Our Members
The Institute for Responsible Leadership brings together a diverse community of academics, practitioners, and leaders across sectors and geographies. Get to know our members below — their expertise, interests, and contact details are shared to encourage collaboration and connection within the IRL network.
Dr Joana Almeida
Email: Joana.Almeida@beds.ac.uk
Phone: +44 1582 743741
Position: Senior Lecturer in Applied Social Studies (Health and Social Care), School of Society, Community and Health, University of Bedfordshire, UK
I am always eager to work on the following research topics: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies practice and use; CAM professionals/practitioners; Regulation of health professions; allied health professions and professionals; professional change and professional relationships; emerging health professions; social policy; Polypharmacy, deprescribing and social prescribing; addictive consumption of prescription drugs/medicines; health promotion; Chronic illness/disorders, chronic pain, mental health, wellbeing; health inequalities, social determinants of health; Qualitative research methods, semi-structured/unstructured interviews, ethnography, participant observation, focus groups, grounded-theory, general thematic analysis, discourse analysis, literature reviews, arts-based methods.
Dr. Michelle Sutter
Email: muchellesutter@gmail.com
Phone: 443-525-0777
Position: Executive Director, Senior Executives Association (SEA)
Dr. Michelle Sutter is an executive leader with experience spanning the federal and nonprofit sectors, specializing in strategy, operations, human capital management, resource management, and organizational transformation. As Executive Director of the Senior Executives Association, she leads daily operations, strategic planning, partnerships, communications, and member engagement initiatives that support senior federal executives and the broader leadership community. Her background includes enterprise workforce strategy, budgeting, contracts, executive resources, policy implementation, and operational modernization across large, complex organizations. Dr. Sutter is particularly interested in strengthening government leadership capacity, advancing merit-based public service, and fostering collaboration between government, academia, and industry. She is passionate about translating complex policy into practical solutions, improving organizational effectiveness, stewarding resources responsibly, and creating professional development opportunities that prepare current and future leaders to navigate change and deliver measurable results.
Prof. Dr. Miwako Hosoda
Email: miwhosoda@seisa.ac.jp
Phone: 818010166998
Position: Professor, Seisa University
Prof. Dr. Miwako Hosoda is a sociologist and Professor at the Graduate School of Seisa University. She received her Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Tokyo and has held research appointments at Columbia University and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Her scholarly work lies at the intersection of sociology, healthcare, welfare, and education, with a particular emphasis on collaborative engagement with community members. She served as Vice President of Seisa University from 2013 to 2020 and has held leadership roles as President of the Asia Pacific Sociological Association and as a member of the Executive Committee of the East Asia Sociological Association. Since 2023, she has been a Project Researcher at the Institute of Medical Science, the University of Tokyo, where her research focuses on peer support and the community engagement of individuals living with illness and disability.
Prof. Dr. Harald A. Mieg
Email: harald.mieg@hu-berlin.de
Position: Research Professor
Economic Geography, Finance, and Urban Planning. Shared responsibility in planning and corporations. Forthcoming: work on Co-Responsibility (German version "Mitverantwortung", Summer 2026; English version by the end of 2026).
Mr Edward Milner
Email: em@acaciaproductions.co.uk
Phone: 07943 561343
Position: Independent Consultant
Former documentary film-maker and journalist specialising in environmental and biodiversity issues and education. Spider recorder for London for 30 years, currently writes a monthly 'Biodiversity Blog' for Planetary Health website (www.planetaryhealthweekly.com). Publications include 'The media in recurrent education' in Recurrent Education (1974), 'Trees, conservation and climate change' (2010), 'Trees of Britain and Ireland' (2011, Natural History Museum, London), 'Biodiversity and Responsible Leadership' in Responsible Leadership (2023, Ed. Saks, Routledge). Films include 'Vietnam After the Fire' (1989, Channel Four TV) — Best film made for TV: 1989 New York Documentary Festival, Special Jury Prize 1989 Banff International Documentary Festival; 'Perceptions of the IMF' (1978, BBC Open University), 'Macroeconomics: the Decision-Makers' (2003, IMF Institute/SOAS).
