Paola Reina
VP, Total Rewards - New York, New York, United States
Professional Overview
Paola Reina is an accomplished human resources executive with over 15 years of experience driving total rewards strategy and leading complex compensation and benefits initiatives. As the Vice President of Total Rewards at J.Crew, she oversees the design, implementation, and administration of best-in-class rewards programs that attract, retain, and motivate top talent across the organization.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As VP of Total Rewards at J.Crew, Paola is responsible for developing and executing the company's total rewards strategy to support its business objectives. She leads a team of compensation and benefits specialists to ensure all reward programs are competitive, cost-effective, and aligned with the organization's values and culture. Under her guidance, J.Crew has achieved industry recognition for its innovative employee benefits and has seen significant improvements in employee engagement and retention.
Career Progression
Prior to joining J.Crew, Paola held progressive HR leadership roles at leading technology and financial services firms, including Stitch Fix, Olo, AppNexus, TPG-Axon Capital, and Zolfo Cooper. In these positions, she demonstrated a track record of driving strategic total rewards initiatives, managing complex compensation and benefits programs, and partnering with senior stakeholders to optimize talent management practices. Paola's diverse industry experience and keen analytical skills have enabled her to make valuable contributions at each stage of her career.
Academic Background
Paola holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Resources Management from the University of Pennsylvania. She is a certified Compensation Professional (CCP) and has completed advanced training in organizational design, talent development, and change management.
Areas of Expertise
- Total rewards strategy and program design
- Compensation planning and administration
- Benefits optimization and vendor management
- HR technology implementation and data analytics
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion strategy
- Organizational design and workforce planning
- Talent management and leadership development
Professional Impact
Throughout her career, Paola has led high-impact projects that have improved employee experiences, enhanced organizational performance, and elevated her employers' reputations as employers of choice. Notable achievements include:
- Redesigned the total rewards strategy at Olo, resulting in a 20% increase in employee satisfaction and a 15% reduction in turnover
- Implemented a new performance-based equity program at AppNexus that drove a 30% increase in stock plan participation
- Spearheaded the integration of Stitch Fix's compensation and benefits programs following a major acquisition, ensuring a seamless transition for over 5,000 employees
Conclusion
Paola Reina is a strategic human resources leader with a proven track record of delivering innovative total rewards solutions that support business growth and strengthen organizational culture. With her deep expertise, collaborative approach, and commitment to driving measurable impact, she is poised to continue making significant contributions to the HR field and the companies she serves.
