Olu Alake, Chief Executive Officer, The Africa Centre. He is a Black, bald man wearing a suit, photographing himself.
Changing Faces

Alake to lead Africa Centre

Arts Professional
2 min read

OLU ALAKE is the new Chief Executive of The Africa Centre, a charity dedicated to promoting African culture and heritage.

Alake has a background in freelance consultancy and brings expertise from the non profit sector as the former CEO of The Peel Institute. He has worked with clients including Arts Council England (ACE), British Council and the International Federation of Arts Councils & Cultural Agencies to develop and deliver cultural policy and diversity programmes and events, and manage and evaluate arts and heritage projects.

Previously, Alake held senior management positions in various organisations as Head of Grants & Funding at Equality & Human Rights Commission and Head of Cultural Diversity at ACE. 

“Olu brings with him a deep knowledge and passion for Africa and its diaspora, together with a wealth of experience working at the intersection of culture, social justice, and human rights,” Chair of Africa Centre OBA NSUGBE said. 

“One year on from opening our new HQ in culturally rich Southwark, Olu will be at the helm of the charity at a particularly exciting time as we look to the future through increased community outreach, stronger local and global partnerships and, in 2024, a celebration of 60 years of educating, connecting, and advocating for Africa and its diaspora.”

Alake called it an “honour and privilege” to head the organisation.

“We will be working with renewed vigour to realise the ambition of being the cultural embassy for Africa and her Diaspora, where all will find kinship and inspiration. The message is simple and clear – we are open for business, and we will be bigger, better, and greater than ever!"