A Feature Story on Leadership, Culture & the Power of People
When Tracey York stepped into the role of Chief Human Resources Officer at Valvoline Global Operations in November 2024, she wasn’t simply taking on a title — she was stepping into a legacy. A 150-year-old brand trusted by millions worldwide needed a next-generation HR blueprint: one that blended culture, capability, and global transformation.
Twelve months later, the story of Tracey’s first year reads like a masterclass in people leadership.
1. A First Year Rooted in Purpose, Partnership & Possibility
Tracey often says that leadership is not a role — it’s a responsibility. From her first day at Valvoline, that responsibility came alive through her deep partnership with CEO Jamal Muashsher and the global leadership team.
She credits this team for welcoming her with warmth, trust, and an unwavering commitment to building something extraordinary together.
Her note of gratitude says it best:
“I’ve been inspired by the passion and purpose that drive this organization. A huge thank you to Jamal and the leadership team for challenging me to think boldly and supporting the vision we’re building together.”
In a world where CHRO roles have expanded far beyond HR, Tracey’s leadership has demonstrated strategic agility and people-first clarity — the very traits defining the next chapter of global HR.
2. Strengthening Valvoline’s Global People Engine
One year in, Tracey’s impact can be felt across continents.
She has been at the forefront of:
- Advancing Valvoline’s culture transformation initiatives
- Strengthening global talent and leadership development ecosystems
- Driving new HR operating models for scale, agility and growth
- Elevating employee experience across frontline and corporate teams
- Building a stronger global HR community grounded in excellence and care
The global HR team — spread across multiple geographies — has been a central pillar of this transformation.
Tracey’s tribute to the team reflects her leadership philosophy:
“Your creativity, excellence, and genuine care for our people remind me every day why I love this work.”
She leads with empathy, recognizes contributions deeply, and ensures that people feel seen, valued, and empowered.
3. A Leadership Story Shaped by Two Decades of Depth & Range
Tracey’s leadership is grounded in 25+ years of diverse experience across global HR, retail, and large-scale talent transformation. Her impact-rich decade at Berry Global, strategic HR leadership at Lowe’s, and formative operations roles at Belk, Neiman Marcus, and Saks shaped her into a people-centric, globally agile CHRO. Combined with her academic depth in Industrial & Organizational Psychology, she brings a unique blend of operational insight, talent expertise, and culture-first leadership to Valvoline.
4. Building Valvoline’s Next Chapter: Growth, Culture & Global Agility
In her first year, Tracey has championed a leadership approach centered on three pillars:
Culture as the Catalyst
Evolving culture is never a one-off initiative — it is a continuous dialogue. Tracey’s approach has been rooted in listening, collaboration, and aligning global teams around shared purpose.
Talent as the Engine
From leadership pipelines to global development programs, Tracey has pushed for talent systems that support Valvoline’s fast growth across markets.
People Experience as the Differentiator
Whether in Lexington, Kentucky or in markets across the world, Tracey has worked to anchor the employee experience in trust, transparency, and belonging.
These pillars have already shaped the organization’s progress in 2024–2025, and will continue unlocking the next horizon of growth.
5. One Year Down — A Future Full of Promise
There’s a phrase Tracey often uses:
“Here’s to continued growth — for our people, our business, and each other.”
It captures not just what she has accomplished, but who she is as a leader.
Her first year at Valvoline has been marked by:
✔ Courageous leadership
✔ Deep partnership
✔ A global mindset
✔ People-first impact
✔ Transformational HR strategy
✔ Unwavering authenticity
Valvoline is evolving. The industry is evolving. The future of work is evolving.
And leaders like Tracey York are shaping that future — one decision, one conversation, one milestone at a time.
Valvoline™ Global is a worldwide leader in automotive and industrial solutions, creating future-ready products and best-in-class services for partners around the globe. Established in 1866, we introduced the world’s first branded motor oil, claiming our position as The Original Motor Oil. As The Original, we’ve been innovating to solve problems for over 150 years. With sales in more than 140 countries and territories, our solutions are available for every engine and drivetrain, including high-mileage and heavy-duty vehicles, offered at more than 80,000 locations. And we’re committed to powering the future of mobility for vehicles with electric, hybrid and internal combustion powertrains – today and as we move forward. We are now a part of Aramco, one of the world’s largest integrated energy and chemicals companies. Our strategic partnership creates a powerful combination to drive unparalleled product innovation and sustainable business solutions.
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