Program Director, Divisional Chief Operating Officers Council
The Conference Board
Laureen Knudsen is a seasoned operations and transformation executive with over 35 years of experience optimizing complex business systems and leading large-scale organizational change across global enterprises. With a career spanning Fortune 1000 companies in industries such as finance, health care, IT, and analytics, Laureen is recognized for her ability to align strategy with execution to drive measurable business outcomes.
As Chief Transformation Officer at Broadcom’s Agile Operations Division, she led cross-functional initiatives that enhanced operational agility, reduced inefficiencies, and improved time-to-value across the enterprise. Her hands-on leadership in streamlining operations—from product strategy and engineering to sales and customer success—has delivered multimillion-dollar cost savings while enhancing customer satisfaction and organizational adaptability.
A trusted C-Suite advisor, Laureen has deep expertise in Lean, Agile, and digital operating models and has co-authored Modern Business Management: Creating a Built-to-Change Organization. She is also a member of the World Economic Forum’s Impact Circle for Digital Transformation and the Forbes Technology Council, and has been named one of the Top 100 Women in Tech.
Currently serving as Chief Transformation Officer at Empower Consultant Group, Laureen works with corporations and government organizations to modernize operations, elevate strategic execution, and build future-ready organizations. Her approach blends operational excellence with emerging technology, positioning her as a transformational COO leader for the modern age.
When not working, Laureen works on her passion for conservation and sustainability. She is currently working with local architects to design a custom home using cutting-edge energy-positive, passive-house, and water-reclamation innovations. She also loves to travel the globe with her husband.