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Chris Hester
Sr Director Analyst
Gartner
Speaker Bio
Chris Hester specializes in helping clients make strategic decisions in their HR technology transformation journeys. He has three areas of focus for Business and Technology Insights: AI in HR, cloud HCM vendor suites (including selection and implementation), and, to a lesser extent, People Analytics
AI in HR: He advises clients on use cases for AI in HR; use cases for Generative AI and Agentic AI in HR; impact of AI on HR; HR virtual assistants and chatbots; governance structures for AI in HR; AI for HR roadmap planning; piloting AI for HR use cases/technologies; data management for AI in HR; AI-enabled skills management technologies.
Cloud Human Capital Management (HCM) Vendor Suites: He advises organizations on the trends in these markets, assesses the technology solutions in these markets, and identifies the leading practices for optimally adopting those solutions. Chris also offers perspective on vendor selection and implementation best practices while providing guidance on HR Technology team best practices, organizational structures, and steady-state preparedness. As a practitioner, Chris has worked closely with Workday since 2013.
People Analytics: He advises clients on HR Data Governance strategies; HR Data Privacy best practices; data warehousing/data lake structures; Incorporating data for non-HR systems; Defining and tracking key performance indicators to measure the effectiveness of HR initiatives
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AI in HR: He advises clients on use cases for AI in HR; use cases for Generative AI and Agentic AI in HR; impact of AI on HR; HR virtual assistants and chatbots; governance structures for AI in HR; AI for HR roadmap planning; piloting AI for HR use cases/technologies; data management for AI in HR; AI-enabled skills management technologies.
Cloud Human Capital Management (HCM) Vendor Suites: He advises organizations on the trends in these markets, assesses the technology solutions in these markets, and identifies the leading practices for optimally adopting those solutions. Chris also offers perspective on vendor selection and implementation best practices while providing guidance on HR Technology team best practices, organizational structures, and steady-state preparedness. As a practitioner, Chris has worked closely with Workday since 2013.
People Analytics: He advises clients on HR Data Governance strategies; HR Data Privacy best practices; data warehousing/data lake structures; Incorporating data for non-HR systems; Defining and tracking key performance indicators to measure the effectiveness of HR initiatives
Sessions
Monday, October 26, 2026 02:30 PM - 03:00 PM EDT
Demystifying AI-Ready Data: The HR Foundation for AI Success
Chris Hester,
Sr Director Analyst, Gartner
Is your HR data ready for AI’s power or is poor data holding you back? The path to transformative AI in HR begins with your data foundation. Join us to unlock the secrets of turning messy, unreliable information into your competitive edge. Discover actionable steps to build trustworthy, representative and effective data for AI-driven HR solutions. Leave with a clear roadmap to elevate your data and unleash smarter decisions, greater value and lasting impact in the age of AI.
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Monday, October 26, 2026 03:30 PM - 04:15 PM EDT
Ask the Analyst: How to Unleash the Value of Unstructured Data in HR With AI Innovation
Chris Hester,
Sr Director Analyst, Gartner
Unstructured data, like resumes, policy documents, emails and employee feedback, makes up the majority of HR information, yet much of its value remains untapped. This session will guide HR professionals through a practical, seven-step framework for discovering, preparing and governing unstructured data, and integrating it with AI to drive business value. Identify high-impact use cases, ensure data quality, automate workflows and measure success while managing risks and change. Transform unstructured data into a strategic asset with real-world examples and strategies.
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