Heather Ace

Heather Ace

CHRO / Executive Vice President Human Resources at Qualcomm

Qualcomm•San Diego County, California, United States

View LinkedIn Profile
Experience30+ Years
LevelCXO

Executive Overview

Senior Executive leading People strategy, execution, people and teams for global, growth-oriented public companies in the technology, life sciences and medical device industries. Sweet spot is scaling people, processes and systems for innovation companies from early stage development to fully integrated global Fortune 500 companies. Well-versed in public company Board and Compensation and Talent Committee matters, including executive compensation (from design through say-on-pay). Global mindset and reach, including expat assignment in Europe and working across US, Canada, Latin America, Europe, India, China, Korea, Taiwan and Japan. Deep expertise in mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, cross-functional integration and employment law. Experienced people leader dedicated to building, motivating and developing people and teams. Strong bias towards action and demonstrated track record of simplifying complexity and driving results in transformational change situations.

Career Timeline

Professional employment history
  • Feb 2026–Present· 9 mos
    • Member, Board of DirectorsCurrent
      Feb 2026–Present
  • QualcommCurrent
    Mar 2020–Present· 6 yrs 8 mos
    • Chief Human Resources Officer, Executive Vice President, Human ResourcesCurrent
      Mar 2020–Present
    • Chief Human Resources Officer
      Mar 2020–Present
  • 2022–May 2025· 3 yrs 4 mos
    • Member, Board of Directors
      2022–May 2025
  • Jul 2016–Mar 2020· 3 yrs 8 mos
    • CHRO / Senior Vice President, Human Resources
      Jul 2016–Mar 2020
    • Chief Human Resources Officer
      Jul 2016–Mar 2020
  • 2016–Jul 2016· 6 mos
    • Chief Human Resources Officer
      2016–Jul 2016
    • CHRO / Executive Vice President, Global Human Resources
      2016–Jul 2016
  • Feb 2015–2016· 11 mos
    • Business Integration Leader - Volcano Corporation
      Feb 2015–2016
  • Jun 2012–Feb 2015· 2 yrs 8 mos
    • Chief Human Resources Officer
      Jun 2012–Feb 2015
    • CHRO / Executive Vice President, Global Human Resources
      Jun 2012–Feb 2015
  • Oct 2004–Jun 2012· 7 yrs 8 mos
    • Vice President of HR, Life Sciences
      2011–Jun 2012
    • Vice President of HR, Cell Systems Division and Global Science and Innovation
      Dec 2008–2011
    • Vice President of HR, EMEA and India
      Nov 2007–Dec 2008
    • Director, Human Resources, Mergers and Acquisitions
      2006–Nov 2007
    • Employment Law Counsel
      Oct 2004–2006
  • May 1996–Oct 2004· 8 yrs 5 mos
    • Employment Law Partner/Associate
      May 1996–Oct 2004

Education

Juris Doctorate

Law

Santa Clara University School of Law

Tutorial

Jurisprudence - Philosophy of Law

University of Oxford

BA

Law

UC Santa Barbara

Executive Relationship Map

Reports To
Heather Ace
Vice Chair & President
Chief Financial Officer
Chief Technology Officer
Chief Operating Officer

Executive Network Preview

BizKonnect has mapped this leadership network including reporting hierarchies, peer connections, and cross-functional relationships.

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Skills & Expertise

20 of 20 skills
OnboardingEmployment LawLeadershipWorkforce PlanningManagementOrganizational DesignMergers & AcquisitionsStrategyTalent ManagementHuman ResourcesCross-functional Team LeadershipHRISExecutive PayOrganizational DevelopmentEmployee RelationsSuccession PlanningPerformance ManagementTalent AcquisitionMergersBiotechnology