Ms Claire Fargeot
Email: Claire_fargeot@icloud.com
Phone: 07900888125
Position: Managing Director, Board Advisory, Grant Thornton UK Advisory LLP
I work strategically as a board advisor with listed, as well as entrepreneurial or private companies, to improve governance and sustainability practices that enhance reputational value. With more than 25 years of capital markets, finance and management consulting experience I have gained extensive skills in developing growth and transformational change programmes for companies with business performance and engagement issues. I provide support to leadership teams from all types of organisations to find solutions to pressing challenges. I have non-executive director and chair experience in the listed, private, entrepreneurial, youth, sports, health, charity, local authority and education sectors. I am a doctoral student researching Directors' Behaviours and Actions.
Dr Manjeet Ridon, PhD, PFHEA, MIRL
Email: manjeet.ridon@gmail.com
Phone: 07512 586968
Position: Consultant – Higher Education (UK and International)
Global Partnerships & International Expansion Executive | Campus Launch & Market Entry | Universities, Governments & Employer Partnerships | Sustainable Development in International Higher Education, UN SDGs & Carbon Literacy.
Dr. Derow Aden Ali, Ph.D
Email: aden281@gmail.com
Phone: +254 720 756 777
Position: Academic Research Expert, Corporate Governance Expert and Senior Lecturer
Dr. Derow Aden Ali is a distinguished Corporate Governance and Academic Research Expert with over 20 years of experience. He specializes in ensuring organizational compliance with the Energy Act and NSE Listing Rules while implementing robust governance frameworks. As a Senior Lecturer, he has developed specialized curricula and supervised over 30 postgraduate research projects, bridging the gap between academic rigor and institutional integrity. His strategic consultancy portfolio includes high-level engagements with the World Bank, AfDB, and IGAD, focusing on risk management and cross-border policy frameworks. A Certified Mediator and National Trustee, Dr. Ali has authored seven peer-reviewed articles and a forthcoming textbook on Public Relations ethics. He effectively combines leadership depth with technical proficiency, currently advancing his expertise through a B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering.
Mr Tarun Vasudev
Email: Tarun.vasudev@gmail.com
Position: Chair of Board Directors
Tarun is a business and technology advisor with a strong foundation in management and technology consulting, helping organizations translate strategy into scalable execution. He works closely with leadership teams on digital transformation, operational efficiency, and building technology-enabled business models that drive sustainable growth. With a pragmatic approach to problem-solving, he bridges the gap between boardroom priorities and technical implementation. His background in backend systems, cloud infrastructure, and AI provides the technical depth required to guide complex decisions with confidence. Beyond consulting, Tarun is actively involved in investing in innovative startups, with a focus on emerging technologies and scalable ventures. He also mentors and coaches founders and teams, supporting them in aligning product, technology, and business strategy. He is equally passionate about contributing to social impact, supporting NGOs and purpose-driven initiatives by building technology solutions that address real-world challenges for underserved communities.
Mr. Chuks Umeche
Email: chuksumeche@gmail.com
Phone: +31621944551
Position: Senior Manager, Global Procurement Finance, Kraft Heinz, Amsterdam
I work at the intersection of Finance, Technology and Strategy. Interests: Classical Music, Jazz, Arts, Museums. Expertise — Professional: Finance, Investment, Quantitative Analysis, Technology, Strategy, Business in Africa. Volunteer: Event Organizer, Party Host.
Mr. Kris Murali
Email: 4mkrismurali@gmail.com
Phone: +447990 591965
Position: Non-Exec Board Member
Experienced finance professional with considerable commercial and general management experience working in both the private and not-for-profit sectors.
Dr Anna Vysotskaya
Email: a.vysotskaya@surrey.ac.uk
Position: Lecturer, University of Surrey
With over 20 years of experience in higher education, currently serving as Lecturer B in Accounting at the University of Surrey, I specialize in delivering undergraduate, postgraduate and executive modules in Financial Accounting, Management Accounting, and IFRS. My core competencies include classroom instruction, guest lecturing, and higher education teaching, all tailored to foster dynamic and learner-centric environments. Actively engaged in global academic networks, I contribute to advancing accounting and finance education by integrating sustainability practices, data analytics, and ethical frameworks. Committed to shaping future professionals, I collaborate with colleagues to enhance teaching methodologies while managing assessments and designing impactful educational programs that prepare students to navigate complex business environments effectively.
