Compass hires Sara Patterson as chief people officer

Ex-Walmart, Gilt executive is “expert at building a strong culture,” said Compass CEO

Compass' Sara Patterson and Robert Reffkin (Credit: Compass; Getty Images)
Compass' Sara Patterson and Robert Reffkin (Credit: Compass; Getty Images)

Softbank-backed Compass has hired Sara Patterson, a former Walmart executive, as its chief people officer.

CEO Robert Reffkin announced the hire on Instagram Thursday, and said Patterson will start Feb. 10.

“She’s an expert at building a strong culture and cultivating it as it grows,” he wrote. News of her hiring was first reported by Inman.

Patterson was previously vice president of human resources and talent management for Walmart eCommerce. She’s also worked at Conde Nast and Gilt.

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Patterson replaces Madan Nagaldinne, who left Compass last April after nearly two years amid a shakeup that included the departure of its general counsel. When Nagaldinne was hired, he was responsible for human resources strategy, including recruiting, compensation, benefits, performance management and education.

Last month, Compass laid off 40 people across several departments as it consolidated roles that service agents. [Inman] — E.B. Solomont 

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