Payroll Forward 2026

The Rise of the Chief Payroll Officer

As payroll evolves from backend execution into a strategic driver, the case for a dedicated Chief Payroll Officer has never been stronger.

Managing today's growing complexity (driven by AI, real-time pay, multi-jurisdictional compliance, and workforce transformation) demands a formal seat at the leadership table that payroll has historically been denied.

Join Pete Tiliakos, Kira Rubiano, and Troy Markusson as they take the Payroll Forward stage for a practical conversation on what the CPO role means for the future of the function, how to bridge the gap between operational reality and executive strategy, and what you need to do to ensure your organization isn't writing this next chapter without you.

Speakers

Pete Tiliakos

Principal Analyst & Strategic Advisor, Payroll Influences

Kira Rubiano

Partner, Payrollminds

Troy Markusson

Head of Global Payroll, Coreweave

Keep Payrolling it Forward

If you liked this session, make sure to dig into the rest of our Payroll Forward 2026 event to keep the insights coming. Explore our upcoming sessions and expert panels to stay ahead of the trends shaping the industry.

The Art of Storytelling

Great vision and data only move people when paired with a compelling story. This session equips you with the craft to influence your CEO, board, or team—because the future of payroll belongs to those who can tell its story.

The AI-Enabled Payroll Function

We'll look honestly at where AI is delivering real value today, what the path forward looks like for functions at different stages of adoption, and what you need to do in the next 90 days to make sure your organization isn't writing this chapter without you.