Rick Hammell is the founder and CEO of Atlas. Rick founded Atlas, formerly known as Elements Global Services,in 2015, from his dining room table after noticing gaps in the existing marketplace for solutions that enabled companies to expand into new markets simply, quickly and compliantly. Through his commitment to simplifying expansion, Rick pioneered the DirectEmployer of Record business model aimed at supporting companies with global aspirations.
Under Rick’s leadership, Elements has grown from a local startup to a global tech firm with 19 offices and the capability to support clients in more than 160 countries. Elements has since developed proprietary cloud-based software platforms further supported by a worldwide network of experts helping clients to navigate the complexities of international HR, payroll and local compliance.
Prior to launching Elements, Rick served as global vice president of human resources at HCBR Group and director of HR and recruitment at P.A.R.T.S Inc. Rick is the author of “Getting Sh*t Done!: The Millennial CEO.” He was named an Ernst & Young (EY) 2021 Midwest Entrepreneur of the Year winner, distinguished for his entrepreneurial spirit and impact on the communities he serves.
Rick earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a focus in HR from American Intercontinental University. He holds a certification for Senior Professional in Human Resources.
Rick serves on the board of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago. He is an active participant in several HR organizations, including the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM), Certification Institute and the National Association of Professional Employer Organizations (NAPEO).
