Williams Johnson

Chief Executive Officer

Williams Johnson joined LEAD International as Chief Executive Officer in August 2012.

Williams has extensive experience of managing international organisations in professional services. He has a track record of producing strong growth and financial results, and managing successful change programmes involving complex shifts in products, operations and people structures. One of his strengths lies in his ability to develop strategic and commercial partnerships with both private and public sector organisations.

Prior to joining LEAD, Williams was Managing Director at the Great Place to Work Institute UK, where he partnered with global clients such as Ebay, Danone, Google and Microsoft to re-invigorate their workplace and people management strategies. During his time there Williams significantly enhanced the profitability of the organisation by developing new revenue streams and delivering an ambitious growth strategy.

Williams also worked as a researcher for the sustainability think-tank AccountAbility, conducting extensive research on the role of the private sector in sustainable development. He co-authored the "Business & Economic Development: Financial Sector Report", which explores the factors that drive retail banks to address sustainability issues.

Williams holds a BA (Hons) in Strategic Planning and Tourism, and postgraduate qualifications in business and sustainability from the University of Cambridge and London Business School. An excellent public speaker and communicator, Williams has appeared on BBC Working Lunch and has published articles in the Financial Times and European CEO magazine. He is fluent in Spanish, Portuguese and Italian.