Funke Abimbola

Professor Funke Abimbola MBE is a UK-based, multi-award-winning business leader whose professional experience spans over 20 years with careers as a corporate lawyer, C-suite global pharmaceuticals leader and a global diversity, equity and inclusion leader.

Her leadership impact has been recognised by The FT, The Guardian and the UK Prime Minister. In June 2017, she was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) by Queen Elizabeth II for services to diversity and young people. Both the University of Hertfordshire and the University of Kent have awarded Funke honorary doctorates to recognise her leadership impact while her alma mater – Newcastle University – appointed her as Professor of Practice due to her leadership impact and contributions.

She has extensive non-executive director experience and is a regular BBC commentator.

She is the proud mother of a son, who is a software engineer. Together they co-host a podcast series called The Power of Privilege and Allyship.