Cogir Senior Living Names Joseph Varner SVP, Head of People

Joseph “JV” Varner is a strategic Human Capital executive with 25 years of experience leading people functions across diverse industries including Publishing, Consumer Packaged Goods, Technology, Homebuilding, and currently, Senior Living.

Recognized as one of the “10 Most Influential HR Professionals to Follow in 2024” by CIO Views, JV has a proven track record of transforming HR into a driver of business performance for global, multibillion-dollar organizations.

Throughout his career, JV has built and scaled enterprise-wide HR infrastructures, launched leadership frameworks, and led end-to-end transformations, including post-merger integrations, organizational redesigns, and route-to-market strategies that unlocked multimillion-dollar efficiencies. JV’s leadership has consistently delivered measurable results in employee engagement, retention, and operational effectiveness, while serving as a trusted advisor to executive teams navigating complex growth and change.

JV is currently pursuing a Global Executive MBA from the University of Manchester and has completed the CHRO Leadership Program at Wharton. He also holds a Post-Merger Integration credential from IMAA and a Bachelor’s in Public Policy & Administration from Grambling University. A passionate advocate for inclusive leadership, JV serves on the Board of Directors for StartOut and as an Advisory Council Member of ForbesBLK.