Jo Peterson

Fdr & Principal Consultant, Jo Peterson Consulting

Jo Peterson, Founder and Principal Consultant at Jo Peterson Consulting, harnesses over twenty years of executive leadership in human capital management to revolutionize talent acquisition, optimize hiring practices, and enhance employee retention strategies, with a specialized focus on the manufacturing sector. Jo’s strategic leadership has been instrumental in driving sustainable growth and competitive advantage by aligning human capital strategies with business objectives. 

In her role as the Director of Global Learning Development at Taylor Guitars, a leading manufacturing company, Jo was pivotal in developing and executing a global talent strategy that significantly enhanced productivity and employee engagement. She introduced innovative recruiting practices that attracted high-caliber talent, optimized onboarding processes, and created a comprehensive learning and development program that reduced new employee ramp-up time. Under her leadership, Taylor Guitars secured $2.1 million in instructional funding through four significant California employee training grants, further enhancing training programs and driving organizational success. 

Before her tenure at Taylor Guitars, Jo served as Senior Manager of Learning & Development at Sony Electronics U.S., where she applied a consultative approach to talent management that strengthened recruitment and retention strategies. Her work in developing competency-based assessments and leadership programs ensured that Sony attracted top talent and nurtured their development, reducing attrition rates and boosting overall employee satisfaction. 

A recognized thought leader in the manufacturing sector, Jo has chaired the Manufacturing Expo, Southern California’s largest manufacturing event, for the past nine years. This event, which draws over 1,000 attendees, connects the manufacturing industry, educational institutions, and the community, showcasing local manufacturing capabilities and career opportunities. 

Jo’s expertise in leveraging technology, including advanced SaaS solutions, to streamline hiring and talent management processes, has made her a trusted advisor to executive teams across industries. Her dedication to fostering inclusive and high-performing work environments is further reflected in her active roles in the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), the Association for Talent Development (ATD), and her mentorship in Women Unlimited. Through Jo Peterson Consulting, she continues to advance human capital management, with a particular focus on driving excellence in the manufacturing industry.