Stephen Hunter

Human Resources Executive with 15+ years of experience supporting senior leaders, management, and employees. Proven success in providing strategic direction for change and growth within fast paced, complex organizations. Expertise in organizational design, change management, succession planning, and the recruitment & retention of top talent. Extensive experience recruiting, staffing, and on-boarding employees. Proven track record handling complex employee relations issues, mitigating risk, protecting the company, and shaping employee culture.

Professional Experience

Vice President, Human Resources

May 2017 – October 2024

Paramount (f.k.a. ViacomCBS) | New York, NY

Human Resources Business Partner to the Company's Business and Legal Affairs, Corporate Legal, and U.S. Networks Distribution departments.
Strategic HR advisor to senior leaders. Responsible for org design, leadership development, employee engagement, compensation planning, contract negotiation, and performance management for 900+ employees
Implemented diversity and inclusion programs within client groups: training programs; promotional & hiring processes; design and implementation of compensation transparency & equity policies
Provided employee relations advice, conflict resolution, performance improvement plans, and policy administration - proactively anticipating issues to mitigate risk, and to support the overall health of client groups.
Utilized HR metrics and employee data to identify trends and recommend solutions to improve organizational design, performance standards, compensation leveling, role clarity, pay transparency, productivity, and employee retention.
Led the HR integration for Pluto TV – which was acquired by Viacom in March 2019

Vice President, Global Human Resources

September 2015 – September 2016

John Hardy – an L Catterton portfolio company | New York, NY

Global responsibility for all aspects of the Human Resources function: talent acquisition, performance management, employee development, compensation & benefits, HRIS, employee relations, compliance, and cultural programs
Reported to the CEO; Directed local HR teams in the New York, Bangkok, Hong Kong, and Bali offices.
Served as a trusted advisor and business partner to the executive leadership team, private equity partners, and commercial & functional leaders
Preserved the rich heritage of John Hardy's culture while building an employee experience that is elevated and best-in-class
Developed a broad-based compensation, rewards, benefits strategy for the 1,200+ global employee population (4 countries)
Lead the development of new performance management processes and systems, ensuring a focus on business goals, development of employee capabilities & career paths, and alignment with rewards programs.
Managed a project team focused on sourcing, interviewing, and staffing our new, owned retail stores in Houston, and New York
Partnered with legal counsel to manage all visa & immigration cases, and complex employee relations issues

Executive Director, Human Resources

June 2013 – September 2015

StriVectin – an L Catterton portfolio company | New York, NY

Responsible for all Human Resources functions at StriVectin and NIA 24; Managed 2 direct reports
Full responsibility for company-wide recruitment and talent acquisition: corporate and field positions
Responsible for the creation, implementation, communication, and management of all HR programs and policies
Managed all aspects of employee training & development initiatives, and the annual performance management process
As a member of the company's Investment Committee, served as a key decision maker and oversaw the change of the company's 401(k) plan administrator
Designed a flexible work program resulting in improved employee retention, morale, and company culture

Director of Human Resources

May 2009 – February 2013

MAKE UP FOR EVER / LVMH | New York, NY

Served as Head of Human Resources. Responsible for all HR functions for Make Up For Ever - Americas (US, Canada, Mexico & Brazil).
Set the strategy and designed the organizational structure for the Company's rapid growth from ~30 to 125+ employees
Opened 8 retail locations in the US and Canada (recruiting, hiring, and on-boarding of Management & Sales Staff)
In less than 3 years, grew the business from a 30M mono-channel business to 140M+ multi-channel business
Handled buyout of third-party agent operating our business in Canada; operational integration, hiring of employees, and setup of all HR programs

Human Resources Manager

January 2007 – May 2010

Christian Dior Couture / LVMH | New York, NY

Served as an HR business partner and advisor to retail store managers for handling employee relations issues, and staffing optimization
Traveled extensively throughout the US retail network during a period of downsizing and reduction of headcount. Prepared separation paperwork and conducted termination conversations
Implemented a new web-based time and attendance system for the retail network; trained managers and staff on new system
Extensive benefit plan administration and vendor relationship management: health and welfare, and 401(k)
Handled employee relations issues; conducted investigations, exit interviews, and development conversations
Launched an online training class for preventing workplace harassment; Organized an annual health and wellness fair
Managed the calculation and payment of all commission and bonus payments; approved bi-weekly payroll
Significantly increased 401(k) plan participation through education & training programs

Human Resources Coordinator

November 2002 – December 2005

Polo Ralph Lauren | New York, NY

Provided guidance to managers on employee relations issues and performance management
Worked with division managers and the staffing department to assess and address staffing needs
Wrote performance warnings: coached managers on delivery, development, and goal setting
Maintained calendars, scheduled meetings, and provided support for two VPs of HR
Managed team of 6 receptionists for 2 NY office locations: hiring, performance management, scheduling
Worked closely with VPs of HR to create org charts & proposals for succession planning
Partnered with the legal department on fair employment issues, and complex terminations

Education

Columbia University - Teachers College

Master of Arts - Organizational Psychology

New York, NY

Boston College - Wallace E. Carroll School of Management

Bachelor of Science: Human Resource Management

Minor: Art History

Chestnut Hill, MA

Semester Abroad Art History Program: Syracuse University in Florence, Italy

Volunteer

Orange County Land Trust

February 2023 - Present

Member, Board of Directors

New Windsor, NY

www.oclt.org

Certifications

Certified Trainer, Social Styles - Tracom