As demand for next-generation networking and connectivity expands, it’s companies like Horizon, an Ohio-based fiber-optic broadband company, that are stepping forward to conquer the challenge head on. While the company has been aggressively pushing to expand into new and underserved Midwest communities with FTTH deployments and other robust networking projects, its leadership is expanding as well to take on new business and operational frontiers with a new Chief People Officer. 

Susan Hofer — Horizon’s first-ever Chief People Officer — is an accomplished senior human resources executive that delivers upwards of two decades of experience. In her role, she will guide the human resources (HR) team at Horizon and will be instrumental in developing and executing new strategies to help the company successfully scale in the face of rapid network and connectivity service uptake. 

With its new Chief People Officer, Horizon plans to welcome an additional 30–40% more employees in 2022 alone. These individuals will bring necessary insight and experience to the company’s three segments: residential, business and Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH). 

Prior to this role, Hofer was Vice President of Human Resources and Communications for Intelligent Fiber Network, where she led the company’s human resources strategy and managed all talent-related operations. Her history includes human resources positions across e-commerce, hospitality and finance organizations as well. Hofer also brings a wide array of credentials, including Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), Society of Human Resources Management Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) and Certified Compensation Professional (CCP). 

“People with Susan’s background and expertise are few and far between,” says Jim Capuano, CEO at Horizon. “Horizon is at an inflection point in its growth cycle and we were in great need of a person, not just to help us manage the human resources organization, but someone with senior executive skills to help the company identify our future needs and plan for them in the present. Susan has exactly the skills that we need to help illuminate Horizon’s path forward and ensure the successful execution of our expansion plans.”

To read the release announcing Hofer as Chief People Officer in its entirety, click here.