Recent from talks
Nothing was collected or created yet.
This article has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page. (Learn how and when to remove these messages)
|
UKG is an American multinational technology company with dual headquarters in Lowell, Massachusetts, and Weston, Florida. It provides workforce management and human resource management services. UKG stands for Ultimate Kronos Group.
Key Information
History
[edit]This section may require copy editing for to remove repetitve statements regarding the merger, in three paragraphs, two at opening, one under section Acquisitions. (September 2025) |
UKG stands for Ultimate Kronos Group. The company was founded in April 2020 as a result of the merger of Ultimate Software and Kronos Incorporated.[3] Former Kronos CEO Aron Ain was the CEO and chairperson of the combined company until July 1, 2022, when he stepped down as CEO to become Executive Chairperson.[4][better source needed]
On February 20, 2020, Ultimate Software and Kronos Incorporated announced they agreed to form a new cloud computing venture specializing in workforce management and human capital management. The combined company, valued at $22 billion, would be one of the largest cloud computing companies. Kronos CEO Aron Ain became CEO and chairman of the new company, with more than 12,000 employees and dual headquarters in Lowell, Massachusetts, and Weston, Florida.[5][better source needed][6][7][8] The merger was officially completed on April 1, 2020,[9][10][better source needed] and in August, the company's name was announced as Ultimate Kronos Group (UKG), which became effective on October 1.[11][better source needed] According to Society for Human Resource Management, the new company became one of the largest HR technology vendors in the highly competitive economy section that includes ADP, Ceridian, Taleo, Successfactors, Zoho Corporation and Workday.[12][13] In reports on the company from 2021, UKG was noted for its inclusive, diversified workforce and community-oriented work environment.[14][15][16][verification needed]
Several executive appointments followed in 2021 and 2022. In May 2021, the company appointed tech industry veteran Brian Reaves as the company's Chief Belonging, Diversity, and Equity Officer.[17][full citation needed] In December 2021, UKG launched its Close the Gap Initiative, a $3 million campaign funded by the company to address salary inequity for U.S. workers' wages, in particular for women and people of color.[18][full citation needed] In July 2022, UKG named Christopher Todd as chief executive officer succeeding Aron Ain who was named executive chairman of the board of directors.[19][full citation needed]
In July 2024, UKG replaced Christopher Todd as chief executive officer with former SAP Co-CEO, Jennifer Morgan.[citation needed] In that same month, UKG eliminated approximately 2250 positions worldwide, about 14% of their employees.[citation needed] The event was accompanied by UKG accidentally notifying impacted employees via a premature email of instructions regarding how to return their laptops.[citation needed]
NWSL Challenge Cup
[edit]In 2023, the company sponsored a $1 million prize for the NWSL Challenge Cup, an annual tournament organized by the National Women's Soccer League.[20]
Acquisitions
[edit]UKG was established in April 2020 following the merger of Ultimate Software and Kronos Incorporated.[9][10][better source needed][11][better source needed] In June 2021, the company acquired EverythingBenefits, a developer of cloud-based business software that connects employers to insurance, retirement and other information. The acquisition allowed UKG to incorporate EverythingBenefits' procedural knowledge including its suite of payroll, HR service delivery, and workforce management, among other tools.[21] On September 1, 2021, UKG bought Great Place to Work® Inc., the company behind Fortune's annual list of 100 Best Companies to Work For.[22][23] In December 2021, UKG acquired Ascentis Corporation, a midmarket provider of HCM and time management solutions.[24]
In February 2022, UKG acquired SpotCues, an employee engagement and communication solution. SpotCues was relaunched as UKG Talk. As of July 2023, UKG Talk has more than 1 million users. The company also expanded into the Caribbean market with its acquisition of Interboro Systems Corporation, based in Puerto Rico, the same month.[25] In November 2022, UKG acquired the Oxford-headquartered strategic workforce planning software company, Quorbit.[26]
In June 2023, UKG acquired Immedis, an Irish global payroll platform from CluneTech for over €550 million. The platform was relaunched as UKG OneView with a focus on multinational workforce management, payroll, tax and funding.[27][28]
Workforce—Institute and Activity Report
[edit]Established in 2007, Workforce Institute is the company's think tank and research platform for organizations providing information on Human Capital Management issues that include working environment optimization, analytical and educational tools, accommodation of people with disabilities and more. The organization also conducts surveys and issues annual reports on global workforce trends and developments.[29][30][31][32]
The Workforce Activity Report is an index analyzing shift work trends from over four million people across more than 35,000 U.S. businesses. Reports are published and briefings are held each Tuesday prior to the publication of the Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Situation Report. The Report is covered widely by news organizations and government sources.[33][34][35]
Ransomware attack
[edit]In December 2021, UKG disclosed that it was targeted by a ransomware attack that was first detected on December 11, 2021. The malware attack affected the Kronos Private Cloud feature used by many large businesses including Boots, Gap Inc., Marriott International, MGM Resorts International, PepsiCo, Sainsbury's, Samsung, Staples Inc., Tesla, Inc., Whole Foods Market, Yamaha Corporation, YMCA, and others while some governmental entities such as the cities of Cleveland, Springfield, Massachusetts as well as the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority were also affected.[36][37][38][39][40]
Many sources reported that the attack possibly occurred as a result of the Log4Shell zero-day, but UKG claimed it did not have evidence of Log4Shell being responsible for the ransomware incident.[40][41][38][36]
Ownership
[edit]Private equity firm Hellman & Friedman, which was the controlling shareholder of both Ultimate and Kronos, is the controlling shareholder of UKG.[42] Blackstone, which also owned stakes in both previous companies, is the largest minority investor with a 20–25 percent stake.[2][6][better source needed] Other minority investors include GIC, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, and JMI Equity.[5][better source needed]
Products and services
[edit]- UKG Pro Suite[43]
- UKG Ready Suite[43]
- UKG HR Service Delivery [43]
- UKG Virtual Roster[citation needed]
- UKG OneView[citation needed]
Awards and recognition
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b Feffer, Mark (21 December 2022). "What Inflation? UKG Grows Revenue, Adds Customers". HCM Technology Report.
