List of Leaders
40 HR Leaders and Innovators in Nigeria to Follow in 2024
Team pH
June 4, 2024
10
mins
HR in Nigeria is rising up to a position of great strategic importance. Today, peopleHum recognizes the most distinguished HR leaders of Nigeria who are bringing innovation and transformation to the workplace, and uplifting the role of HR!
Disclaimer: The list is purely subjective and is created on the basis of relevant experience and the contribution of the selected professionals to the field of human resources. If you have any suggestions or recommendations of other names who deserve to be a part of the list, please reach out to us and nominate your choice.
40 HR Leaders and Innovators in Nigeria
Rabi Adetoro
Rabi Adetoro is the Senior Human Resources Business Partner at MTN Nigeria. She is a business leader with over 15 years of experience banning across Tourism, Telecommunications, FMCG and Financial Services sectors. she has pioneered diverse HR models for indigenous and multi-national brands, founded on the core ethical values of integrity, passion for excellence and open-mindedness. She is a certified coach, trainer and speaker with the John Maxwell Team. She is also certified as a Strategic Workforce Planning Expert and Global HR Practitioner.
Emmanuel Michael
Emmanuel Michael is a seasoned and highly sought-after strategic business leader with over 20 years of management experience spanning various industries LIKE multidisciplinary engineering, information technology, hospitality, and financial services, with over 17 years in human resources management practise. He is the Head of People & Culture - Nigeria at Letshego MFB, Adjunct Faculty at Eudoracity Business School, Founder & Host at #HRwithEM and Executive Forum Member at Coleman Research Group. Emmanuel is a Microfinance Certified Banker and a worldwide certified HR practitioner (SPHRi®, HRPL, MCIPM, MITD). He is also a subject matter expert with the HR Certification Institute (USA) (MCIB).
Adeshola Aliogo
Adeshola Aliogo is the Head of People Operations at Vendease and Founder of NaijaJobHub. With over ten years of diversified experience in the FMCG, Logistics, and Management Consulting sectors, Adeshola holds practical knowledge and experience in talent management, talent acquisition, HR transaction services, performance management, and learning and development. She has also worked on a number of projects aimed at increasing employee engagement and improving HR service delivery.
Ijeoma Nkwonta
Ijeoma Nkwonta is a HR consultant & Executive Technical Recruiter at TIE Consulting Limited, Career Coach, and Adjunct HR Instructor at EduBridge Academy. She is a Certified Global Professional in Human Resources, with multicultural career trajectory covering recruitment projects across industries like gaming tech, fintech, oil and gas, FMCG, biotech, and healthcare services. As a HR Faculty Instructor, she assists African youth in becoming ready-to-work with the goal of positively impacting their individual lives, respective businesses, and the African community as a whole.
Patricia (Asemota) Aderibigbe
Patricia Aderibigbe is the Director, Group Human Resources at United Bank for Africa and an Human Resources and People Development Expert. She is well-known for her strong commitment to employer branding, employee engagement, experience & well-being and company culture. She has served on the boards of directors in various European nations, including the UK, Belgium, Italy, Spain, France, and the Nordic countries. Her areas of competence include executive coaching and leadership development.
'Lara Yeku
Lara Yeku is Divisional Director, Head of HR, Food Division at Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc and Country HR Lead and HR Specialist at Accenture, Nigeria. She is a seasoned Human Resources senior executive with experience in a variety of businesses and knowledge of local and worldwide best practises. Her areas of expertise lie in HR Transformation, Talent & Career Management, HR Strategy, HR Metrics & Data Analytics, Organizational Development, Training, Total Rewards, Performance Management, Talent Acquisition & Retention, Talent Architecture, Workforce Planning, HR Coaching, Succession Planning, NLP Coaching.
Thelma Ibeh
Thelma Ibeh is the Executive Director at Faslearn, Human Resources Consultant Lecturer at University of Nigeria, Nsukka and Chief HR at FMR Agency. She is an HR Outsourcing and Recruitment expert who is passionate about creating the most efficient and effective staff possible. Workforce planning, salary and benefits, new hire processes, training/development, policy and handbook development, performance management, cooperative retreats, and culture change/strategy are some of her areas of expertise.
David Ayodeji J.
