Tom Sterling

Tom Sterling

Vice President, Peoples Solutions Operations Cox Automotive
Tom Sterling
Tom Sterling is a seasoned executive with over two decades of experience in Human Resources and Process Improvement across many industries, including: Manufacturing, Pharmaceuticals, Healthcare and Automotive. Tom has worked within several business sectors spanning Private, Public and Non-Profit. He currently serves as the Vice President of People Solutions Operations at Cox Automotive Inc. Tom is a key member of both the Cox Automotive and Cox Enterprises People Solutions Leadership Team(s). In his current role, Tom leads a HR Operations portfolio which includes Shared Services, Program Management Office, Process Improvement, Immigration and Mobility, while leading a multi-million-dollar Pay & Time Modernization Program, which includes the implementation of UKG Pro Workforce Management. Tom's extensive career includes significant roles establishing and leading Global HR shared services, process optimization, system implementations and mergers & acquisitions. With a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt (MBLSS) and Project Management Institute (PMI) Project Management Professional (PMP) certifications, Tom has consistently driven operational excellence and strategic transformation across various organizations. As a distinguished business leader in his community and industry, Tom has held several non-profit board positions over the past decade. Tom currently resides on the Board for the Cox Employee Relief Fund and serves as an Advisory Board Member for the HR Shared Services & Outsourcing Week Conferences. Known for his optimism and passion, Tom's expertise and leadership continue to make a significant impact in the field of Human Resources.

Thursday, March 19, 2026: Main Program

12:50 PM Panel | Co-Creating the Future Workforce: How HR, Tech & Operations Build Skills for What’s Next

 The pace of change across today’s enterprise means skills can no longer be developed in silos. Building a workforce that’s ready for the future requires shared ownership and seamless collaboration between HR, technology, and operations. Instead of one-off training initiatives, leading organizations are designing integrated, data-driven skill development frameworks that evolve alongside business needs.

In this session, explore how forward-thinking companies are partnering across functions to:

  • Define the capabilities and roles that will matter most in the next 12–24 months
  • Build reskilling and upskilling pathways that support real career mobility
  • Embed technology-enabled learning into day-to-day workflows
  • Create shared accountability for workforce agility, productivity, and employee experience 

Check out the incredible speaker line-up to see who will be joining Tom.

Download The Latest Agenda