- ^ a b c Maffei, Lucia (August 28, 2020). "Kronos rebrands after merger with Ultimate Software". Boston Business Journal. Archived from the original on August 30, 2020. Retrieved August 30, 2020.
- ^ "Kronos rebrands after merger with Ultimate Software". www.bizjournals.com. 28 August 2020. Retrieved 2020-12-04.
- ^ "UKG Names Chris Todd as Chief Executive Officer" (press release).[better source needed]
- ^ a b "Kronos and Ultimate Software Enter Definitive Merger Agreement Creating Company Valued at $22 Billion" (Press release). Lowell, Massachusetts and Weston, Florida: Kronos Incorporated. Business Wire. February 20, 2020. Archived from the original on August 30, 2020. Retrieved August 30, 2020.[better source needed]
- ^ a b Gottfried, Miriam; Lombardo, Cara (February 20, 2020). "Two Big Workplace-Software Providers to Merge". The Wall Street Journal. Archived from the original on February 20, 2020. Retrieved August 30, 2020.
- ^ Lyons, David (February 20, 2020). "Ultimate Software merger will create giant workplace company". Sun-Sentinel. Archived from the original on August 30, 2020. Retrieved August 30, 2020.
- ^ Spadafora, Anthony (February 22, 2020). "Kronos and Ultimate Software merger creates one of world's largest cloud companies". TechRadar. Archived from the original on August 30, 2020. Retrieved August 30, 2020.
- ^ a b Reiser, Emon (April 2, 2020). "Ultimate Software, Kronos complete merger". South Florida Business Journal. Archived from the original on August 30, 2020. Retrieved August 30, 2020.
- ^ a b "Kronos and Ultimate Software Complete Merger" (Press release). Lowell, Massachusetts and Weston, Florida: Ultimate Software. Business Wire. April 1, 2020. Archived from the original on August 30, 2020. Retrieved August 30, 2020.[better source needed]
- ^ a b "Kronos and Ultimate Software Unveil Plans to Rebrand as "UKG"" (Press release). Lowell, Massachusetts and Weston, Florida: UKG. Business Wire. August 28, 2020. Archived from the original on August 30, 2020. Retrieved August 30, 2020.[better source needed]
- ^ Baranouski, Artsiom (2024-04-05). "Best 10+ AI Tools for HR in Canada: North America Workforce Software - Shalkin Consulting". Retrieved 2024-04-19.
- ^ Maurer, Roy (February 21, 2020). "What Does the Kronos and Ultimate Software Merger Mean for HR?". Society for Human Resource Management. Archived from the original on August 30, 2020. Retrieved August 30, 2020.
- ^ "PEOPLE's 100 Companies That Care 2021: Meet the Employers Putting Their Communities First". People.
- ^ "UKG Pay Equity Effort Aims to Drive Awareness, Action". HCM Technology Report. 10 December 2021.
- ^ Grensing-Pophal, Lin (2021-11-22). "Technology Can Assist When Accommodating Employees with Disabilities". SHRM.
- ^ Ranosa, Rachel (2021-05-24). "UKG Names New Diversity and Inclusion Chief". HCA Magazine.[full citation needed]
- ^ Cuadra, Deanna (2021-12-06). "UKG is launching a multimillion-dollar pay equity initiative". EBN.[full citation needed]
- ^ "UKG looks within to find new CEO". techtarget.com.[full citation needed]
- ^ "'23 NWSL Challenge Cup hits $1m in prize money". ESPN. 13 April 2023.