Jaiyeola Ayodeji David is a Co-Founder and Chief Culture & Innovations Officer at Errand360. He has worked for Bank of Industry, Jobberman, Worka Nigeria, and Errand360 for over ten years. He worked at Bank of Industry on the UNDP project AtRE (Access to Renewable Energy), where he assisted in the planning of the Energy Challenge, which saw 11 winners emerge from 11 different Nigerian states. He also assisted in the implementation of training for banks and SMEs across Nigeria over a 15-month period.
Victoria Okuweh
Victoria Okuweh is the Human Resource Generalist at BeaconGate Limited. She is an articulate, motivated, and well-organized human resources professional with experience in team building, employee concern, and employee welfare. Her areas of expertise lie in employee recruitment, selection, placement, and induction, as well as staff development/training, HR database management, and general office administration.
'Tominiyi Oni
Tominiyi Oni is the Group Human Resource Director at Tropical General Investments (TGI) Group. He is a senior business and HR expert with over 20 years of experience as a line and project manager, and as an external consultant. His areas of specialities include leadership development, coaching & mentoring, business review & improvement, change & transformation, management, process improvement, talent management, performance management, L & D, recruitment & selection, compensation & benefits, industrial relations and project management.
Funke (Esan) Amobi
Funke Amobi is currently the Standard Bank Group's Regional Head for People & Culture in Nigeria and West Africa, where she is in charge of designing the bank's people and culture strategy in six countries. As Country Head People & Culture for Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, she also manages the delivery of the Country People agenda and serves as a non-executive director of the firm. Funke is a member of Lancaster University Management School (LUMS) and Pan Atlantic University (LBS) Nigeria's Dean's Council/Advisory Board.
Enife Atobiloye
Enife Atobiloye is the Regional Head, MEA Transearch International at Transearch Nigeria. She is also the Managing Partner at Human Leadership Resources Ltd where she oversees business strategic direction, developing & implementing strategic HR solutions, and measuring business outcomes. She is a dynamic people-focused company leader with advanced and comprehensive expertise in HR practise and consultancy on both a local and global scale.
Arinola David
Arinola David is the Head, Human Resources at Afriglobal Medicare and Founder and Lead Consultant at Skillszone. She is a HRM expert with a diverse background in industries like diagnostics, oil and gas, telecommunications, and consulting. Arionola is dedicated to the growth of Nigerian businesses and the HR profession, and she currently offers expert advise and assistance to firms on different people initiatives. She is a member of the National Mirror Committee (an ISO committee) on global HR standards and an executive at the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) Forum in Nigeria.
Nkem Offonabo
Nkem Offonabo is the Founder and Lead Consultant of The Work-Life Organisation, a Professional Coaching and Human Capital Transformation Consultancy. She is a Behavioural Change Therapist and Integrative Life Coach. Nkem holds 13 years of experience in Human Resources Management and is a qualified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHRi®) and an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (ACIPM). She is the author of The Harmonised Life, a Personal Leadership & Organizational Transformation book.
Ifeadi Anigbogu
Ifeadi Anigbogu is the Group Head, People & Culture at Bloc and HR Advisory, Career & Business Coaching at Workbarn Consulting. She is a skilled Human Resources Manager, Human Resource Consultant, Management Consultant, Business Strategist, Business Architecture Designer, and Change Manager, with an experience in building and directing human resources and business transformation programmes, implementing strategic initiatives, driving results, evaluating effectiveness, and developing improvement strategies. Ifeadi holds over twelve years of expertise covering many business domains and multiple businesses throughout important sectors of the economy.
Funmi Bucknor
Funmi Bucknor is the Founder of HR Madam Consulting, HR & business consulting firm that offers services like learning and development, people, process and project outsourcing, recruitment and assessment, market entry and business advisory.
Taiwo Judah-Ajayi
Taiwo Judah-Ajayi is the Chief People Office at Moove Africa, with over 24 years of HR experience and leadership under her belt. She is an experienced Senior Human Resources Executive with a demonstrated history of delivering value in the Technology and Consulting industries. Taiwo is an SHRM certified professional and is skilled in HR strategy, Business Management, Business Process Improvement, Recruiting, and Training.
