Training Industry, Inc., a Raleigh-based leader in the corporate training marketplace, announced on August 11, 2026, that it has successfully acquired substantially all the assets of BetterWork Media Group. The landmark acquisition includes two of the most influential brands in the human capital management sector: Chief Learning Officer (CLO) and Chief Talent Officer (CTO). This strategic move unites three of the industry’s most respected entities, signaling a major consolidation in the professional development and workforce performance landscape.
The transaction is designed to bridge the gap between corporate training, talent acquisition, and organizational performance. As the global economy shifts toward skills-based hiring and continuous upskilling, the integration of these brands aims to provide a unified platform for research, editorial insight, and executive-level community building. By combining the strengths of Training Industry’s data-driven approach with the executive-focused leadership of CLO and CTO, the new organization is positioned to become the definitive resource for the "Business of Learning."
Strategic Rationale and Executive Vision
The acquisition is rooted in the increasing interconnectedness of learning and talent functions within modern enterprises. Historically, learning and development (L&D) and talent management often operated in silos. However, in the current business environment, where talent shortages and rapid technological shifts are commonplace, these functions have become inseparable components of business strategy.
Ken Taylor, Chief Executive Officer of Training Industry, Inc., emphasized that the acquisition was a natural progression for the company. “Our interest in acquiring Chief Learning Officer and Chief Talent Officer was driven by the opportunity to bring together complementary strengths in service of the learning and talent profession,” Taylor stated. He noted that the foundational infrastructure of Training Industry—which includes a robust research wing and extensive professional development programs—will enhance the experience for the existing communities of CLO and CTO. “By combining our editorial expertise, research capabilities, and understanding of the corporate talent marketplace, we will deliver broader insights, stronger communities, and even greater value to the professionals we serve.”
Kevin Fields, the founder of BetterWork Media Group, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the long-term benefits for the brands’ loyal audiences. “For more than two decades, Chief Learning Officer and Chief Talent Officer have been built around one simple idea: helping learning and talent leaders become more strategic business partners,” Fields said. He expressed confidence that joining Training Industry would allow these brands to maintain their editorial independence and executive focus while gaining access to the expanded resources of a larger organization.
A Legacy of Professional Impact: The Three Brands
To understand the magnitude of this acquisition, it is necessary to examine the history and specific focus of each entity involved.
Training Industry, Inc.
For over 20 years, Training Industry has served as the "connective tissue" of the corporate training market. Based in Raleigh, North Carolina, the organization has built a reputation for its independent research, which identifies the "Top 20" providers across various sectors of the training industry. Its mission has always been to help learning leaders make informed decisions by providing them with peer-reviewed content, webinars, and the Certified Professional in Training Management (CPTM) credential.
Chief Learning Officer (CLO)
Founded in 2002, Chief Learning Officer was among the first publications to treat the head of L&D as a C-suite executive. Over the last quarter-century, it has evolved into a multi-platform brand offering leadership development programs, the prestigious LearningElite awards, and a series of symposia that bring together the world’s most senior learning executives. CLO has been instrumental in advocating for the "Learning Officer" to have a seat at the executive table, arguing that workforce education is a primary driver of competitive advantage.
Chief Talent Officer (CTO)
A younger but equally vital brand, Chief Talent Officer focuses on the strategic alignment of workforce strategy with organizational goals. It addresses the complexities of talent acquisition, retention, leadership succession, and organizational culture. In an era where "the war for talent" has transitioned into "the war for skills," CTO has provided talent executives with the frameworks necessary to navigate evolving workforce challenges.
Market Context and the Evolving L&D Landscape
The acquisition comes at a time of significant transformation within the global corporate training market. According to industry data from 2025, the global corporate training market size was valued at approximately $385 billion, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8% through 2030. This growth is largely driven by the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace, which has necessitated massive reskilling initiatives.
Research from the World Economic Forum and various human capital institutes suggests that by 2027, 40% of workers’ core skills will need to change due to technological disruption. This has placed immense pressure on Chief Learning Officers and Chief Talent Officers to deliver measurable results. The merger of Training Industry, CLO, and CTO creates a powerhouse of information that can help these executives navigate the "Great Reskilling" era.
Furthermore, the "skills-based organization" model has gained significant traction. Companies are moving away from traditional job descriptions and toward a more fluid understanding of employee capabilities. The combined resources of these three brands will provide the research and case studies necessary for organizations to successfully transition to this new model.
Timeline of the Corporate Learning Evolution
The consolidation of these brands represents the culmination of a decades-long evolution in how businesses view their employees:
- 2002-2010: The Rise of the CLO. Organizations began to realize that training was not a cost center but an investment. Chief Learning Officer was launched to support this new class of executive.
- 2011-2019: Digital Transformation. Training Industry expanded its research into the burgeoning "EdTech" sector, helping companies navigate the shift from classroom-based learning to Learning Management Systems (LMS) and mobile learning.
- 2020-2023: The Pandemic Pivot. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote work and virtual training. BetterWork Media Group and Training Industry provided critical guidance on maintaining workforce performance during global lockdowns.
- 2024-2026: AI and Integration. The focus shifted toward the integration of AI in talent management. The need for a unified voice in the industry led to the August 2026 acquisition.
Industry Implications and Future Outlook
The acquisition is expected to have several immediate and long-term implications for the corporate training and talent sectors.
First, the industry can expect a more robust calendar of events and professional development opportunities. Training Industry has stated that existing publications, award programs, and events—such as the CLO Symposium and the Training Industry Conference & Expo (TICE)—will continue. However, these programs will now benefit from shared resources and a wider pool of subject matter experts.
Second, the research output of the combined entity is likely to become the industry benchmark. By merging Training Industry’s analytical capabilities with the executive access of CLO and CTO, the organization can provide deeper insights into how training investments correlate with talent retention and overall business profitability.
Third, the acquisition signals a broader trend of consolidation in the B2B media and professional services space. As information becomes more commoditized, the value of specialized, high-level communities increases. Training Industry is betting that a "connected ecosystem" of learning and talent leaders will be more resilient and influential than standalone brands.
Supporting Data and Professional Growth
Internal data from Training Industry indicates that professionals who engage in cross-functional development—learning both L&D and talent management strategies—are 35% more likely to be promoted to executive roles. The new "connected ecosystem" mentioned by Ken Taylor is specifically designed to facilitate this cross-functional growth.
For the individual practitioner, this means access to a more comprehensive career roadmap. A junior training manager can look to Training Industry for foundational skills, progress through the CPTM program, and eventually engage with the CLO community as they move into senior leadership. Simultaneously, they can leverage CTO insights to ensure their training programs are aligned with the broader talent acquisition and retention strategy of their organization.
Conclusion and Media Contact
As the corporate world continues to grapple with the complexities of the modern workforce, the union of Training Industry, Chief Learning Officer, and Chief Talent Officer provides a stable and comprehensive resource for those at the helm of organizational change. The acquisition represents an investment not just in the brands themselves, but in the future of work.
“Our shared purpose remains unchanged: connecting learning and talent leaders to drive business impact,” Taylor concluded. “Together, we’re creating a stronger network that helps leaders learn, connect, grow, and shape the future of work.”
For more information regarding the acquisition and the future roadmap for the brands, interested parties are encouraged to visit the official Training Industry website.
Media Contact:
Lauren Lynch-Wilbur
[email protected]
