What are the most significant challenges facing Payroll professionals today?

Compliance and managing the constant change. Cybersecurity and data privacy.

What excites you most about participating in Reward & Payroll Summit this year?

The opportunity to network with my fellow peers and hear about exciting new updates.

Which session or theme are you most looking forward to, and why?

Maximising Reward & Payroll Impact within constrained budgets.

Reward budgets are constantly being squeezed, and we are often asked to do more with less so any insight into how to do this will be very helpful!

What’s a common misconception people have about Reimagining Payroll as a Customer Experience Function, and how does your session challenge that?

Payroll is one of the few departments which touches every single employee and department in the organisation.

We have a massive impact on employee wellbeing and engagement, and Payroll leaders need to recognise and embrace this important fact and not be afraid to highlight this impact speaking with senior leaders.

How does Reimagining Payroll as a Customer Experience Function connect to broader organisational strategy or business performance?

People are an organisations most valuable asset and pay & benefits is the most tangible expression of how an employer takes care of them.  A positive Payroll experience enhances employee wellbeing, engagement and strengthens talent attraction and retention, by using modern pay services, such as EWA.

What do you hope attendees will take away from your session at Reward & Payroll Summit?

That Payroll is far more important to an organisation than paying it’s employees at the end of the month, it’s about building trust and making a real difference to employees’ lives.

Where do you see the biggest opportunities for innovation in Payroll over the next 2–3 years?

AI is the obvious answer, as it will help streamline many processes, we have today, but just as importantly I will be used to extract our data more easily which will enable Payroll to become more strategic to support company decision making.

One thing you’re hoping to learn from other speakers at the summit?

There is never one thing!  I attend these events with open ears and mind looking to learn from my peers in order to constantly improve what we do at Ralph Lauren.

Coffee or tea before your big session at the Summit?

I’m going to live to 100, which makes me bit health obsessed, so I prefer water!!

Find out more about Paul’s session, Reimagining Payroll, and everything else on offer at The Reward and Payroll Summit 2026 - Click here to find out more