Sudan, Africa, May 2025 – John Lackey has been appointed as the Chief Human Resources at UNICEF, bringing with him a wealth of global HR leadership experience across public, private, and international development sectors. In his new role, John will spearhead strategic HR initiatives in one of the world’s most challenging humanitarian contexts, overseeing talent strategies that support UNICEF’s mission to protect and empower vulnerable children globally.
John returns to UNICEF after a distinguished four-year tenure at FAO in Rome, where he served as Deputy Director of Human Resources. During this period, he played a pivotal role in transforming HR operations and aligning the organization’s people strategies with its global development goals.
Prior to FAO, John previously held a key position at UNICEF as Chief – Talent Acquisition, where he led the transformation of the recruitment function into a forward-thinking talent management unit. His focus on employer branding and strategic talent engagement contributed significantly to strengthening UNICEF’s organizational capabilities.
Before that, John held various senior HR roles across major multinational organizations. At Jabil, he served as Director – Global Mobility, Tax, and Immigration based in Singapore. Earlier, he held leadership roles in Cisco Systems and UBS, focusing on global mobility and HR shared services. His expertise also includes strategic HR leadership roles with International SOS, Goldman Sachs, Microsoft, and Monsanto Corporation, demonstrating his versatility and global outlook.
John began his career in HR and relocation services with organizations like Deloitte, PwC, Crown Relocations, and Prudential Relocation, giving him a robust foundation in international assignment management and talent mobility. He also served in the US Marine Corps Reserves, reflecting his deep commitment to service and resilience.
About UNICEF:
UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) works in over 190 countries and territories to protect the rights of every child. Guided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, UNICEF supports health care, education, emergency relief, and child protection programs globally. Operating in the most challenging regions, UNICEF’s mission is to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them reach their full potential.
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