Jennifer Morgan, a pioneer in the business software sector and a former co-chief executive officer of SAP, has been named chief executive officer (CEO) of UKG, a leading provider of HR, payroll, workforce management, and culture solutions for all people. After 17 years with the company, Morgan takes over as CEO from Chris Todd, who has held the position since 2022.
“Jen is a pioneer in the enterprise software space, possessing exceptional operational know-how and extensive exposure to spearheading elite, international companies. Aron Ain, executive chair of the board of directors, said, “We are ecstatic to have her as CEO of UKG.” As we build on UKG’s success in delivering essential HCM solutions and enter the next level of rapid growth and scale, her industry insight and understanding of our customers, combined with her strategic vision and people-focused leadership, will propel the company forward.” The Board and I are convinced that Jen will enable our teams globally to generate additional value for our partners, consumers, and employees via ongoing innovation, leadership, and evolution.
Morgan previously served as Co-Chief Executive Officer of SAP, making history as the first female CEO of a company listed on the DAX index. She was a member of SAP’s executive board from 2017 to 2020, where she played a pivotal role in many of the company’s strategic growth initiatives over her 16-year tenure. Most recently, Morgan was the Global Head of Portfolio Operations at Blackstone, leading a team of operators and collaborating with CEOs and leadership teams to drive growth and enhance value for the firm’s portfolio companies. Blackstone, a major investor in UKG, has had Morgan as a board member since 2021. Her exceptional leadership and accomplishments have earned her global recognition, including being named one of Fortune’s Most Powerful Women in Business, Forbes’s Most Powerful Women in the World, and Technology, and received the Great Place to Work CEO For All Leadership Award.
“UKG is a unique company that is redefining the possibilities for enhancing employee experiences on a large scale. I have always respected the company’s focus on culture, an outstanding team, and the belief that people are the real assets that drive a company’s success,” Morgan added. “With HR, talent, payroll, and workforce management solutions that surpass customers’ present and future technology needs, I see a huge opportunity for UKG to continue reshaping how businesses achieve their people and culture objectives. I am appreciative of Chris’s leadership and feel privileged to be working with the incredible UKG team to innovate going forward, encourage companies to be amazing places to work, and build the company’s momentum to reach its next chapter’s full potential.
“I deeply appreciate Chris’s leadership and support in setting the groundwork for UKG’s upcoming growth and success. Over the past 17 years, including the last two as CEO, he played a pivotal role in the successful integration of Kronos and Ultimate Software, helping to establish UKG as one of the largest privately held software firms globally,” Ain remarked.