“Laura is a highly strategic and growth-oriented leader who is passionate about people and committed to developing high-performing teams. Her leadership will help us continue to build a dynamic, inclusive organization that not only attracts and retains top talent but also develops and empowers teams to thrive as we grow our business into the future.”
Chris Galvin, Chairman and CEO of Andersen Corporation
Laura Watterson will succeed the company’s current chief human resources officer, Karen Richard, who retires after 12 years with Andersen.
Andersen Corporation has named Laura Watterson vice president and chief human resources officer. Watterson will succeed the company’s current chief human resources officer, Karen Richard, who retires after 12 years with Andersen.
Watterson is a highly regarded human resources leader with more than 20 years of experience enabling organizational growth and transformation across a wide array of complex global businesses and industries.
She joins Andersen following a successful tenure as executive vice president and chief human resources officer at CWT, formerly Carlson Wagonlit Travel, where she played a pivotal role in the successful acquisition of CWT to American Express Global Business Travel. Watterson’s prior experience includes 10 years of increasing HR and business responsibility at General Mills, as well as human resources and business leadership roles at companies including Royal Philips Electronics, Aimia, and Cambria, consistently demonstrating her ability to align people strategies with business objectives.
Watterson will lead Andersen’s human resources organization, including business HR, communications and community, total rewards, talent and culture enablement, HR services, and enterprise security.
As part of this transition, the company recognizes Richard’s values-driven leadership and impactful contributions.
“Karen has been one of the biggest champions for our team, leading the transformation of our human resources function and talent strategy,” Galvin said. “I am incredibly grateful to Karen for her leadership and the impact she has had on our company, and we all wish her the best in retirement.”
Posted: December 15, 2025
