California Water Service Group has announced the appointment of Kris A. Hamner as its new Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer, effective February 28, 2025. Hamner will take over from Ronald D. Webb, fleeing after more than a decade of service.
Hamner brings over 20 years of human resources leadership experience across industries, including logistics, tech, and life sciences. Before joining California Water Service, he was the principal consultant at HR Ro(X) Consulting, guiding executive teams on HR strategy and transformation. He has also held senior HR positions at STG Logistics, JSR Corporation, and Foxconn, where he played a crucial role in organizational change and workforce development.
His background includes leadership at Hewlett Packard Enterprise, where he supported a $30 billion business division with 60,000+ employees.
CEO’s Take on the Transition
“Kris’s deep expertise in HR transformation, especially within large-scale organizations, makes him the perfect fit for our team,” said Martin A. Kropelnicki, President and CEO of California Water Service Group. “Ron’s contributions have been invaluable, and I do not doubt that Kris will continue building on that legacy.”
Hamner holds an MBA from the University of Notre Dame and a Bachelor’s in Human Resources Management from the University of Nevada. He serves on the board of the National Human Resources Association and is a part-time instructor for the UC Santa Cruz HR Certificate Program.
About California Water Service Group
As the largest regulated water utility in the western U.S., California Water Service Group serves over 2.1 million people across five states. With a strong focus on sustainability and community well-being, the company has been recognized as one of “America’s Most Responsible Companies” and one of the “World’s Most Trustworthy Companies” by Newsweek.
Hamner’s leadership is expected to further streamline HR processes, enhance employee engagement, and drive innovation at Cal Water. As workforce priorities shift, his strategic approach will be instrumental in shaping the company’s future.
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