Wale Adediran
Wale Adediran is the Group HR and General Services Director at Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc. He is an HR Executive, a Mechanical Engineer, and an HR & Engineering thought leader, with over 28 years of experience. Trained and certified in both fields, Wale has led manufacturing operations and HR functions of several multi-national companies.
Olawale Odunlami
Olawale Odunlami is the Talent Acquisition Manager, Africa at Tek Experts. He is a certified Human Resources professional with over 8 years experience across key HR functions with a core focus on Talent Acquisition. Olawale is certified by the prestigious HRCi USA as an international Human Resources professional and as an Associate, Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (ACIPM), Nigeria.
Kehinde Akintobi
Kehinde Akintobi is the Senior Talent Acquisition and Identification Manager, Nigeria at the Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company. He is a talent acquisition, recruitment, and executive selection expert with 15 years of field experience. As a talent acquisition specialist Kehinde is experienced in the design and implementation of Assessment and Development Centres, Employability Training, Career Counseling, Learning and Development, Youth Advocacy & development as well as HR Project Management.
Emmanuella Yomi-Alikwe
Emmanuella Yomi-Alikwe is the Human Resource Business Partner - Production Centre at Beiersdorf. With over 10 years of experience under her belt, Emmanuella is an aspiring HR Leader and a results-driven Business Partner. She is skilful in strategic planning, policy integration, performance improvements, and is a certified Mental Health First Aider by The Lighthouse Center for Wellbeing UAE.
Jennifer Oyelade
Jennifer Oyelade is the Talent Acquisition Director at Transquisite Consulting, EMEA Talent Acquisition Director, Employability Specialist, Writer, Author and Mentor. As a Talent Acquisition Director she has spearheaded recruitment and Market Entry strategies for in-country and global organisations. An an Employability Specialist, Jennifer helps professionals identify their core strengths achieve their career objectives.
Rowland Ogbonda
Rowland Ogbonda is the Talent Acquisition Lead/HRBP at Airtel Africa Digital Labs. With over 15 years of amassed HR experience, Rowland has always been interested in talent acquisition and talent management. He is skilled as a headhunter and recruitment professional with an eye to spot the best talent.
Damilola Adekoya
Damilola Adekoya is the Senior Talent Experience Officer at the Seven Up Bottling Company. She is a Certified and Strategic HR Professional, licensed by the HR Certification Institute (HRCI). Damilola is passionate about HR and has a proven track record of aligning business objectives with employees and management. She has an expertise of analysing various HR issues within the company, thereby promoting efficient functioning of the organization.
Ibem Idika
Ibem Idika is the Director at Speed Consulting Limited. Bringing over 20 years of experience in the field, Ibem is a Global HR professional, business leader, HR technology analyst, and a Human Capital Development expert. He has also been recognized by the World HRD Congress as top 501 fabulous Global HR Leaders.
Alaba Femi-Johnson
Alaba Femi-Johnson is the Manager of Organizational Effectiveness and Engagement: West, East and Central Africa at Philip Morris International. She has an amassed experience of over two decades, with expertise in core HR areas such as performance management, employee engagement and talent management.
Echi Andrew
Echi Andrew is the Human Resource Manager at GB Foods. An HR professional of over a decade, Echi is experienced in Recruitment, L&D, Change Management, Performance & Appraisal, and other key HR areas. He is innovative and analytical, with excellent problem-solving, communications, and interpersonal skills.
Funlola Oshodi
Funlola Oshodi is the Lead Consultant at HR Aids Consults. An HR professional with over 14 years in the field, Funlola currently helps businesses identify their resource needs and strategize ways to attract, engage, motivate, compensate, develop & retain a competent and value driven workforce.
Ikenna Okike
Ikenna Okike is the Talent Acquisition Manager at Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Co. Limited. Ikenna is an experienced human capital development specialist who operates effectively both at HR strategic and operational levels. He has over 10 years experience working as a talent acquisition/ management expert, learning and development, employee relations, and organisational design.
Oluwaseun Olatunji
Oluwaseun Olatunji is the Operations Manager at Web3 Sourcing. He has amassed over 15 years in the field as an HR professional, with a professional expertise in headhunting and recruitment. He conducts periodic market intelligence for business opportunities across Africa, and partners with internal customers, converting business plans into actions through execution of robust strategies.