- ^ Ranosa, Rachel (2021-06-03). "UKG acquires benefits tech platform EverythingBenefits". Human Resources Director.
- ^ Feffer, Mark (2021-09-01). "UKG Purchases Great Place to Work Institute". HCM Technology Report.
- ^ "UKG CEO lights the way to an A+ workplace for employees". Fortune.
- ^ "UKG Acquires Ascentis Corporation | UKG". www.ukg.com. 9 March 2022. Retrieved 2023-09-20.
- ^ "UKG Extends Global Reach in Caribbean Market With Acquisition of Interboro Systems Corporation". Bloomberg.com. 28 February 2022.
- ^ FinSMEs (2022-11-10). "UKG Acquires Quorbit". FinSMEs. Retrieved 2022-11-10.
- ^ "Irish tech entrepreneur earns €350m pay-day as US group UKG buys Immedis in €575m deal". Irishtimes.
- ^ "UKG acquires payroll innovator Immedis". UNLEASH. 7 June 2023.
- ^ "The Workforce Institute Profile and History". Datanyze.
- ^ "ovid-19's Workplace Impact Study". Workplace Intelligence. 15 September 2020.
- ^ "93% of Indian employees believe they are not heard equally at work: The Workforce Institute at UKG". People Matters. 14 July 2021.
- ^ "A 'Turnover Tsunami' Won't Hit Every Company". Forbes.
- ^ Mena, Bryan (26 July 2023). "The Fed hikes interest rates by a quarter point and hints at another increase this year". CNN.
- ^ "Hiring cools as employers added 209,000 jobs in June - CBS News". www.cbsnews.com. 7 July 2023.
- ^ "Employers Add 236K Jobs in March as Labor Market Downshifts From February's Torrid Pace". Usnews.
- ^ a b Shen, Michelle. "Ransomware attack on Kronos could disrupt how companies pay, manage employees for weeks". USA Today. Retrieved 2021-12-17.
- ^ Byrnes, Jesse (2021-12-14). "Hillicon Valley — Apache vulnerability sets off alarm bells". The Hill. Retrieved 2021-12-17.
- ^ a b Korn, Jennifer (16 December 2021). "Kronos ransomware attack could impact employee paychecks and timesheets for weeks". CNN. Retrieved 2021-12-17.
- ^ "Springfield warns of ransomware". masslive. 2021-12-13. Retrieved 2021-12-17.
- ^ a b Bray, Hiawatha (15 December 2021). "Emerging 'Log4j' software bug spawns worldwide worry over cyber attacks - The Boston Globe". The Boston Globe. Retrieved 2021-12-17.
- ^ Goodin, Dan (2021-12-13). "As Log4Shell wreaks havoc, payroll service reports ransomware attack". Ars Technica. Retrieved 2021-12-17.
- ^ "Kronos, Ultimate Software merge to form $22 bln workplace software co". Yahoo Finance. 2020-02-20. Retrieved 2024-04-19.
- ^ a b c Brandau, Mark (February 21, 2020). "Top Three Takeaways From The Kronos-Ultimate Merger Announcement". Forrester Research. Archived from the original on August 30, 2020. Retrieved August 30, 2020.
- ^ "America's Greatest Workplaces 2023". Newsweek. 5 July 2023.
- ^ "UKG". Fortune. Retrieved 2025-08-21.
