Ogilvy elevates Ajala to global head of diversity, equity & inclusion
By Abimbola Mohammed
Ogilvy has announced the promotion of Tope Ajala, former Global director of DE&I to Global Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.
She joined Ogilvy in June 2021 as the global director DE&I and has proven herself to be a passionate advocate and effective collaborator for developing and implementing diversity and inclusion efforts across the global Ogilvy network.
As the new Global Head of DE&I, she will partner with leaders across Ogilvy’s global network to develop and evolve practices, policies, and programs that will ensure Ogilvy has “a strong culture of belonging, one that fosters an open, equitable environment where everyone can thrive.”
Devika Bulchandani, Ogilvy Global President, said: “It is gratifying to be able to fill this vital role by promoting from within the walls of Ogilvy. Tope’s unique combination of vision, international experience, analytic and operations background, collaborative leadership style, and passion for inclusiveness make her a perfect fit for the role.
“I and our global leadership team look forward to working with Tope to develop an industry-leading DE&I strategy that will attract and retain diverse talent and support our client work, and one which reinforces our mission to inspire our people and brands to create an impact.”
Prior to working with Ogilvy, Ajala worked with WPP, where she was responsible for driving inclusion strategy, partnerships, narrative, and insights. Before then, she spent the early years of her career at an investment bank developing people analytics capabilities across the business. Many of the programs she helped create including WPPs first-ever Belonging Training, Safe Room Conversations, and Leadership Program for underrepresented groups have been implemented at Ogilvy.
While at WPP Tope also served in a variety of project management and operations marketing roles supporting clients like T-Mobile, Google, and WPP’s new business efforts. Prior to WPP, Tope spent the early years of her career at an investment bank developing people analytics capabilities across the business.
Speaking about her new appointment, Tope Ajala said: “I am excited to be working with leaders who have shown through commitment and action that they understand the direct impact a culture of belonging and inclusion has on the success and sustainability of our business.
“I am grateful to work with leaders who lead with empathy and take chances and nurture talent. This speaks volumes to the culture we are creating at Ogilvy; a culture where the many dimensions of difference are represented and valued at all levels of the company. Ogilvy has the potential and the opportunity to lead the industry in terms of DE&I and it is a privilege to be driving that along with my colleagues.”
Born in Nigeria and raised in the UK, Tope is an award-winning DE&I advocate who has lived and worked in London, Germany, Singapore, Japan, and San Francisco experience which has deepened her appreciation and championing for multiculturalism and inclusion.
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