diagnose first, design second, and execute all the way through. I don’t deliver slide decks and disappear. I take accountability for standing up the operating model, reshaping the team, implementing systems, and making sure the work holds once the business keeps moving. What that looks like in practice: Building HR from the ground up: talent strategy, total rewards, governance, compliance, HR technology, and leadership processes designed to scale without constant reinvention Resetting and upgrading existing HR functions by evaluating teams, clarifying roles and decision rights, closing capability gaps, and removing unnecessary complexity Designing HR operating models aligned to growth stage, risk profile, and geographic footprint across North America, EMEA, and APAC Mapping talent and leadership risk so executives can see real exposure in succession, structure, or capability gaps Leading the people side of growth and M&A, from diligence through integration, so talent, culture, and rewards support value creation I work directly with executive teams who want straight answers, practical solutions, and someone who will stay close to the work.

Vice President, Head of Human Resources

Amkor Technology, Inc.

2012-8 - 2024-11 · 12 yrs 4 mos

Tempe, Arizona, United States

Enterprise-scale global HR executive with 24+ years of experience owning people strategy and execution across 11 countries in the EMEA, APAC, and the United States. Held full accountability for Talent Acquisition, Total Rewards, HR Operations, HR Technology, and global Shared Services in regulated, high-growth environments. Built and scaled HR operating models aligned to business strategy, translating growth plans into clear workforce, leadership, and talent priorities. Known for assessing what wasn’t working, making structural decisions quickly, and putting practical systems and teams in place that improved execution, reduced risk, and supported scale. Designed and implemented global compensation, benefits, and incentive frameworks including self-funded programs, using people analytics to drive consistency, close capability gaps, and improve retention and engagement. Trusted advisor to executive leadership teams across Engineering, Finance, Legal, IT, and Sales, leading organizational design, workforce planning, change initiatives, and pre/ post M&A integration. Owned global Talent Acquisition strategy end to end, strengthening pipelines, improving hiring efficiency and quality, and building leadership development and internal mobility programs that reduced reliance on external hiring. Led global HR technology transformations, replacing fragmented tools with integrated platforms that improved automation, data integrity, and executive decision-making. Served as Data Privacy Officer, establishing audit-ready governance across GDPR, HIPAA, and CCPA. Recognized for hands-on leadership, sound judgment, and the ability to bring clarity and momentum in complex, fast-moving global environments.