Carol O'Brien

Carol O'Brien has a diverse work experience spanning various companies and roles. Carol is currently the Head of Human Resources at the Bill & Melinda Gates Medical Research Institute since March 2022. Prior to this, they worked as a Global HR Business Partner and Senior Director at Parexel from March 2020 to March 2022. Before that, they served as an Associate Director and HR Business Partner at bluebird bio, overseeing their Research Triangle site and taking on an expanded role as interim People & Culture Lead for key units. From 2016 to 2018, they worked as a Manager of Human Resources Business Partner at Foundation Medicine. Carol also has experience as a Senior Manager of Human Resources at The Jackson Laboratory, where they played a crucial role in establishing HR operations for a newly established research institute. Carol has also held leadership positions at Schneider Electric, including Director of Corporate Human Resources and Director of Talent Management. At Pfizer, their first role in 2001, they worked as a Human Resources Manager.

Carol O'Brien attended the Principles & Practices of Organization Development Program at Teachers College, Columbia University, where they received executive education in change and consultation. Prior to that, they studied Business Administration at Salem College. Carol also holds a Business Diploma, with a specialization in legal studies, from King's College.