By Joshua Burd
Larken Associates has named a new chief human resources officer as it looks ahead to its continued growth and hiring strategy.
The Branchburg-based development and management firm announced Wednesday that Michael Warech has joined its senior leadership team. In the role, he will lead efforts such as talent acquisition, inclusion and diversity, performance management, training, leadership development, employee engagement, total rewards, succession planning and employment branding.
Warech brings more than 30 years of experience in human resources, talent management and organizational effectiveness, according to a news release. Larken also noted that he has designed, developed and managed engagements for a host of Fortune 1000 companies across multiple industry sectors.
He previously ran his own consulting firm and held consulting and leadership roles with Harvard Business School, Willis Towers Watson, Avon Products and others.
“Michael has been consulting with us on all matters of human resources over the past few years. During that time, he has spearheaded numerous initiatives to design, refine and improve our human resources and talent management programming, cultivating a high-performing organization,” said David Gardner, CEO and president of Larken Associates. “This is a pivotal time in the growth of Larken, and we are certain that Michael’s expertise, wealth of experience and impressive academic credentials will not only make him an asset to our senior leadership team but also make him instrumental in the ongoing expansion and success of our organization.”
Larken currently employs more than 100 professionals across its six divisions, which include acquisitions and entitlements, brokerage, financing, residential property and asset management, commercial property and asset management and construction, the news release said. Over the past several years, the firm has bolstered its capabilities and supported its growth with the addition of several key hires.
Warech, who holds a Ph.D. in applied psychology from Stevens Institute of Technology, will help accelerate the growth of Larken’s portfolio by overseeing talent management, leadership development and other competency-based human resource system applications, the company said. The Morristown resident received his undergraduate degree from Emory University.
