Rick Hammell is the founder and CEO of Atlas, formerly known as Elements Global Services. Rick founded the company 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 Direct Employer of Record business model aimed at supporting companies with global aspirations.

Under Rick’s leadership, Atlas has grown from a local startup to a global tech firm with the capability to support clients in more than 160 countries. Atlas 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.

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. He serves on the board of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago. Rick has been a member and active participant in the Society for Human Resource Management for the past 15 years.

Prior to launching Atlas, Rick served in senior HR leadership roles at HCBR Group and P.A.R.T.S Inc. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a focus in HR from American Intercontinental University and holds a Senior Professional in Human Resources certification.