Karalyn Smith

Karalyn Smith

Chief Talent Officer at Williams-Sonoma, Inc.

Williams-Sonoma, Inc.

View LinkedIn Profile
Experience29+ Years
LevelCXO

Executive Overview

Connector. Energy creator. Performance driven. Delivers results through aligned talent and teams. Strategic and creative problem solver leading with a consultative approach and expertise in strategic planning, organization assessment, organization design, consulting, change transformation, talent planning, talent management, talent acquisition, culture shaping, leadership development, retail business transformation, planning and operations, facilitation, team effectiveness, communications, learning and developmen, and program management. Known for problem solving, influencing across all levels of the organization, building sustained relationships, connecting seemingly disparate pieces into a systemic and coordinated whole, building effective teams and engaging talent.

Career Timeline

Professional employment history
  • Dec 2019–Present· 6 yrs 9 mos
    • Chief Talent OfficerCurrent
      Dec 2019–Present
  • Dec 2016–Dec 2019· 3 yrs
    • Chief People Officer
      Mar 2019–Dec 2019
    • SVP Human Resources, Americas
      Dec 2016–Mar 2019
  • Sep 2011–Nov 2016· 5 yrs 2 mos
    • VP Human Resources & Organization Effectiveness
      Sep 2014–Nov 2016
    • HR Business Partner Leader (supporting CFO & CAO)
      2013–Aug 2014
    • Senior Director, Organizational Development & Change
      Sep 2011–2013
  • Aug 2010–Oct 2016· 6 yrs 2 mos
    • Guest Host
      Aug 2010–Oct 2016
  • Jun 2010–2015· 4 yrs 7 mos
    • Founder
      Jun 2010–2015
  • Apr 2010–Sep 2011· 1 yr 5 mos
    • Independent consultant
      Apr 2010–Sep 2011
  • 2007–Feb 2009· 2 yrs 1 mo
    • Director, Information Technology
      2007–Feb 2009
  • Jun 1997–2007· 9 yrs 7 mos
    • Senior Manager, Human Performance
      Jun 1997–2007

Education

Bachelor of Science Honors Degree

Sociology

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Executive Relationship Map

Reports To
Karalyn Smith
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
Change ManagementOrganizational CultureWorkshop FacilitationStrategic Human Resources LeadershipLeadershipWorkforce PlanningSix SigmaOrganizationManagementOrganizational DesignTeam BuildingProgram ManagementBusiness TransformationStrategyTalent ManagementOrganizational DevelopmentPerformance ManagementLeadership DevelopmentOrganizational EffectivenessEmployee Engagement