Erica McBride
Chicago
Summary
Strategic Chief People Officer with over 20 years of experience leading people strategy across high-growth, global, and M&A-driven organizations. Former Apple executive with deep expertise in post-merger integration, leadership development, and building scalable HR infrastructures. A certified Master Executive Coach and trusted partner to boards and CEOs, known for aligning culture with business goals, accelerating performance, and driving organizational transformation. Recognized for delivering results through empathy, clarity, and a bias toward action.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Head of People & Culture
Lakeside Software
2025 - Current
- Built and stabilized the People and Culture function during a period of executive transition and global growth, overseeing HR operations across the US, UK, India, and Europe, while establishing governance, compliance, and operating rhythm.
- Designed and implemented core people infrastructure, including job leveling, compensation governance, performance management, hiring controls, and global employment models (EOR, contractors, direct hire).
- Served as a strategic advisor to the CEO, CFO, and executive team on workforce planning, leadership transitions, compensation strategy, employee relations, and organizational design.
- Led high-impact initiatives, including global benefits administration, union-aware employee relations, executive coaching, and listening tours that informed product, engineering, and leadership decisions.
Chief People Officer
Banyan Software
2022 - 2025
- Built and scaled a comprehensive HR function to support Banyan headquarters and dozens of Operating Companies, including Talent Acquisition, Leadership Development, Total Rewards, Employee Relations, and HR Operations.
- Developed a unified culture and experience strategy across the portfolio, ensuring alignment with Banyan's core values while accommodating the unique needs of each operating company.
- Partnered closely with senior leadership to create a seamless onboarding and integration process for new portfolio companies, fostering alignment and engagement from day one.
- Led the implementation of cost-effective recruitment processes to support Banyan's rapid growth while maintaining a strong emphasis on cultural fit and leadership development.
- Enhanced employee retention by developing tailored employee engagement and recognition programs across operating companies, resulting in improved morale and reduced turnover.
- Executive coach to 15 executives and 70 senior leaders, focusing on leadership development, performance management, and fostering cross-functional collaboration across the organization.
SVP, People
Provi
2021 - 2022
- Established the full HR structure, covering Culture & Experience, Talent Acquisition, Leadership Development, Total Rewards, and Employee Relations for a Series C start-up with an award-winning workplace culture.
- Aligned HR strategy to evolving business needs and industry trends, including integrating a competitor with a distinct culture into the organization while achieving strategic hiring goals.
- Executive coach to 14 executives and 62 senior leaders, fostering leadership development, and a culture of continuous improvement.
- Developed cost-efficient recruiting and talent management processes, negotiated enhanced benefits packages, and significantly reduced turnover by 41%.
Chief People Officer
Amobee
2017 - 2021
- Built and led a 53-member HR team specializing in Compensation, Benefits, HR Operations, Talent Analytics, and Learning & Development, supporting a fast-growing, $1B+ M&A-driven organization.
- Executive coach to 15 executives and 75 senior leaders, helping drive performance management and leadership development across the company.
- Successfully managed the integration of two acquired companies, ensuring seamless cultural and operational alignment for 400 employees, with zero claims filed.
- Spearheaded internal communication strategies like All Hands and The Loop, acting as an executive touchpoint with the entire organization.
- Achieved significant savings in benefits spend ($500K in 2021) by negotiating new contracts with Sequoia.
- Developed the Amobee Empower platform for talent analytics and employee recognition, enhancing engagement and performance management.
VP, Global Talent Development
Apple
2010 - 2017
- Created and led the Targeted Delivery international strategy, managing a 32-member team to deliver leadership and development programs for 155,000 employees globally.
- Provided executive coaching to 115 Apple executives worldwide, driving leadership growth and cultural alignment.
- Delivered high-impact leadership training (e.g., Leadership Essentials, MBTI, Situational Leadership) in North America and China, fostering leadership development at scale.
- Designed and implemented organizational development programs and leadership summits, building a culture of continuous learning and employee development.
Human Resources Director
Apple
2005 - 2010
- Managed employee relations across North America and China, reviewing all performance management, corrective actions, and terminations for 15,000 employees.
- Collaborated with managers across multiple regions to enhance leadership and performance management throughout the organization.
- Developed an internal employee relations database app, improving operational efficiency and tracking.
Education
B.A. - Psychology
Penn State University
M.B.A. - Human Resources Concentration
Northwestern University
Skills
- Enterprise people strategy and design
- Talent management and development
- Post-merger integration and culture alignment
- Leadership coaching and development
- Total rewards and compensation strategies
- Operational excellence
Certification
- Master Certified Coach (MCC), International Coaching Federation
- Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)
- Certified in Project Management Strategy and various leadership methodologies including Myers Briggs Personality Assessment, Voices 360, and Situational Leadership.
Accomplishments
- Top 100 HR Professional Award, OnCon Icon Awards
- Executive of the Year, Bronze Stevie Winner, The Stevie Awards
- Female Executive of the Year, Silver, Women World Awards
- Ted Bratten Civic Award, City of Aurora, Illinois
Timeline
Head of People & Culture
Lakeside Software
2025 - Current
Chief People Officer
Banyan Software
2022 - 2025
SVP, People
Provi
2021 - 2022
Chief People Officer
Amobee
2017 - 2021
VP, Global Talent Development
Apple
2010 - 2017
Human Resources Director
Apple
2005 - 2010
B.A. - Psychology
Penn State University
M.B.A. - Human Resources Concentration
Northwestern University