Cencora Names New CHRO as Battaglia Retires After Seven Years
Event summary
- Silvana Battaglia, Cencora’s CHRO, retires after seven years, effective July 13, 2026.
- Samantha Hammock, former CHRO at Verizon, succeeds Battaglia as Executive Vice President and CHRO.
- Battaglia will serve as a special advisor through the end of 2026 to ensure a smooth transition.
- Cencora employs over 51,000 team members globally, with $300 billion in annual revenue.
The big picture
Cencora’s CHRO transition comes at a critical time for the pharmaceutical supply chain giant, which operates at a massive scale with over $300 billion in annual revenue. The shift in HR leadership could signal a pivot toward more tech-driven workforce strategies, aligning with broader industry trends toward digital transformation in talent management. Hammock’s background in large-scale HR at Verizon and American Express suggests a focus on scaling high-performing teams, which will be key as Cencora continues to expand its global footprint.
What we're watching
- Workforce Transformation
- How Hammock’s technology-forward HR strategy will impact Cencora’s 51,000 employees.
- Leadership Transition
- Whether Hammock can sustain the cultural and operational momentum built under Battaglia.
- Strategic Alignment
- The pace at which Hammock integrates her experience from Verizon and American Express into Cencora’s global HR strategy.
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