---
title: Functionly | David Plink
description: David Plink, CEO of the Top Employers Institute, is a leading HR expert championing data-driven, human-centric practices for global workplace improvement.
---

[![Functionly Logo](https://www.functionly.com/hubfs/Functionly%20Logo.svg) ](https://www.functionly.com/?hsLang=en)

[Features ](https://www.functionly.com/author/david-plink#)

## Chart the course to your future org

Visualize your workforce by unifying people data across systems, and design the future-state structure your strategy demands. 

[Features ](https://www.functionly.com/features?hsLang=en)

#### [![Group 1208-1](https://www.functionly.com/hubfs/Group%201208-1.svg) Data, Integrations, AI  & Templates🫰🏼 Visualize your org instantly and keep it updated automatically. Learn more](https://www.functionly.com/features/data-integrations-ai-templates?hsLang=en)

#### [![Group 1309](https://www.functionly.com/hubfs/Group%201309.svg) Groups, Dotted-lines, Accountabilities 💥  Map your unique organizational structures with dynamic design. Learn more](https://www.functionly.com/features/groups-dotted-lines-accountabilities?hsLang=en)

#### [![Group 1214-1](https://www.functionly.com/hubfs/Group%201214-1.svg) Scenarios, Forecasts, Change Planning ⛱ Compare strategic options and forecast headcount impacts. Learn more](https://www.functionly.com/features/scenarios-forecasts-change-planning?hsLang=en)

#### [![Group 1215-1](https://www.functionly.com/hubfs/Group%201215-1.svg) Collaboration, Sharing, Security ⭐️ Collaborate in real-time for faster, decisions — with secure controls. Learn more](https://www.functionly.com/features/collaboration-sharing-security?hsLang=en)

[Use Cases ](https://www.functionly.com/author/david-plink#)

## Org design for every scenario

Navigate growth, change, and complexity with one platform built for every stage of your org’s evolution.

[Use cases ](https://www.functionly.com/use-cases?hsLang=en)

[Restructures ](https://www.functionly.com/use-cases/restructures?hsLang=en) [Workforce expansion ](https://www.functionly.com/use-cases/workforce-expansion?hsLang=en) [Reduction in workforce (RIF) ](https://www.functionly.com/use-cases/reduction-in-workforce?hsLang=en) [Mergers & acquisitions ](https://www.functionly.com/use-cases/mergers-and-acquisitions?hsLang=en) [Annual strategic planning ](https://www.functionly.com/use-cases/annual-strategic-planning?hsLang=en) [New executives ](https://www.functionly.com/use-cases/new-executives?hsLang=en) [Executive accountability ](https://www.functionly.com/use-cases/executive-accountability?hsLang=en) [New strategic direction ](https://www.functionly.com/use-cases/new-strategic-direction?hsLang=en) [Preparing for org change ](https://www.functionly.com/use-cases/preparing-for-org-change?hsLang=en)

[Pricing ](https://www.functionly.com/pricing?hsLang=en)

[Resources ](https://www.functionly.com/author/david-plink#)

## The Org Design Podcast

The only podcast focused on org design, where thinkers and doers unpack what makes healthy teams work.

[Listen ](https://www.functionly.com/org-design-podcast?hsLang=en)

#### [![Group 1321](https://www.functionly.com/hubfs/Group%201321.svg) Orginometry blog Read the latest trends impacting org design. Read](https://www.functionly.com/orginometry?hsLang=en)

#### [![Group 1320](https://www.functionly.com/hubfs/Group%201320.svg) Case studies Discover best practices from success stories. Discover](https://functionly.com/case-studies)

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#### [![Group 1323](https://www.functionly.com/hubfs/Group%201323.svg) Expert program Contribute to our org design blog or podcast. Contribute](https://www.functionly.com/expert-guest-referral?hsLang=en)

[Get Started ](https://www.functionly.com/author/david-plink#)

## Test drive Functionly

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Explore features with an instant-access demo  org chart - no strings attached.

[Demo ](https://labs.functionly.com/template/t_cxWhVCXifPHMVPhG-functionly-demo/)

[Contact sales ](https://www.functionly.com/contact-sales-enterprise?hsLang=en) [See pricing ](https://www.functionly.com/pricing?hsLang=en)

#### [![Union-3](https://www.functionly.com/hubfs/Union-3.svg) Templates Get started with an industry template. Learn more](https://www.functionly.com/org-chart-templates?hsLang=en)

#### [![webcam-video--work-video-meeting-camera-company-conference-office](https://www.functionly.com/hubfs/webcam-video--work-video-meeting-camera-company-conference-office.svg) Partners Become a partner to manage client orgs Learn more](https://www.functionly.com/partners?hsLang=en)

#### [![Union (1)-1](https://www.functionly.com/hubfs/Union%20(1)-1.svg) Guided demo Watch a guided demo on your time. Learn more](https://www.functionly.com/product-demo?hsLang=en)

#### [![manual-book](https://www.functionly.com/hubfs/manual-book.svg) New user guide Get help setting up your org chart. Learn more](https://www.functionly.com/help/getting-started?hsLang=en)

[ Login ](https://labs.functionly.com/) [Free Trial ](https://labs.functionly.com/sign-up)

[ Features ](https://www.functionly.com/author/david-plink#)

[ Features Overview ](https://www.functionly.com/features?hsLang=en)

