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In Nigeria’s fast-paced corporate world, where innovation and strategic thinking are key, a quiet revolution is being led by influential women in human resources and talent management. These are not just administrators; they are visionaries, shaping the very fabric of organizations and nurturing the people who drive them to success. They stand as pillars of professionalism and expertise, using their decades of experience to create impactful change across various sectors. With their diverse backgrounds and unwavering commitment, they are redefining what it means to lead people, proving that a blend of empathy and strategy is the ultimate winning formula.
Lara Yeku is a formidable force in the human resources space, currently serving as the Head of HR for the Food Division at Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc. Her role involves providing the kind of strategic HR leadership that has cemented the conglomerate’s position as a major player in Africa’s food and agro-allied sector. With over sixteen years of rich experience spanning different industries, her journey began at Human Capital Development Consultants Limited and later took her to DHL Excel Logistics. It was at Accenture, which she joined in 2008, that she rose through the ranks to become the Country HR Lead for Nigeria. Lara is also a Certified Professional Coach and the founder of the HR GEMs Coach Network, a testament to her dedication to mentoring and empowering other HR professionals. Her achievements are well-documented, from being named a 2020 Talent Management Strategist to her recognition among the 150 Global Women B2B Thought Leaders. She is an accomplished professional with certifications from institutions like Cornell University and a member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM), confirming her status as a true industry expert.
Dr. ‘Jumoke Aleoke-Malachi is a game-changer and the Head of Talent Management at Wema Bank Plc. She is renowned for her ability to redefine HR paradigms and bring fresh innovation to people strategies. Jumoke is a master of talent management initiatives, leveraging her deep expertise in project management and senior stakeholder engagement to optimize workforce performance. Her profound impact on organizational culture and career development has not gone unnoticed, earning her a spot among the Top 20 Disruptive People Leaders and the Top 100 Career Women in Africa. Beyond her corporate role, she is a dedicated Lead Coach at Work place with JAM, where she empowers individuals to excel in their professional and personal lives. Her influence also extends globally as an Accredited Organizational Culture Consulting Partner at The Culture Factor Africa. Her extensive experience includes pivotal roles at TVC Communications, where she secured the prestigious Great Place to Work accreditation and championed numerous employee engagement initiatives.
The financial services sector boasts its own luminary in Oyinade Kuku, who is the Head of Human Resources at FBN Holdings Plc. In this pivotal role, she oversees the company’s entire Human Resource Strategy and People Agenda. Oyinade brings over sixteen years of experience in strategic HR management, with a robust background in financial services, consulting, and the oil and gas industry. Her expertise lies in HR Strategy & Analytics, Organizational Design & Transformation, and Talent Management. Prior to her current position, she was a Senior Business Partner at FirstBank Nigeria, the group’s largest subsidiary, managing HR functions for its numerous non-banking subsidiaries and international businesses. Oyinade’s illustrious career also includes significant HR roles at UBA Plc, Workforce Group Consulting, and Mobil Producing Nigeria. A graduate of the University of Lagos and Robert Gordon University in Scotland, she holds memberships with both the CIPM Nigeria and the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development, UK, a testament to her global and local credentials.
Ifeoma Okoruen is a distinguished professional whose influence in human resources spans continents. With over two decades of experience, she is currently the Head of HR and Administration at Mouka Limited, a member of the Dolidol Group. Ifeoma’s career has taken her across Europe, East, and West Africa, where she has consistently delivered HR solutions that align with core business objectives. Her impressive resume includes high-level roles such as Group Head of HR at Sahara Group, and leadership positions at UBA Metropolitan Life Insurance and Airtel Nigeria. She is celebrated for her ability to manage multi million-dollar people budgets and for leading teams to achieve excellence. Her leadership has directly contributed to companies under her guidance winning prestigious accolades like the NECA Excellence Awards and the CIPM Best HR Practices in Nigeria, solidifying her reputation as a top-tier HR strategist.
Rounding out this group of trailblazers is Lola Esan, a Partner and People Consulting Leader at Ernst & Young (EY) West Africa. Lola is a distinguished Organization Design specialist with over twenty years of professional experience that uniquely spans media, advocacy, and strategic human resources. Her career journey has been truly international, with roles in Mexico, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Nigeria. Lola’s academic background includes a Master’s degree in International Management from Queen Mary, University of London. Her professional life began at the World Health Organization in Switzerland before she transitioned to management consulting at Phillips Consulting. She also served as Head of Human Capital at Cornerstone Insurance Plc and a Senior Manager at PwC Nigeria. At EY, she has been a key driver of workforce advisory services, leading significant HR transformation projects that have impacted businesses across the region. Her vast experience and certifications in various fields underscore her expertise as a leader in people management and organizational strategy.
These five women are more than just professionals; they are architects of the future workforce. They are guiding companies through complex challenges, building vibrant cultures, and investing in the human capital that is the engine of Nigeria’s economy. Their combined legacies inspire a new generation of leaders to follow in their footsteps, proving that talent, hard work, and a clear vision can truly transform an industry.
