Lisa Coulson

Lisa Coulson

SVP & CHRO

Principal Financial

Lisa Coulson is senior vice president and chief human resources officer of Principal Financial Group®. She is responsible for overseeing all aspects of human resources (HR) for the company’s 19,000+ employees worldwide-developing and implementing HR strategies and delivering total rewards solutions that drive a high-performance culture.

Coulson joined Principal® in 2007 and has held several senior roles in HR, including most recently serving as vice president of the function. Her deep expertise spans HR strategy, executive compensation, total rewards, performance management, and executive coaching. Coulson combines strategic insight with operational excellence, helping to align HR functions with the company’s business goals and cultural values. Her leadership has positioned the company as a top employer, recognized for competitive and holistic rewards solutions that attract, motivate, and retain top talent.

Prior to Principal, Coulson was at Hewitt Associates for 15 years where she focused on total rewards, performance management, management development, leadership assessment and development, and change management.

Coulson received a bachelor's degree from Iowa State University and her MBA from Lake Forest Graduate School of Management. She is also a Certified Compensation Professional and a Global Professional in Human Resources, and Certified Executive Coach.

Featured Sessions

Thursday, September 4, 2025
11:50 am
PDC Eligible

Women’s health is not one-size-fits-all, and it shouldn’t be for your benefits strategy either. From fertility and family planning to menopause, mental health, chronic conditions, and preventive care, a growing number of employers are recognizing the need to support women throughout every stage of life.

This session will explore what it truly means to offer comprehensive women’s health benefits, including the latest trends, evolving employee expectations, and the impact of inclusive, whole-person care on recruitment, retention, and overall well-being. Experts and employers will share what’s working, what’s missing, and how to close the gaps in your current offering.

Walk away with actionable insights to support the women in your workforce better—and build a benefits strategy that reflects their real needs.