Honeywell Appoints New Chief Human Resources Officer

Honeywell has appointed Jennifer Reilly as its new Chief Human Resources Officer, as of July 1. 

Previously, she held the role of Vice President of Human Resources and Communication for Process Technology at the company. 

Discussing her appointment on LinkedIn, Jennifer says: “As I take on this role, I do so with humility and with excitement for what’s ahead. I’m proud of what we’ve built together – and energised by the opportunity to continue strengthening our culture, capability and leadership for the future.”

Jennifer replaces Karen Mattimore, who has been the company’s Chief Human Resources Officer for around six years.

HR leadership experience

Jennifer first joined Honeywell around three years ago, first as its Vice President of Human Resources & Communications for Safety & Productivity Solutions, before progressing to the role of Vice President of Human Resources and Communication for Process Technology

Before joining Honeywell, she spent more than three years working at MKS Instruments as Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer. 

She also previously held senior HR leadership roles at Danaher Corporation, The Hershey Company and General Mills, holding more than 35 years of experience. 

“I’m honoured to share that I will be stepping into the role of Chief Human Resources Officer at Honeywell on July 1,” she wrote.

“This moment reflects far more than an individual achievement. It represents the trust, partnership, and collective impact of many people who have shaped my journey and challenged me to grow as a leader.”

A ‘lasting impact’ on Honeywell

On LinkedIn, Jennifer shared that she wanted to recognise and thank Karen, the company’s former Chief Human Resources Officer. Her leadership, Jennifer said, “has had a lasting impact on Honeywell and on me personally. I’m grateful for her stewardship, example and strong foundation she leaves behind.”

Karen first joined the company in 2004, and over the past 22 years has progressed from Director of Org Development to Chief Human Resources Officer, a role she first took on in 2020. 

In her role, she has managed the human resources strategy and employee programmes for the company’s 100,000 employees, who are based in more than 70 countries globally. 

She has also played a key role in driving transformation at Honeywell, helping it become a key player in software-industrial technology.

Her previous roles in the company involved Vice President of Human Resources and Communications for its Aerospace business group, and Vice President of Human Resources services – the company’s global shared services and compensation and benefits organisation. 

Karen also served as Vice President, Human Resources, for Aerospace’s Defence and Space unit before becoming Vice President, Human Resources, for Aerospace Engineering and Technology.

Before joining Honeywell, she held Human Resources Leadership positions at companies such as Motorola and Nationwide Insurance. 

A streamlined business model

Jennifer is taking on the people leadership role at a significant time of change for Honeywell, which has announced that it will separate from Honeywell Aerospace, its aerospace technologies business, in the second half of 2026. 

Following this spin-off, the company will concentrate on three streamlined business segments – building automation, industrial automation and process automation and technology. 

Once an independent company, Honeywell Aerospace will be one of the largest publicly traded, pure-play aerospace suppliers.