Olawale Fajobi

Ola Fajobi is IRRI’s Director of Human Resources and Organizational Development (HR & OD) with responsibility and accountability for leading and managing the global HR & OD function.

Alongside his responsibility to lead major internal change initiatives that have a strong people component, Ola is responsible for the development and implementation of the corporate HR strategy and IRRI’s organization development framework and plan so that the people and change management strategies are fully aligned with IRRI’s vision, values and strategic goals.  Ola brings over 25 years international organizational development & design, HR, and strategic change management experience.  
Prior to joining IRRI in March 2018, Ola held similar executive leadership roles in diverse organizations such as the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK as well as international development organizations; notably the International Red Cross and more latterly in Christian Aid. 

Ola is a UK citizen by birth. He has lived and worked several countries including the UK, Switzerland India, Kenya, Nigeria, Haiti, Indonesia, Dominican Republic, Panama, and the Philippines. 

Ola is an executive coach and a graduate of the University of Ibadan with several post-graduate qualifications in Human Resources Management, Organizational Development & Design and latterly Strategic Change Management & Building Organizational Cultures from Harvard University Extension School.  

He has been a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (FCIPD) since 2005. He is principal managing partner at Hexion HR Solutions, a consultancy he established in 2013. He is an accredited Myers Briggs assessor and has previously held board trusted positions in UK based schools and an international organization. 
He is currently advisory Board member for Career Volunteer a UK based not for profit enterprise supporting businesses to bring together social purpose, talent development & employee engagement. He is married with 3 children.