From AI and compliance to culture and capability, these professionals are navigating a rapidly changing profession
Many of Australia's top young HR professionals didn't plan a career in HR. They found their way there through opportunity and quickly discovered a profession transformed by AI, evolving workplace laws, and rising employee expectations.
HRD's Rising Stars 2026 celebrates the emerging leaders thriving in what one industry expert describes as a "legislative and technological pressure cooker."
The honourees are coaching first-time managers, shaping employee experiences, and helping organisations balance commercial goals with changing workforce needs. Their backgrounds are equally diverse, spanning law, nursing, psychology, marketing, hospitality, and aged care.
Included in this year’s showcase are:
- Morgan van Rumund of Zembl
- Sarah Thompson of BGIS
- Taylah McCormick of Sunpork Group
What unites them isn't a traditional career path. It's a combination of commercial judgement, adaptability, and the ability to influence outcomes in an increasingly complex workplace.
Meet the awardees and find out which young professionals earned a place among this year's Rising Stars and the qualities helping them stand out in Australia's evolving HR landscape.
