CEO & Founder

Adese Okojie

Adese Okojie established black woman in Human Resources in June 2019 out of her own personal experiences and challenges as a black woman in organisations without seeing anyone that looks like her to be a role model.

Adese has over a decade of Human Resources and transformation experience and presently working at a global Engineering organisation as Senior HR Partner. She is an expert in employee relations, organisational development strategy and a strong advocate for equality, diversity and inclusion.

She is a mother to her teenage son, and in her spare time she volunteers at her local Church as a Sunday School Teacher, attends music concerts, researches something new and travels the world to discover new cultures

Her vision is for BWHR to be the leading platform for black professionals globally to connect, empower each other and share best practice in a safe environment.

Managing Director Oakleaf US

Simon Hunt

Simon has 22 years of HR recruitment expertise. He was in HR recruitment for firms in Australia & London before becoming one of the founding members of the Oakleaf team at the beginning of 2006.

During his tenure at Oakleaf Simon has recruited HR professionals across all industry sectors as well as being integral in launching and developing all aspects of Oakleaf’s revenue streams.

In 2022 Simon launched Oakleaf in the US and now spends much of his time in New York where he delivers on senior mandates for the HR community as well as building Oakleaf’s brand in the US market.

He has always been passionate about supporting talent communities across the HR profession.

CEO at Caerus Executive

Frank Douglas

Frank Douglas is the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Caerus Executive. In this short period, Caerus has established itself as one of the top consulting firms, focusing on HR strategy, talent management and diversity. In 2019 Frank was inducted into the HR Magazine Hall of Fame for his work on culture and inclusion.

Prior to this, Frank was the Executive Vice President, Group Human Resources Director for Misys, a global technology company. He was the Group HR Director for Transport for London/TfL. Frank has also served as the Executive Vice President, Group Human Resources Director and Pension Trustee, for Scottish and Newcastle Plc (S&N). Frank was the first HR Manager to win the BT Chairman’s Award for championing and delivering a project that saved BT £200 million, over three years.

In 2010 Frank was elected as a Non-Executive Director of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development/ CIPD.

Director of Inclusion for NHS Barts Health

Bernadette Thompson OBE

Bernadette is the Associate Director of Inclusion for NHS Barts Health. Prior to this role, she spent 23 years in the Civil Service where she held a range of operational and HR roles, across many Government departments and agencies, including, Ministry of Justice, Home Office, HM Treasury, Legal Aid Agency, Cabinet Office and Department for Levelling Up.

She is a strategic and progressive HR professional with in-depth knowledge, insight and expertise in the Diversity and Inclusion, employee engagement and cultural intelligence.

For 5 years, Bernadette co-chaired a multi-award-winning cross government race network; she is a pivotal influencer and trusted partner to senior leaders across a range of sectors. She has a proven track record of engaging with employees at every level, reaching hearts and minds, supporting people to be the best that they can be.

In the 2021 Queens Birthday Honours list, Bernadette was awarded an OBE for services to Diversity and Inclusion.

Founder of Elizabeth Roberts Accountants and Business Advisors
(Compliance and Regulatory Consultant)

Omotoyosi Akinfemiwa

Omotoyosi Akinfemiwa is a distinguished entrepreneur, she is the founding partner of Elizabeth Roberts Accountants and Business Advisors, a practice that infuses innovation into Accounting and Business Advisory.

Her expertise spans Strategic Planning, Financial Analysis, Managerial Finance, Risk Management, Business Analysis, Variance Analysis, Internal Controls, Corporate Finance, and Financial Modelling. She has made significant contributions at ASC Accountants UK,
Citibank Nigeria, and the Central Bank of Nigeria.

In addition to her professional achievements, Omotoyosi is dedicated to inspiring others by helping them recognise and understand value. Her dedication to mentoring is equally noteworthy. She actively mentors business leaders and young professionals, sharing her
vast knowledge and experience to guide the next generation of entrepreneurs and professionals.

Her mentoring efforts have inspired many to achieve their goals and realise their full potential.

She also engages in charity work. Her commitment to excellence and community service is truly inspiring. She is on the board of Trustees of Islington People’s Rights – a charity devoted to reducing poverty and effects of debt.

Omotoyosi Akinfemiwa represented the UK at the G20 YEA 2024 Summit. Her dedication to making a positive impact and her passion for excellence aligned perfectly with the delegation’s values.

Beyond her professional achievements, Omotoyosi enjoys dancing, theatre, reading, travelling, exploring, and spending time with loved ones.

Director of People & Culture at ISS UK&I

Sandy Lucas

Sandy is Director of People & Culture at ISS UK&I. Her purpose is to make UK&I the Employer of Choice & Belonging within the Facilities Management industry whilst ensuring the health and welfare of the ISS employees remains a key priority.

Prior to ISS, Sandy was Chief People Officer & Director of Operations at AMS having enjoyed a 23 year career at GE Capital in global, EMEA and in-country positions including Lean Six Sigma Leader, Commercial Director and Chief Operating Officer.

Sandy has championed gender balance throughout her career and has volunteered with CWN (on for the longest established independent organisations for professional women in London) for over 12 years previously being co-chair Membership, President and President Emeritus.

Board HR Practitioner, Thought Leader and Writer

Amanda Rajkumar

Amanda Rajkumar is a Board HR practitioner, thought leader and writer focusing on people, leadership, culture and workplace equity.

A global, strategic leader with experience on both executive and non-executive boards across FMCG, financial services, arts, and education sectors. A CEO’s trusted advisor who understands deeply leadership succession, remuneration and impactful leadership development.

With over 28 years of People & HR experience, she most recently served as an Executive Board Member for Human Resources, People & Culture at adidas. She joined adidas in their HQ in Germany in January 2021 and was responsible for creating and implementing a new people strategy, improving the employee culture and experience and improving leadership and talent capabilities across the organisation. Additionally, Amanda also served as the Labour Director.

In September 2022, Amanda was awarded the Female Allstar Board of 2022 by Handelsblatt and Bain & Co.

Amanda joined adidas from BNP Paribas, where she held various global HR leadership roles based in Europe and the US. In her final position there, she was the Chief Human Resources Officer for the Americas region, overseeing the retail and wholesale divisions of the Intermediary Holding Company of BNP Paribas in the Americas.

Before this, Amanda held various senior HR leadership and managerial positions at JPMorgan Chase. She began her professional career as a research psychologist before joining the London-based recruitment consultancy JM Management.

Amanda holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Goldsmiths College, London University, UK.

In January 2024, Amanda relocated back to London and became a contributing writer for Raconteur and HR World.

Amanda served as a Board Trustee for the Black British Initiative since June 2023 and became Chair of the charity from April 2024 to April 2025.