Great Owete
Great Owete is the Team Lead, Recruitment & Youth Engagement Programmes at Alan&Grant, as well as the host of the TalentPoll Podcast, where he explores topics that touch on youth employment, youth enterprise development and building successful careers. He is a licensed Human Resources Professional through the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria.
Patricia Ozioko
Patricia Ozioko is the Human Resources Manager at intercom Data Network. With over 12 years in the professional HR field, she is experienced in organizational structuring and transformation, recruitment, training and development, workforce planning, change management, performance management, design and implementation of HR structures for organizations in the public or private sector.
Julia Esezobor
Julia Esezobor is the People and Culture Director at Coca-Cola HBC. She is a multi-skilled Professional with two decades of experience working in executive capacity, as a consultant and practitioner providing advisory support across both public and private sector. Julia has a strong eye for finance and is able to effectively apply business considerations in coming up with pragmatic and far reaching solutions to people and business related issues.
Albert Chisom Ikechukwu
Albert Chisom Ikechukwu is the Regional Human Resources Manager at Julius Berger Nigeria PLC. He has garnered over 15 years of experience in the field of HR. Apart from his expertise in key HR roles, Albert is passionate about HR, is future-minded and has a desire to grow the people around him, enabling him to deliver on the Human part of HR.
Moses Adebodun
Moses Adebodun is the Human Resources Management Professional at FSDH Group. He has over 16 years of expertise in HR management. Moses is a member of Nigeria Institute of Management (NIM), an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (ACIPM) and a holder of the Human Resource Practitioner’s License (HRPL).
Akonte L.
Akonte is the Head of Human Capital at Finchglow Group. In areas such as IT, FMCG, Oil & Gas, Financial Services, Media & Entertainment, Marketing & PR, Retail, Hospitality, Marine, Energy & Power, Agriculture, Health, and Engineering, to mention a few, he has gained invaluable experience in local/indigenous and multinational firms (MNCs). Despite being an all-around HR professional, he is most interested in and passionate about Talent Management. Akonte also has a proven track record in sourcing, locating, recruiting, and placing individuals, having completed over 100 end-to-end (Trainee to C-level) recruitment projects to date.
Abayomi Olatemiju
Abayomi Olatemiju is the Head, Human Resources & Administration at Andersen, Nigeria. He is an experienced and astute human resource management expert with a linguistics background and a desire for assisting those in need. Abayomi is also a seasoned expert in providing ideal mentorship while attempting to help organisations in reaching their full potential. Through teamwork, leadership, and candour, he possesses the capacity to combine vision, enthusiasm, and dedication to create improved organisational outcomes.
Darlington Anyanwu
Darlington Anyanwu is the Global Tech Recruiter - EMEA (Lead) at Doheney Services Ltd. He is a seasoned Talent Specialist with experience developing and executing talent acquisition strategies, including all phases of recruiting from initial sourcing to screening, offer negotiations, placement, and onboarding.
Gift Ebi
Gift Ebi is the Senior Talent Acquisition Partner at Nestle. She is a seasoned expert in multi-discipline talent management and full-cycle talent acquisition, and is highly talented in discovering top talent using targeted social media platforms and employing unusual efficient and cost-effective recruitment strategies to attract and engage these talents. Her core competencies revolve around Talent/Human Resource Management End-to-End High Volume Recruitment Headhunting/Social Media Sourcing, Learning & Development across Industries: Food and Beverage Manufacturing/ProcessingFMCGFinancial Institution ITTelecommunication HospitalityOil and Gas Entertainment, etc
Ibukun Igbinosa
Ibukun Igbinosa is the Director, People at Bridge. She holds over 12 years of hands-on experience in management consulting, research, and human resources where has worked with start-ups, large indigenous corporations, and multinationals to conduct market research, develop go-to-market strategies, create financial models, set up HR processes, systems, and structure, hire, retain, and develop the talent needed to help midwife them through an accelerated growth phase.. Her demonstrated expertise lie in the full range of core HR functions, as well as other areas like corporate strategy development, business research, financial analysis, business process improvement, and project management.
Conclusion:
We believe that by highlighting these leaders, we can inspire future generations of HR talent and showcase the important role HR plays in building successful organizations. Equally important are the advancements in HR software in Nigeria, which are empowering these leaders to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and focus on strategic initiatives.
.webp)
