CompTIA appoints Casey Welch chief product officer to shape AI-era workforce readiness

Former Pearson and Tallo executive leads learning, certification and workforce solutions focused on validating skills for a rapidly changing economy

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., Oct. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- CompTIA has named Casey Welch chief product officer to lead the organization's AI-era learning and certification strategy as demand grows for skills that can be demonstrated and validated in the workplace.

Welch will lead strategy and development across CompTIA's portfolio of certifications, learning products and workforce solutions. His focus includes expanding skills development pathways, advancing performance-based credentialing and creating products that help learners and employers translate knowledge into measurable outcomes.

"Organizations are investing heavily in AI technology, but the real challenge isn't the tools, it's training the people who use them. Technology doesn't drive outcomes; the people using it do," said Sean Ryan, CompTIA CEO. "Casey has spent his career building learning ecosystems that connect people to real skills development at scale, and that's exactly the experience we need as we build the products that help individuals prove they're ready for the AI-driven workplace."

"In an age of ascendant AI, the workforce of the future will come down to skills. The winners won't be machines or people alone, but people who keep learning how to work alongside AI to unlock new levels of productivity," said Welch. "I'm excited to build on the foundation CompTIA has established: trusted certifications, performance-based validation and a globally recognized brand trusted by learners, employers, academia and governments worldwide."

Welch brings to CompTIA his deep experience building consumer and enterprise-grade platforms and ecosystems spanning K–12, higher education, Fortune 500 employers, and governmental entities to cultivate and connect skilled talent pipelines. He joined CompTIA from Pearson, the world's leading learning company, where he led the career team within Virtual Schools, which in three years became one of Pearson's largest and fastest-growing divisions while delivering a best-in-class career readiness program. Before joining Pearson, Welch co-founded Tallo and scaled it into one of the largest early-talent networks, connecting nearly two million members with employers, educators and workforce agencies before its acquisition by Stride.

Welch's appointment marks the next step in CompTIA's broader push to build the skills training and credentialing infrastructure the AI-driven workforce will require.

About CompTIA 
CompTIA, Inc. is the world's leading provider of vendor-neutral information technology (IT) training and certification products. CompTIA unlocks potential in millions of aspiring technology professionals and career changers. Working in partnership with thousands of academic institutions and training providers, CompTIA helps students build career-ready skills through best-in-class learning solutions, industry-recognized certifications and career resources. Learn more at https://www.comptia.org/.

Contact
Steven Ostrowski
CompTIA
[email protected]

SOURCE CompTIA, Inc.