Helen Suwannawongse (she/her)

Helen has spent over 30 years working as an International Human Resources (HR) professional and Organisational Development (OD) practitioner. She is a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and a Nominated Member of the Governance and Nominations Committee of the Chartered Institute for Arbitrators (CIArb).

Helen has held several leadership roles and also provided consultancy support across the hospitality and not-for-profit sectors. More recently, her HR and OD work in the development sector has included roles with Oxfam International across Asia, from Afghanistan to Timor Leste; Leonard Cheshire Disability for their international programs; and as Global Director of HR for the Natural Resources Governance Institute, focusing on data governance in the extractives sector to support a just energy transition. She is passionate about the power of people and thrives on leading organisational change and transformation, drawing on experiences with Oxfam, Girls Not Brides, the Cash Learning Partnership (CALP), and many others.

For those wondering, Helen’s surname comes from Thailand, where she was based throughout her 20+ years in Asia. However, she was born in the UK, where she has now settled to support her ageing parents and enjoy being closer to her extended family, while also keeping an eye on her two young adult sons.

Helen is passionate about people, travel, cultures, food, and exploring new places; there isn’t an alley that she can pass by without seeing what treasures and discoveries lie within.