[ Data, Integrations, AI & Templates ](https://www.functionly.com/features/data-integrations-ai-templates?hsLang=en)

[ Groups, Dotted-lines, Accountabilities ](https://www.functionly.com/features/groups-dotted-lines-accountabilities?hsLang=en)

[ Scenarios, Forecasts, Change Planning ](https://www.functionly.com/features/scenarios-forecasts-change-planning?hsLang=en)

[ Collaboration, Sharing, Security ](https://www.functionly.com/features/collaboration-sharing-security?hsLang=en)

[ Use Cases ](https://www.functionly.com/author/david-plink#)

[ Restructures ](https://www.functionly.com/use-cases/restructures?hsLang=en)

[ Workforce Expansion ](https://www.functionly.com/use-cases/workforce-expansion?hsLang=en)

[ Reduction in Workforce (RIF) ](https://www.functionly.com/use-cases/reduction-in-workforce?hsLang=en)

[ Mergers and Acquisitions ](https://www.functionly.com/use-cases/mergers-and-acquisitions?hsLang=en)

[ Annual Strategic Planning ](https://www.functionly.com/use-cases/annual-strategic-planning?hsLang=en)

[ New Executives ](https://www.functionly.com/use-cases/new-executives?hsLang=en)

[ Executive Accountability ](https://www.functionly.com/use-cases/executive-accountability?hsLang=en)

[ New Strategic Direction ](https://www.functionly.com/use-cases/new-strategic-direction?hsLang=en)

[ Preparing for Org Change ](https://www.functionly.com/use-cases/preparing-for-org-change?hsLang=en)

[ Pricing ](https://www.functionly.com/pricing?hsLang=en)

[ Resources ](https://www.functionly.com/author/david-plink#)

[ Org Design Podcast ](https://www.functionly.com/org-design-podcast?hsLang=en)

[ Orginometry Blog ](https://www.functionly.com/orginometry?hsLang=en)

[ Case Studies ](https://functionly.com/case-studies)

[ Help Center ](https://www.functionly.com/help?hsLang=en)

[ Expert program ](https://www.functionly.com/expert-guest-referral?hsLang=en)

[ Get Started ](https://www.functionly.com/author/david-plink#)

[ Test drive ](https://labs.functionly.com/template/t_cxWhVCXifPHMVPhG-functionly-demo/)

[ Templates ](https://www.functionly.com/org-chart-templates?hsLang=en)

[ Partners ](https://www.functionly.com/partners?hsLang=en)

[ Guided demo ](https://www.functionly.com/product-demo?hsLang=en)

[ New user guide ](https://www.functionly.com/help/getting-started?hsLang=en)

# Author: David Plink

![David Plink headshot](https://www.functionly.com/hs-fs/hubfs/DP%20Square%20headshot.png?width=500&height=500&name=DP%20Square%20headshot.png)

[**](https://www.top-employers.com/us/)   [**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidplink/)    

David Plink is an accomplished CEO with over 25 years of experience in the HR industry, currently leading the Top Employers Institute. His extensive background encompasses commercial and change management roles, coupled with executive leadership, where he has demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing best practices in organizational design and human resource strategies.

As the long-standing CEO of the Top Employers Institute, Plink has been instrumental in shaping organizational practices that emphasize a human-centered, data-driven approach. He believes in the importance of integrating organizational design into HR practices to foster a connected ecosystem that enhances employee engagement and overall workplace effectiveness. Under his leadership, the Institute has certified more than 2,300 organizations across 120 countries, positively impacting the working conditions of over 13 million employees worldwide. Plink's focus on organizational design is reflected in his advocacy for meaningful human connections within the workplace. He champions strategies that align individual employee purposes with organizational goals, thus creating a culture of belonging and well-being. His insights into HR analytics and technology underscore the necessity of using data to inform organizational design decisions and improve employee experiences.

In addition to his role at the Top Employers Institute, Plink serves as a non-executive member of the Board at the WageIndicator Foundation, where he contributes to enhancing labor market information accessibility and promoting fair working conditions globally. His thought leadership is evident through his frequent speaking engagements at major HR events and his participation in panels discussing the future of work, where he emphasizes the significance of neuroinclusion and adaptability in workplace design.

David Plink’s educational credentials include a Master’s degree from the University of Leiden and an MBA from Berkeley, equipping him with the theoretical and practical knowledge to drive transformational change in HR practices. His commitment to empowering organizations with actionable insights and fostering collaborative communities among HR professionals makes him a leading voice in the evolution of organizational design within the HR landscape.

## Content by Author:

<https://www.functionly.com/org-design-podcast/the-three-dilemmas-of-org-design-david-plink-on-leadership-strategy-human-centered-change?hsLang=en>

[Leadership](https://www.functionly.com/orginometry/tag/leadership?hsLang=en), [Org Design](https://www.functionly.com/orginometry/tag/org-design?hsLang=en), [Podcast](https://www.functionly.com/orginometry/tag/podcast?hsLang=en),

31/07/25

#### [The Three Dilemmas of Org Design — David Plink on Leadership, Strategy & Human-Centered Change](https://www.functionly.com/org-design-podcast/the-three-dilemmas-of-org-design-david-plink-on-leadership-strategy-human-centered-change?hsLang=en)

 By: David Plink <https://www.functionly.com/orginometry/author/david-plink?hsLang=en>

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