External links
[edit]Origins and Formation
Predecessor Companies: Kronos and Ultimate Software
Kronos Incorporated was established in 1977 as a Massachusetts corporation focused on developing and manufacturing workforce management solutions, including hardware and software for timekeeping and labor tracking.[8] Headquartered in Lowell, Massachusetts, the company initially emphasized electronic time-recording devices before expanding into comprehensive software platforms for scheduling, attendance management, and payroll integration to help organizations control labor costs and enhance operational efficiency.[9] Over the decades, Kronos grew through strategic acquisitions, such as assets from Computer Recovery, Inc. in the early 1990s, and positioned itself as a leader in workforce analytics and compliance tools serving industries like retail, healthcare, and manufacturing.[10] In 2007, private equity firm Hellman & Friedman acquired Kronos in a leveraged buyout valued at $1.8 billion, enabling further investment in cloud-based innovations and global expansion while maintaining its core focus on time and labor optimization.[11][12] Ultimate Software Group, Inc., founded in 1990 and based in Weston, Florida, specialized in cloud-delivered human capital management (HCM) solutions tailored for mid-to-large enterprises.[13][14] The company's flagship UltiPro platform, first released in 1993, integrated payroll processing, HR administration, talent acquisition, performance management, and employee self-service features, emphasizing user-friendly interfaces and data-driven insights to streamline workforce operations.[15] Ultimate Software pursued growth via targeted acquisitions, completing four deals between 2013 and 2018 to bolster capabilities in areas like benefits administration and analytics.[16] Recognized for its workplace culture, the firm consistently ranked among Fortune's "100 Best Companies to Work For" starting in 2012, which supported its reputation for innovative HCM technology amid a shift toward SaaS models.[15] Both companies operated as independent entities under Hellman & Friedman's ownership prior to their convergence, with Kronos excelling in time-and-attendance precision for hourly workforces and Ultimate Software leading in holistic HCM for salaried and knowledge-based employees, setting the stage for complementary strengths in the evolving HR technology landscape.[17]2020 Merger and Initial Integration
On February 20, 2020, Kronos Incorporated and Ultimate Software entered into a definitive merger agreement to combine their human capital management (HCM) and workforce management solutions, creating a new entity valued at $22 billion with projected annual revenue approaching $3 billion and over 12,000 employees.[18][19] The transaction, backed by private equity firms including Hellman & Friedman, was structured as a merger of equals aimed at leveraging Kronos's strengths in timekeeping and scheduling with Ultimate's cloud-based HCM capabilities.[17] The deal closed on April 1, 2020, marking the formal formation of the combined company, which initially operated under transitional governance while planning unification.[17] Leadership for the merged entity was established with Aron Ain, former CEO of Kronos, appointed as CEO to oversee initial operations, and Chris Todd, previously senior vice president at Ultimate Software, named President to handle product and customer strategy.[20][21] This structure emphasized continuity from both predecessors, with Ain focusing on cultural alignment and Todd on integrating sales and development teams. On September 1, 2020, the company unveiled its rebranding to Ultimate Kronos Group (UKG), effective October 1, 2020, adopting the tagline "Our purpose is people" to symbolize a unified focus on employee-centric technology.[22][23] The rebrand accompanied early efforts to consolidate branding across marketing, websites, and internal communications, serving over 50 million workers globally through the combined portfolio.[24] Initial integration prioritized harmonizing disparate systems and processes, including aligning Kronos's on-premises and cloud workforce tools with Ultimate's UltiPro HCM platform to enable seamless data flows for payroll, scheduling, and analytics.[25] However, observers noted challenges in reconciling underlying product architectures, pricing models, and support structures, which risked complicating customer migrations and roadmap planning without careful orchestration.[25][26] Efforts included cross-training teams and piloting unified sales strategies to avoid silos, with the company reporting revenue stability and growth by November 2020, closing fiscal year 2020 near $3 billion amid the merger's momentum.[27][28] Despite these steps, full operational synergy required ongoing investment in API integrations and cultural melding between the "Kronites" and "Ultipeeps" workforces.[29]Corporate Evolution
Key Mergers and Acquisitions
In September 2021, UKG acquired Great Place to Work Institute, Inc., a global authority on workplace culture certification and analytics, to integrate employee experience benchmarking into its HCM ecosystem.[30] This move enabled UKG to offer clients data-driven insights on organizational trust and performance, distinct from traditional software functionalities.[31] On February 24, 2022, UKG purchased SpotCues and its Groupe.io mobile communications platform, targeting enhanced connectivity for deskless and frontline workers through features like shift notifications and team collaboration tools.[32] The acquisition addressed gaps in real-time employee engagement, particularly in distributed workforces. In March 2022, UKG acquired Ascentis Corporation, a Minnesota-based provider of integrated HR, payroll, and timekeeping software serving small to mid-sized enterprises.[33] This expanded UKG's customer base in the U.S. SMB segment and incorporated Ascentis's compliance-focused modules into its broader suite. On June 6, 2023, UKG announced an agreement to acquire Immedis from CluneTech, a specialist in multi-country payroll orchestration for multinational corporations.[34] The deal facilitated managed payroll services across over 100 countries, reducing complexity for global employers by combining Immedis's localization expertise with UKG's core HCM infrastructure. In June 2025, UKG acquired Shiftboard, a Seattle-based provider of AI-driven scheduling software tailored for shift-based industries such as energy, oil and gas, and manufacturing.[35] The integration aimed to embed Shiftboard's optimization algorithms into UKG's workforce management tools, improving operational efficiency for hourly and contract labor.[36]| Date | Acquired Entity | Key Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| September 2021 | Great Place to Work Institute | Workplace culture analytics and certification |
| February 2022 | SpotCues (Groupe.io) | Mobile employee communications |
| March 2022 | Ascentis Corporation | SMB HR, payroll, and timekeeping |
| June 2023 | Immedis | Global multi-country payroll |
| June 2025 | Shiftboard | Industry-specific scheduling for energy and manufacturing |