Ms Magdalena Read
Email: mread@lincoln.ac.uk
Phone: 07485071324
Position: Senior Lecturer; UNESCO Chair Coordinator for Responsible Foresight and Sustainable Development - University of Lincoln
Leadership, decision-making, management, education, equality and diversity, project management, foresight, anticipation, cross-cultural team work, social enterprise, business development, not-for-profit organisations, policy development.
Professor Philip N. Dearden
Email: P.N.Dearden1@gmail.com
Phone: 07980893066
Position: Consultant and Adviser
Phil has over 40 years of experience in capacity development in over 60 countries. He has worked as a facilitator/trainer, programme/project manager, and organisational development consultant in a wide range of sectors, including agriculture, forestry, environment, climate change, trade, governance, education and health. Phil is an experienced trainer/facilitator in Results-Based Management (RBM), including the Programme and Project Cycle Management, in Results Frameworks, the Logical Framework Approach and the Theory of Change approach. He has undertaken project design and appraisal work, evaluations and participatory assessments and consultancies involving training, facilitation of high-level meetings and learning events, and lecturing at university level. Phil's clients include many international agencies in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Central and Latin America, and Asia. This includes the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Development Organisation (FCDO), Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), International Labour Organisation (ILO), UN Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), and World Trade Organization (WTO).
Mr. Srinivasa Ruttala
Email: sr.ruttala@thinkfuturex0.com
Phone: +4571878069
Position: Process Automation Consultant, Novo Nordisk Engg.; Advisory Board Chair, Arête Strategic AI
I am currently Chair of an advisory board, actively pursuing expansion into NED and board leadership roles. Through IRL, I aim to build global stature by learning from and sharing insights with governance peers worldwide. My 22+ years of operational experience across chemical, pharmaceutical, steel, and petrochemical industries have equipped me with deep expertise in industrial project management, smart manufacturing, and Industry 4.0 implementation. I am completing a DBA in AI and Machine Learning with focus on practical applications in industrial operations. I bring both strategic governance perspective and hands-on technical knowledge to boards and advisory roles. Beyond professional pursuits, I am a passionate traveller with particular interest in World Heritage sites. I value deep relational engagement and am drawn to communities that prioritise learning, responsibility, and long-term relationship building across geographies and sectors.
Mr. David Smyth
Email: davewsmyth@yahoo.ca
Phone: +1 647-980-5234
Position: Executive VP, GPM Global
I am a seasoned Senior Executive and entrepreneur passionate about, and a leading global advocate for, sustainable and regenerative transformational change. My management consulting career spans development and practice leadership in areas such as strategy development and implementation, financial management, transformational change and portfolio/project management. I am an established contributor and co-author to tools and guides in Portfolio/Project Management and Executive Leadership. As a sought-after speaker I have delivered keynote presentations across North America and Europe on the impact and necessity of sustainable leadership and regenerative change, organizational change management, and portfolio/project and benefits management. My primary area of interest is the intersection of ethical and responsible leadership and regenerative transformational change. I work with senior executives and leaders to develop their business strategy and communication to deliver profitable and sustainable long-term benefits.
Major George Onyenyeonwu, MSC, USAF, Retired, MIRL
Email: george@gomanagementllc.com
Phone: +1 240-517-5012
Position: President/CEO, GO Management LLC
George is an experienced and decorated retired United States Air Force (USAF) veteran of 20+ years and a lifetime member of the Military Officers Association of America. Served in leadership roles as a Medical Service Corps Officer (Healthcare Administrator) and delivered strong results, managed multiple large programs and analysed healthcare requirements, prevention-based healthcare for over 2.6M beneficiaries worldwide from the Office of the Air Force Surgeon General. Appointed by Maryland State Governor in 2023 for a 5-year term as a Commissioner for Maryland Veterans Home Commission. Also serves as a member of Senator Chris Van Hollen's U.S. Service Academy Advisory Board. Available to empower teams and equip them with the tools they need to succeed in the areas of project management, special events planning, strategic planning, team building and a comprehensive consultation to help identify gaps as well as opportunities to lay out a report that includes cost analysis.
