Michael (Mike) Oliver founded Realize Purpose & Potential Today (RPPToday) to help organizations identify and develop solutions to the question, “What’s going on within our industry and company, and what are the human resources implications?” Mike has considerable experience in developing and implementing tools and processes that enable organizations to assess, select, develop, leverage and retain global leadership talent, especially for the critical leadership positions that drive business performance and C-Suite succession.

Prior to founding RPPToday in 2017, Mike enjoyed a 41 year career in Human Resources, including the last 20 years as Chief Human Resources Officer for both privately and publicly held global organizations in the industrial, food, healthcare, and technology sectors. He held these roles during periods of strong growth and economic downturns.

As CHRO, Mike was valued for his ability to effectively partner with CEOs, other C-Suite executives, and board members. Mike personally supported several boards in CEO and board succession planning, and led the identification and selection of candidates for global C-Suite positions and their direct reports. He has served as an internal coach to first-time CEOs and C-Suite members, and as a mentor for organizations’ High Potential talent.

Mike’s passion for individual and organizational effectiveness precedes his CHRO experience and dates back to his experience with the Frito-Lay division of PepsiCo, where he served as the head of Human Resources for Frito-Lay’s Sales, Manufacturing, and Logistics operations across Michigan. At Frito-Lay, business and functional leaders partnered with HR professionals to ensure a pipeline of Ready Now successors to key positions, by developing top internal talent and strategically hiring external talent, in advance of those key positions becoming vacant.

Mike provided HR leadership for approximately 30 acquisitions during his CHRO career, including being part of a publicly held organization that was acquired by a privately owned company. In addition to ensuring an orderly integration of HR processes, Mike was principally charged with objectively assessing the capabilities of the newly-acquired leadership team, 1 and 2 levels below the owner/CEO.

Mike has been a contributor to several professional organizations, including the Human Resources Policy Association, National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), and the Manufacturers Alliance. He is a former Adjunct Professor and trustee for Indiana University Northwest and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in General Management & Industrial Relations from Purdue University and a Master of Science in Business Administration from Indiana University Northwest.