Kai Ojo
Kai Ojo heads up the Diversity and Inclusion team at the Manchester Publicity Association (MPA) and manages the start-up and growth of the UK office for Planisware.
Kai is a technology leader and entrepreneur with over two decades of experience helping organisations turn strategy into real execution. He currently leads the UK arm of a global Enterprise Strategic Portfolio Management software company, working with large organisations to manage innovation, transformation, and complex portfolios of change. His career has spanned start-ups, scale-ups, and enterprise organisations, giving him a practical understanding of what it takes to grow businesses, lead people, and turn ambitious ideas into measurable impact.
Alongside his industry role, Kai is passionate about bridging the gap between academia and industry so that students are exposed to the realities, opportunities, and challenges of the modern business world. He is particularly interested in supporting initiatives that help students build confidence, develop practical skills, and recognise what is possible in their careers - especially for those who may not have previously seen people like themselves represented in leadership or technology roles.
Kai is always keen to get involved in activities where practical industry insight can add value for students, staff, or research. Areas he is particularly interested in supporting include:
- Guest lectures or talks on leadership, entrepreneurship, digital transformation, and AI in business
- Industry panels, roundtables, and career insight sessions for students
- Mentoring or coaching students interested in careers in technology, consulting, or leadership
- Collaborations that connect students with real-world industry challenges or case studies
- Supporting initiatives focused on social mobility, aspiration, and representation in business and tech
- Events that bring together industry and academia to explore the future of work, innovation, and leadership