Encore Taps New HR Chief to Steer Talent Strategy in a Shifting Industry

SCHILLER PARK, IL – January 05, 2026 – Encore, a global leader in event production and technology, has appointed Evan Swidler as its new Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), effective today. The move signals a deliberate strategy by the company to double down on its people-centric culture as it navigates a complex and evolving talent landscape in the global events industry.

Swidler, a seasoned executive with a deep background in cultural transformation and talent integration, joins a company already lauded for its workplace environment. Encore is a recipient of the 2025 Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® award and has been a certified Great Place To Work™ for four consecutive years. This appointment is positioned not as a course correction, but as an acceleration of its existing philosophy that its workforce is its primary competitive advantage.

"Our success in creating extraordinary event experiences is a credit to our team members, and Evan's vision for building a high-performing, hospitality-minded culture will strengthen the way we serve customers to deliver world-class events across the globe," said Ben Erwin, President and CEO at Encore. "His appointment reflects our commitment to a culture where team members will power our next chapter of growth."

Building on an Award-Winning Foundation

Encore's reputation as a top employer is built on a robust framework of employee-focused programs. The company has invested heavily in workforce development through initiatives like its STAR certification program, which upskills technicians and sales staff, and Encore University, which offers over 100 classes for professional and leadership growth. This focus on internal development proved crucial as the company rebuilt its talent pipeline following the industry-wide disruptions of the pandemic.

Furthermore, Encore has implemented innovative programs to address the unique challenges of the events industry, known for its seasonal fluctuations and demanding schedules. Its Seasonal Leave Program allows team members to take extended time off during slower periods while retaining full benefits and tenure. An Overtime Savings Program, launched in late 2024, helps frontline employees achieve greater financial stability by saving premium pay for off-peak seasons. These initiatives, combined with an expansion to 10 Business Resource Groups (BRGs) to foster diversity and inclusion, paint a picture of a company actively working to redefine the employee experience.

Swidler’s role will be to build upon this strong foundation. In his own words, he is joining a company with "much to celebrate," but one where the culture is to "innovate further in creating programs to attract, develop and retain the industry's best workforce."

A Leader Forged in Transformation

Swidler's professional history makes him uniquely suited for this mission. Most recently, as Chief People Officer for Circana, a global analytics company formed from a major merger, he was instrumental in leading HR functions through the complex integration of multiple acquisitions. This experience in harmonizing disparate company cultures and talent pools is highly relevant to a global firm like Encore, which operates in 22 countries and supports over 2,200 venues.

His career also includes senior HR leadership roles at ATI Physical Therapy and The Nielsen Company. He began his professional journey with a decade at Accenture's Management Consulting practice, where he focused on process, technology, and talent transformation. This blend of strategic HR, M&A integration, and foundational consulting gives him a multi-faceted perspective on how human capital initiatives drive business outcomes.

His educational background, with degrees in industrial psychology and HR & Employee Relations, further underscores a data-driven yet deeply human approach to organizational development. This expertise will be critical as Encore continues to refine its strategies for talent management on a global scale.

Navigating an Industry at a Crossroads

The appointment comes at a pivotal time for the event production sector. The industry is still grappling with the aftershocks of the pandemic, which triggered a mass exodus of experienced professionals and created significant knowledge gaps. Companies now face a 'talent drought,' competing fiercely for a smaller pool of skilled labor while simultaneously needing to upskill their entire workforce to handle the increased demand for technology-driven virtual and hybrid events.

High turnover remains a persistent challenge, with some industry reports citing annual hourly churn rates as high as 63%. The demanding, high-pressure nature of event production, characterized by long hours and unpredictable schedules, contributes to burnout and makes talent retention a primary business concern. Understaffing can quickly lead to diminished service quality, a critical risk for a company like Encore that prides itself on delivering world-class, memorable experiences.

Swidler is tasked with addressing these systemic issues head-on. His focus will be on evolving Encore's employee value proposition to not only attract top-tier talent but also to build sustainable, rewarding career paths that mitigate burnout and foster long-term loyalty. His challenge is to ensure Encore’s 'Best Place to Work' status translates into a tangible, day-to-day reality for every team member, from frontline technicians to senior leadership, across all its global locations.

"I'm thrilled to join Encore and build upon its terrific foundation," Swidler stated. "I look forward to learning more about Encore, listening to feedback, and partnering with our leaders to create even more opportunities for our team members."

By bringing in a CHRO with a proven track record in transformation and integration, Encore is making a clear statement. The company is not content to simply weather the industry’s storms; it intends to set the standard for HR excellence, ensuring that its people remain, as the company says, 'the heart of the story.' This strategic investment in human capital leadership is designed to secure Encore’s position at the forefront of the events industry for years to come.