The HR Research Institute has formed its 2026 State of People Analytics Advisory Board, bringing together industry leaders and data experts to guide a major research initiative and virtual event focused on HR analytics in the workplace. As HR leaders face increasing pressure to connect workforce strategy with measurable business outcomes, the advisory board will provide guidance on using people data to make smarter, more equitable, and actionable decisions.
Composed of practitioners, analytics specialists, and HR veterans, the board will shape research and practical insights to help HR teams address skills gaps, evolving technology, and complex organizational demands. Their work will directly inform an upcoming study and virtual event designed to equip HR professionals with frameworks, tools, and strategies to integrate analytics into daily HR operations, culture, and strategic planning.
With a special focus on AI-enabled solutions, the advisory board aims to provide expertise that helps organizations harness data to drive results, enhance workforce performance, and support inclusive, evidence-based decision-making. The board includes distinguished experts such as Ranjan Dutta, Ph.D., Founder and Managing Partner of ThothProAI; Helen Friedman, Partner and CEO of Merit Analytics Group LLC; Jeff Higgins, Founder and CEO of Lytiqs; and Fiona Jamison, Ph.D., VP Research & People Analytics at People Results.
Other members include Mike Kidwell, Executive Director and Senior Lead Analytics Consultant at Wells Fargo; Shane McGowan, Talent Analyst at S&S Activewear; Viktor Mirovic, CEO of KeenCorp; Adam Murphy, Director of People Analytics & Systems at AMC Theatres; Miles Overholt, Ph.D., Founder and CEO of Strategia Analytics; Lisa Perez, Founder of National Management Training Week; and Konstantin Tskhay, Founder and Managing Partner of Tskhay & Associates, Inc.
"We're thrilled to unite HR and analytics experts to guide our upcoming research and virtual event," said Debbie McGrath, CEO of HR.com. "Their insights will empower the HR community to use data and AI-driven analytics to make smarter, fairer, and more effective workplace decisions." The HR Research Institute releases annual "State of the Industry" reports across various HR topics, including the recent HR.com's State of People Analytics 2025-26 report on the same subject. This and other free research reports and infographics are available for download through the institute's research portal.
For HR vendors, this initiative signals a growing emphasis on data-driven decision-making in workforce management. The advisory board's focus on AI-enabled analytics suggests that vendors offering AI-powered HR tools may find increased demand as organizations seek to integrate analytics into daily operations. The resulting research and virtual event will likely highlight best practices and gaps in the market, providing vendors with insights to align their products with emerging needs. Additionally, the involvement of practitioners from major companies like Wells Fargo and AMC Theatres indicates that real-world case studies and practical frameworks will emerge, offering vendors opportunities to tailor solutions for complex organizational challenges.
