Ross M. Sparkman is an HR and workforce strategy executive with over 20 years of experience guiding large-scale talent and workforce transformations at Fortune 500 organizations. He currently serves as Senior Director of Workforce Strategy at Walmart where his remit is to lead enterprise-wide initiatives that include Gen AI deployment, advanced analytics, and modern HR technology solutions.

He is the author of Strategic Workforce Planning: Developing Optimized Talent Strategies for Future Growth, a widely referenced guide that helps HR leaders align talent strategies with business objectives by leveraging predictive analytics, scenario planning, and data-informed decision-making. Ross’s extensive background includes leadership roles at Nike, Meta (formerly Facebook), GE Aviation, and Deloitte Consulting, where he led analytics-driven initiatives and refined workforce strategies during periods of rapid organizational change. He began his career in the U.S. Navy, serving in workforce planning and logistics roles across international postings.