Global technology company Emerson has appointed Elizabeth Adefioye as its first Chief People Officer where she will lead a newly consolidated human resources function, including accountability for culture, employee experience and diversity, equity, and inclusion, among many other facets.

In her new role at Emerson, where she will be based in its St. Louis headquarters, she will have full responsibility for “ensuring the people and culture agenda supports the company’s ambitious business objectives.” She joins Emerson’s Office of the Chief Executive, which helps develop and guide the company’s global business strategies.

Previously, Adefioye was Chief Human Resources Officer for Ingredion, a multinational ingredient provider. There, she led its culture transformation and the development of a new purpose statement and updated its values company-wide.

Prior to joining Ingredion in 2016, Adefioye held human resources leadership roles at other major organisations including Johnson & Johnson, Novartis Consumer Health, Medtronic, and Bristol-Myers Squibb.

Adefioye is an ambassador for the Network of Executive Women, serves on the board of the Society for Human Resources Management, and is a member of The Economic Club of Chicago.

This year, she was named as one of the “2021 Elite 100 Extraordinary Black Women” changing the face of Corporate America. She was also recognised among the “2019 Most Powerful Women in Corporate America” by Black Enterprise magazine and was a recipient of the 2018 “Women Worth Watching Awards” by Profiles in Diversity Journal, a platform dedicated to promoting and advancing diversity and inclusion in the corporate, government, nonprofit and education sectors.

Adefioye holds a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Lagos State University, a postgraduate degree in Human Resources Management from the University of Westminster in London, and a diploma in Building Leadership Capability and Leadership in Action from Glasgow Caledonian University.

Emerson President and CEO Lal Karsanbhai said: “We are gaining momentum around our cultural evolution, increasing our focus on creating an inclusive environment that further fuels the high-level innovation that has been a hallmark of Emerson for over 130 years. Elizabeth is a proven leader with deep experience in guiding teams to success, and we are eager to see her bring this passion and spark to Emerson. Bringing in a leader of her calibre, knowledge, and energy will only accelerate our efforts and reinforce Emerson as a destination workplace for exceptional talent.”

Adefioye said: “Emerson is a well-known leader putting a renewed emphasis on creating a strong internal culture to propel not only the company but the industries it serves into a better future. Companies can have the strongest strategy for growth, but if they don’t intentionally foster a culture that supports and empowers all voices across the organisation, that strategy will not succeed. I’m energised to see Emerson’s commitment to culture and look forward to partnering with Lal, the Board, and the entire organisation to continue advancing progress together.”