SD Worx Names Kelly Lespinoy Chief HR Officer
Lespinoy succeeds Bruce Fecheyr-Lippens, who steps down from his executive role and remains as a part-time advisor.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in People
SD Worx has appointed Kelly Lespinoy as chief HR officer, effective November 2026. She succeeds Bruce Fecheyr-Lippens, who has stepped down from his executive role.
Why it matters
The appointment places a longtime SD Worx executive in charge of the company's people agenda across Europe. Fecheyr-Lippens's move to a part-time advisory role signals a planned leadership transition rather than a departure from the company.
Lespinoy has spent 16 years at SD Worx, including nearly five years as chief legal and compliance officer before taking the people portfolio. Her tenure gives the company continuity across its legal and HR functions.
The players
SD Worx
SD Worx is a European payroll and HR services company that serves businesses across the continent.
Kelly Lespinoy
Kelly Lespinoy is an SD Worx executive who has served the company for 16 years and previously led its legal and compliance functions.
Bruce Fecheyr-Lippens
Bruce Fecheyr-Lippens is a former SD Worx chief HR officer who will continue with the company as a part-time advisor.
The details
Kelly Lespinoy will take over the chief HR officer role from Bruce Fecheyr-Lippens, who stepped down from his executive position. Fecheyr-Lippens will remain with the company as a part-time advisor, supporting selected leaders and teams and representing SD Worx in external initiatives. He said the time was right for a new chapter, both personally and professionally, and that he wants more space for his family and his passion for coaching.
Timeline
November 2026: Lespinoy's appointment as chief HR officer takes effect.
Leadership Pipeline
The appointment follows a pattern of elevating long-tenured internal executives into people leadership roles rather than recruiting from outside. Lespinoy's move from legal and compliance to HR reflects that internal succession approach at SD Worx.
For employees across SD Worx's European operations, the people agenda now sits with a leader who previously oversaw legal and compliance. The change may shape hiring, internal development and workplace policies over the coming years.
The takeaway
Internal leadership transitions often bring continuity in company culture while shifting functional priorities. Lespinoy's background across legal, compliance and HR offers a perspective that spans governance and people practices.
Further reading
Explore more executive moves in the People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Employee Benefits.