Mr Ebrima B. Sawaneh, FCCA
Email: ebsawaneh@gmail.com
Phone: 971523278189
Position: Group CFO & COO, Arise Ports & Logistics
A seasoned CFO & COO with over 20 years of diverse leadership experience in banking, ports, and logistics across Africa. Ebrima has a proven track record of driving financial and operational excellence in multinational organizations, with a focus on strategic growth, financial control, risk management, and process improvement. He is highly experienced in providing executive leadership, advising boards, and delivering solutions that align with long-term business goals. Honoured with the National Order of Knight from Cote d'Ivoire and the ACCA Africa CFO of Year 2025. Ebrima brings a unique expertise, having led complex initiatives that significantly impacted business performance. He is passionate about developing finance talent, supporting SMEs, and strengthening business leadership in Africa through platforms such as Future CFO.
Lieutenant Bakoji Babangida
Email: dbkbabangida@gmail.com
Phone: +2347031987991
Position: Marine Engineering Officer, Nigerian Navy
Lieutenant Bakoji Babangida is a naval officer and marine engineering technologist with extensive professional experience in the operation, maintenance, and management of marine engineering systems onboard naval vessels. His expertise covers propulsion systems, auxiliary machinery, electrical and mechanical systems, firefighting equipment, and shipboard maintenance operations. He has strong professional interests in sustainable development, humanitarian services, maritime security, cybersecurity, peace and conflict resolution, defence diplomacy, crisis management, and effective governance. With over 18 years of professional experience in ship operations and maintenance, he possesses strong technical, analytical, leadership, and communication skills, complemented by a proactive, resourceful, and results-driven approach to problem-solving and operational efficiency. His academic and professional background combines engineering and information technology competencies, enabling him to integrate modern technological solutions into maritime and defence operations. He holds an MSc in Information and Telecommunication Engineering, a BSc in Computer Science, and a Higher National Diploma in Marine Engineering Technology.
Obituaries
Obituary: Mike Eldon, Co-Founder of the IRL
Mike Eldon passed away on Thursday 29 January 2026. Mike was one of the four co-founders of the IRL. He graduated from University College London and London Business School in the UK. Based in Kenya thereafter, he was a company director and Chair of both the Kenya Institute of Management and the Council of KCA University. He wrote regular columns for Kenya's Business Daily and played a key role in organising executive leadership training seminars and peace-building retreats across Africa. He was committed to making corporate and social bodies fair and accountable. He was a close and trusted friend of the other co-founders of the IRL, always displaying a voice of reason. His calm and measured approach to issues, highlighting his own expertise in Emotional Intelligence, will be greatly missed.
Obituary: Professor Michael Hopkins, Co-Founder of the IRL
Sadly, Professor Michael Hopkins passed away on Friday 12 September 2025 after a long illness. Michael was one of the four co-founders of the IRL; without him, the IRL would not have existed. He was committed throughout his life to making the world a better place, not least through the area on which he had world-leading expertise – Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability. He held numerous Professorships, worked for several globally significant bodies, including the United Nations, and had the distinction of being able to move seamlessly between academia and business. More than anything, though, he was a dear friend to the other co-founders of the IRL and a number of its Members, Associates and Fellows. He had an enquiring mind, an endearing humility and a great sense of humour. He will be sorely missed.
Obituary: Bob Munro, Fellow of the IRL
It is with much sadness that we announce that Bob Munro has recently passed away. He was the first person that Professor Michael Hopkins, co-founder of the IRL, met and befriended in Kenya. He was key in bringing the United Nations to Kenya. He then formed the first social development in Kenya through his creation of the Mathare Youth and Sports Association (MYSA). That led to the formation of the Mathare Youth Football Club, a highly successful team. He was a great and sympathetic man who will be sorely missed.
Tribute: Hazel Henderson
It is with great regret I write these words for my late friend of a week ago in May 2022, Hazel Henderson, mentor and inspiration for many of my ideas on CSR and Sustainability. I was a member of her Ethical Markets Global Advisory Board and Judges Panel for at least four decades and Hazel also contributed to my course on CSR at the University of Geneva via video. She was very persistent in advocating her ideas on improving the human condition and was very well known in the USA for her work. A friend of Robert Kennedy, her achievements and the rich legacy of knowledge and wisdom she leaves for posterity will certainly be long cherished and continue to be the guiding lighthouses in every domain of human endeavour. She always aimed for the best – nothing but the best that could possibly be conceived. Happily she joined us at IRL but we never finalised joining details to our great regret. People like her are rare, and all of us who knew her, and worked with her, were truly fortunate. Rest in peace – Dearest Hazel. — Dr Michael Hopkins, Co-Founder, IRL