Aron J. Ain

Chief executive officer

Since he joined Kronos in 1979, Aron Ain has played a role in nearly every functional department at the organisation, helping to build what is today an $800 million global enterprise software powerhouse.  Ain was the company’s first service person in 1979 and first sales person in 1980.  He served as vice president of worldwide sales and service in the 1990s, and became chief operating officer in 2002.  In October 2005, Ain was named chief executive officer and a member of the Kronos Board of Directors. 

Ain’s interactive and engaging leadership style is credited with creating an energised corporate culture at Kronos.  He believes that employee retention inevitably leads to loyal and satisfied customers.  According to Ain, "Employees who feel valued stay longer and develop a deeper understanding of and stronger relationship with our customers.  It is their experience and knowledge that allows Kronos to deliver the best products and customer service."  Ain’s focus on customer service never waivers and is the reason that a customer-centric orientation is a core value intricately woven into the fabric of the company.

In 2007, Ain played the leading role in negotiating the sale of Kronos to private equity firm Hellman & Friedman for $1.8 billion.  A leading authority on the subject of managing a global workforce, Ain has been a driving force in expanding Kronos' footprint to meet the workforce management needs of organisations around the world.  Ain has travelled extensively to meet with customers, prospects, partners, and industry influencers in countries such as Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, France, India, Mexico, New Zealand, Spain, the U.K., and the U.S.

Ain believes that being an active participant in the broader community brings balance to his life. Among his volunteer commitments, he is the vice chairman of the Board of Trustees of MetroWest Medical Center, one of the largest community healthcare systems west of Boston.  Ain also serves as a member of the Board of Trustees of Hamilton College in Clinton, NY.  In addition, Ain helps promote the next generation of business leaders in startup organisations such as Abroad101, where he serves as a member of the Board of Directors. Abroad101 is dedicated to providing a meaningful study abroad experience to students.

In addition to a bachelor's degree in economics and government from Hamilton College, Ain has participated in a series of executive education programs, including the AEA/Stanford Executive Institute at Stanford University.

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