For decades, human resources and information technology departments have operated in separate spheres — one focusing on people, the other on systems. Now, the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is prompting a growing number of companies to bring both functions under a single leadership role.
A survey by workplace software firm Nexthink found that 64% of senior IT decision-makers at large companies expect HR and IT to merge within the next five years. The aim is to align people strategies with technology development, ensuring businesses are ready for a future where AI plays a central role.
Biotech company Moderna is among the early adopters of this approach. Tracey Franklin, its chief people and digital technology officer, leads both HR and IT for more than 5,000 employees. Her remit includes core IT services and the digital tools used in drug development, manufacturing, and commercialisation.
“Traditionally, HR would decide how many people we needed, and IT would then provide the systems,” Franklin said. “Now, we design workflows together, deciding where technology, including AI, can be used and where human skills are essential.”
Moderna has partnered with OpenAI to train all employees in AI tools such as ChatGPT, encouraging staff to redesign their workflows. While HR and IT have been united at the leadership level, Franklin emphasised that specialist roles remain separate, with her role focused on strategy, capital allocation, and employee engagement.
Customer service software company Covisian also merged its HR and IT teams in 2023, appointing former chief technology officer Fabio Sattolo to oversee the combined role. The firm, which employs 27,000 staff — mostly in call centres — uses AI to speed up customer problem resolution, allowing humans to focus on diagnostics while AI handles back-end processes. An internal job-posting tool developed jointly by HR and IT has already doubled applications for internal roles.
Breaking down cultural differences between the two functions has been key, Sattolo said, noting that IT and HR professionals bring different communication styles.
However, not all experts support full integration. David D’Souza, director of profession at the CIPD, warned that while collaboration is valuable, merging the departments could dilute specialist expertise, given the distinct skillsets required.
At Dutch online bank Bunq, HR and IT are part of the same overarching team. Chief strategy officer Bianca Zwart said the structure supports the company’s goal to automate 90% of operations by the end of 2025 — without job losses — and to help staff adapt to AI-driven changes.
For the growing number of firms adopting this model, the message is clear: as AI reshapes the workplace, the integration of technology and people strategies could prove essential for long-term success.
