What are the most significant challenges facing payroll/reward professionals today? 

Payroll and reward professionals are navigating a complex landscape marked by evolving compliance requirements, global workforce dynamics, and increasing employee expectations. The pressure to deliver accurate, timely, and personalized experiences while managing regulatory risk and operational efficiency is immense. Add to that the need to integrate technology seamlessly, and it’s clear that the role has never been more strategic - or more challenging. 

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

The Summit is a rare opportunity to connect with peers who are equally passionate about shaping the future of payroll and reward. I’m excited to exchange ideas, challenge conventional thinking, and explore how we can collectively elevate the employee experience through innovation and collaboration. 

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

I’m particularly looking forward to sessions that explore the intersection of technology and human experience - especially those focused on AI’s role in payroll and reward. These conversations are critical as we move from transactional processes to strategic enablers of workforce engagement. 

What advice would you give to companies looking to innovate while ensuring compliance in today’s regulatory environment? 

Innovation and compliance aren’t mutually exclusive, they’re two sides of the same coin. My advice is to embed compliance into the design of your processes and technologies from the outset. Partner with legal and regulatory experts early, and leverage platforms that offer built-in governance and audit capabilities. Innovation thrives when it’s built on a foundation of trust. 

What role does technology and/or AI play in transforming payroll/reward, and how can businesses leverage it effectively? 

Technology and AI are redefining what’s possible in payroll and reward. From predictive analytics to personalized compensation insights, the potential to drive strategic value is enormous. Businesses can leverage these tools by focusing on outcomes - using data to inform decisions, automate routine tasks, and create more meaningful employee experiences. 

What inspired you to have a career in payroll/reward, and what keeps you passionate about it? 

I’ve always been drawn to roles that sit at the intersection of people, process, and purpose. While payroll and reward may seem operational on the surface, they’re deeply human at their core. What inspired me initially was a lifelong curiosity - starting as a child, I was fascinated by how things work and fit together. That led me to study quantum physics, and later into consultancy, where I gained exposure to how different businesses operate. 

From there, I transitioned into tech, and I’ve been in HR tech ever since - focused on HR, payroll, and workforce management. What keeps me passionate is the opportunity to make a tangible impact on people’s lives. Payroll and reward are foundational to how people feel valued, supported, and empowered at work. It’s about more than just systems—it’s about trust, dignity, and the employee experience. 

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

I hope attendees leave with a renewed sense of possibility. Whether it’s a new way to think about technology, a practical framework for innovation, or simply the confidence to challenge the status quo, I want them to feel inspired and equipped to lead change in their own organizations. 

See Richard speak at the 2025 Reward & Payroll Summit.