Tope Ajala has been promoted to global head of diversity, equity & inclusion at Ogilvy. Ajala joined Ogilvy as global director of DE&I in June 2021, 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 global head of DE&I, Ajala 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.
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 impact.”
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.”
Ajala joined Ogilvy from WPP where she was responsible for driving inclusion strategy, partnerships, narrative, and insights. In this role, she developed programs that accelerated the progress and integration of diversity and inclusion across the organization which improved employee experience while driving business results. Many of the programs she helped create including WPP’s first-ever Belonging Training, Safe Room Conversations, and Leadership Program for underrepresented groups have been implemented at Ogilvy. While at WPP Ajala 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, she spent the early years of her career at an investment bank developing people analytics capabilities across the business.
Born in Nigeria and raised in the U.K., Ajala 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. In 2018 she cofounded Levelset, a global nonprofit connecting high potential individuals in tech and STEM from underserved communities with mentors from similar fields with the aim to advance and empower the Black community with resources.
Ogilvy received a perfect score of 100 on the 2022 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), marking the eighth consecutive year the agency earned the designation as a “Best Place to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality.” The CEI, administered by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, is the nation’s premier benchmarking tool measuring corporate policies, practices, and benefits pertinent to LGBTQ+ employees.
“Scandal” cast will reunite for online script reading for hurricane relief in western North Carolina
The cast of ABC's hit political drama "Scandal" may need to brush up on their snappy, speedy delivery known as "Scandal-pace," because they're reuniting for a good cause. Its stars including Kerry Washington, Tony Goldwyn and Bellamy Young will take part in a live virtual script reading on Nov. 17 to raise money for hurricane relief in western North Carolina.
Beginning Friday, fans can go online and donate to reserve a spot for the online reading. Proceeds will benefit United Way of North Carolina. Everyone who donates will be able to take part in a virtual pre-event with the cast and Shonda Rhimes will give an introduction.
Additional guest stars will also be announced. The online fundraising platform Prizeo is also holding a contest where one person who donates online via their site will be selected to read a role from the script with the actors. The winner should not worry about the "Scandal"-pace, assured Young over Zoom.
"Whomever the lucky reader is can read at whatever pace they want," she said.
Young, who played Mellie Young, the first lady and later Republican presidential nominee on "Scandal," was born and raised in Asheville, North Carolina. She came up with the idea for the effort with a friend and took it to her fellow "Scandal" actors, who all jumped on board. Young said this is the first script reading the cast has all done together since the show ended after seven seasons in 2018.
Which episode they will be reading has not been announced yet.
Young said it's "been devastating" to see so many parts of her hometown badly damaged by Hurricane Helene, which ravaged western North Carolina one month ago.
To research the best use for donations, Young spoke with numerous political leaders, including North... Read More