Dr. Ronke Akerele

National Director, Experience and Engagement, NHS England

Dr Ronke Akerele is a distinguished and visionary leader dedicated to transforming lives and strengthening organizations across the public and private sectors. With extensive board-level and executive experience, she is recognized for her expertise in governance, fifinancial oversight, strategic planning, culture and service transformation, and system-wide collaboration. As National Director of Experience and Engagement at NHS England, she plays a pivotal role in shaping and delivering the world’s largest workforce strategy, focused on improving retention, staff engagement, and workplace culture for 1.3 million NHS employees. Her career is defined by leading high-impact initiatives that improve access to services, patient health outcomes, reduce disparities, enhance patient-centred care, and create positive, inclusive environments where staff can thrive. Dr. Akerele also holds prominent Non-Executive Director positions, including at Goldsmiths, University of London, where she provides strategic oversight on governance, fifinancial sustainability, and capability development. In her role at the WHO Collaborating Centre, she provides expert guidance on global workforce development, quality improvement, and health system strengthening. Beyond her professional leadership, she is a passionate advocate for diversity, empowerment, and career advancement. As Co-Founder of OJA Group, she champions programme that support Black and ethnic minority women in building confidence, developing skills, and accessing opportunities that accelerate their careers. With a Doctorate in Organizational Change and an Executive MBA from Imperial College London—where she is also an honorary lecturer—Dr. Akerele blends academic rigour with deep practical experience. Her career spans senior roles in transformation, innovation, performance management, and quality improvement, earning recognition for driving award-winning service models and embedding cultures of excellence. A dynamic strategist, innovator, and champion for meaningful change, Dr. Ronke Akerele continues to inspire progress, empower people, and shape a brighter future through every organisation and community she serves.