Fractional CHROs in Los Angeles Making Things Happen in 2025

Los Angeles Interim Chief People Officers to Know

Los Angeles has long been known as a city of innovation, creativity, and reinvention. It's no surprise, then, that it's also become a hotbed for fractional leadership, especially when it comes to People Operations. From entertainment to emerging tech, the need for agile and strategic HR leadership is growing—and that’s exactly where fractional CHROs shine.

At Digital Reference, we’re committed to lifting the curtain on how work really gets done. We believe in the power of radical authenticity and radical transparency to reshape the talent ecosystem. That means helping professionals own their narrative—and helping companies find the right people, even if those people aren’t full-time.

This blog highlights a curated group of Los Angeles–based fractional Chief Human Resources Officers (CHROs) who are redefining how organizations build and lead their people strategies. Whether partnering with startups, scaling brands, or navigating complex transformations, these experts bring executive-level strategy without the full-time overhead.

Methodology: How We Built This List

Each individual on this list was selected through a combination of:

• Direct sourcing and industry referrals
• Publicly available professional profiles
• Regional relevance (primarily LA-based or servicing clients in the Greater LA area)
• Clear demonstration of fractional CHRO services or interim HR leadership

We value leaders who align with Digital Reference’s mission of building a more efficient, more human talent ecosystem.

Meet the Fractional CHROs of Los Angeles to Watch

Tonyel Thompson

“What I love about fractional HR is the variety. I get to support so many different kinds of people and businesses. But more than that, I get to help companies that want to do better. That’s who we’re looking for—clients who care.”

The Digital Reference Team had the opportunity to interview Tonyel Thompson to better dive into her firm's approach to HR.

Founder of Real HR Hero, Tonyel is a trusted advisor for solopreneurs and small businesses. Her consultancy demystifies HR policy, compliance, and onboarding—with a strong commitment to keeping it human. Since launching her business officially in 2019 (after years of consulting on the side), she’s built a practice that blends deep empathy, operational rigor, and a sharp eye for modern workforce dynamics.

In a city that’s long celebrated reinvention, Tonyel Thompson is offering something rare: consistency, credibility, and care in an often-overlooked part of business. And she’s proving that when it comes to HR, fractional doesn’t mean fractional value—it just means smarter delivery.

Real HR Hero's value proposition is great for founder-led or PE-backed businesses that need to grow fast without operational chaos.

Tonyel says: “We can drop in, stabilize things, and even help companies figure out when it is time to hire internal HR,”

Scott Walters, Founder at People Excellerator

https://www.peopleexcellerator.com/about-us

Scott Walters brings decades of experience leading people strategies in dynamic, fast-scaling environments. As founder of People Excellerator, he helps growth-stage companies build solid HR infrastructure, strengthen leadership, and enhance company culture. His work is rooted in performance management, organizational development, and scalable team architecture.

Why He’s On This List:

Scott exemplifies the balance of operational HR acumen and visionary people strategy. His ability to drive both cultural transformation and compliance makes him a highly sought-after fractional CHRO in the Los Angeles area.

Jennifer Abbott-Aston

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-abbott-aston/

Jennifer Abbott-Aston brings a wealth of experience in corporate HR strategy, with a career that spans multiple industries including entertainment, education, and health. Her approach centers on aligning people operations with larger business outcomes. As a fractional CHRO, she supports mission-driven organizations through change management, talent acquisition strategy, and leadership enablement.

Why She’s On This List:

Jennifer is known for her empathetic leadership and data-driven HR practices. She brings deep insight into how to create inclusive cultures while scaling systems that support long-term growth.

Karine Shahar, Founder of Strategic Global Talent

https://www.strategicglobaltalent.com/about

Karine Shahar is a global HR leader with a sharp focus on tech and creative industries. As founder of Strategic Global Talent, she provides fractional CHRO services to organizations navigating rapid growth, mergers, and international expansion. She’s a strong advocate for culture-first leadership, emphasizing psychological safety and values-based hiring.

Why She’s On This List:

Karine blends a global mindset with a highly personalized approach to talent development. Her expertise in cross-cultural leadership and change management sets her apart in a city known for its international flair.

Why LA Is Embracing the Fractional CHRO Model

In a city driven by startups, creatives, and disruptors, the traditional model of full-time leadership doesn’t always fit. That’s why LA companies are turning to fractional CHROs—to get expert guidance in a more flexible, cost-effective format. These professionals are particularly valuable when companies are:

• Navigating funding rounds or rapid headcount growth
• Building people infrastructure from scratch
• Managing transitions such as layoffs, M&A, or pivots
• Seeking executive-level HR without the six-figure salary

In short: fractional CHROs provide scalable HR leadership that evolves with your company.

How Digital Reference Supports Fractional Leaders

We’re building a platform to help fractional executives stand out in a crowded market. Through verified references, structured digital portfolios, and video storytelling, Digital Reference allows fractional CHROs to showcase their value with clarity and confidence.

We’re on a mission to make the talent ecosystem more efficient and more human. By giving professionals the tools to document and share their impact, we’re not only helping them land the next gig—we’re helping organizations make smarter hiring decisions.

Want to Be Featured?

If you’re a fractional CHRO in the Greater LA area and would like to be considered for a future update of this blog, reach out to us at ryan@digitalreference.co.

Together, let’s celebrate the professionals building better workplaces—one fractional engagement at a time.

Looking for other Fractional Leadership?

Find Fractional CMOs here.

Find Fractional CTOs here.

Find Fractional CFOs here.

Find Fractional COOs here.

Final Thoughts

Fractional CHROs are the glue behind many of LA's growing businesses. They help organizations transition, ensure compliance, and execute—all while working with flexibility and human intent.

Whether you’re preparing for Series A, downsizing, evolving your leadership team, or rethinking how your business runs—these are the people you want on your team.

Explore their work. Connect. And when you’re ready to document your own professional story or discover your next operational partner—start with Digital Reference.