Ross M. Sparkman is an HR and workforce strategy executive with over 20 years of experience guiding large-scale talent and workforce transformations at Fortune 500 organizations. He currently serves as Senior Director of Workforce Strategy at Walmart where his remit is to lead enterprise-wide initiatives that include Gen AI deployment, advanced analytics, and modern HR technology solutions.

He is the author of Strategic Workforce Planning: Developing Optimized Talent Strategies for Future Growth, a widely referenced guide that helps HR leaders align talent strategies with business objectives by leveraging predictive analytics, scenario planning, and data-informed decision-making. Ross’s extensive background includes leadership roles at Nike, Meta (formerly Facebook), GE Aviation, and Deloitte Consulting, where he led analytics-driven initiatives and refined workforce strategies during periods of rapid organizational change. He began his career in the U.S. Navy, serving in workforce planning and logistics roles across international postings.

Ross holds an MSc in Predictive Analytics from Northwestern University, an MBA from Temple University, and an MA in Human Relations from the University of Oklahoma. In addition to his corporate leadership responsibilities, he is a sought-after speaker who has presented at numerous global conferences, sharing real-world insights on Workforce Strategy, People analytics, and the future of Work.

At the Global Digital Human Resource Transformation & Analytics 2025 conference, he will Discuss HR’s role in Gen AI Strategy and Adoption. His talk will draw on experiences from his published work and recent corporate projects, illustrating how to collaborate with specialized teams, prepare employees for next-generation tools, and position HR as a strategic partner in accelerating organizational growth.