Diana Ussher-Eke is a seasoned Human Resources executive with over 18 years of experience leading people strategy, cultural transformation, and talent development across multinational corporations in the insurance, fintech, and technology sectors. Known for aligning human capital with business performance, she has delivered impactful HR solutions in complex, cross-border environments across the Middle East and Africa.
As Group Head of Human Resources at Continental Reinsurance PLC, one of Africa’s largest private reinsurers, Diana led a strategic overhaul of the HR function, transitioning it into a shared services model, aligning talent management with business KPIs, and embedding analytics to reduce regrettable attrition. She also launched the Continental Re Learning Academy, which has trained over 5,300 professionals across Africa, advancing executive capability and technical excellence in emerging markets.
Her contributions earned her the BAT International Innovation Award (Human Capital Excellence) in 2024, recognizing her role in shaping Africa’s workforce and promoting innovation in talent development.
Diana’s leadership has been equally transformative in previous roles. At IBM, she led the digital integration of HR systems across 36 MEA countries, reducing policy gaps and compliance risks. At Samsung Electronics, she oversaw HR across five West African countries, successfully reducing attrition and enhancing employee engagement. At Interswitch Group, she redefined the employer brand and introduced talent mobility frameworks that boosted internal development and retention.
Two standout initiatives reflect her long-term vision:
- The Continental Re Learning Academy, which expanded access to internationally recognized certifications through partnerships with professional bodies on the African continent, is strengthening actuarial and underwriting expertise across the industry.
- Technology Skills Transfer Program, developed in collaboration with Africa InsurTech Lab, which equipped insurance leaders with skills in digital underwriting, cybersecurity, and ESG-based solutions, preparing them for the future of work.
A respected thought leader, Diana has published work on HR’s role in cybersecurity governance and equity in performance systems. Her voice continues to influence workplace policy, organizational strategy, and inclusive leadership across the continent.
BAT Most Influential Women In Tech In Nigeria 2024 -Awards
Active in various professional networks, she contributes to strategic committees across the insurance and HR sectors, including the Nigerian Actuarial Society and the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria.
Through every role, Diana remains committed to building inclusive, high-performance workplaces. Her leadership continues to shape Africa’s talent landscape, developing people, strengthening institutions, and driving sustainable growth through human capital.
Interview with Diana Ussher-Eke
Human Capital Strategist | Group Head, HR at Continental Reinsurance | BAT International Innovation Award Winner 2024
1. Diana, you’ve built a remarkable career over the last 18 years in human capital leadership. Can you take us back to the beginning? What drew you to this field, and how has your Nigerian identity influenced your professional journey?
Diana Ussher-Eke:
My journey into Human Resources wasn’t accidental; it was deeply personal. I grew up watching people in my community struggle with not just unemployment, but also being undervalued or underdeveloped in their workplaces. That left a mark. I wanted to be someone who could change that narrative, not just by giving people a job, but by helping organizations become better environments for people to thrive.
Being an African has played a major role in shaping my resilience and perspective. Africa is a country of layered complexity, but it’s also full of potential. I learned early on how to navigate both order and chaos, and that balance has served me well, especially in multinational environments where you’re managing both global structures and local nuances. Every time I walk into a boardroom or lead a transformation project, I carry that tenacity and adaptability with me. It’s made me brave in pushing boundaries, and humble in knowing that true transformation starts from understanding people.
2. At Continental Reinsurance, you led the transformation of the HR function into a shared services model and launched several strategic initiatives, including the Continental Re Learning Academy. What inspired these moves, and what impact have they had?
Diana Ussher-Eke:
When I joined Continental Re, I saw a real opportunity to move HR from being just an operational support unit to a business enabler. One of the first things I realized was that the traditional HR model we had didn’t align with our ambitions as a Pan-African reinsurer operating across six regions. We needed agility, consistency, and data-informed decision-making. That’s what drove the shift to a shared services model. It allowed us to unify systems, standardize practices, and most importantly, measure impact.
The Learning Academy was born from another insight: technical depth in the insurance sector across Africa needed urgent attention. We couldn’t rely solely on external pipelines; we had to build capacity from within. Today, the Academy has trained over 5,300 professionals and partnered with key institutions to foster actuarial and underwriting skills. What’s fulfilling is seeing these programs not just upskill individuals but also directly affect business metrics, reduce loss ratios, higher engagement, and strengthen leadership pipelines.
3. You were recently recognized with the 2024 BAT International Innovation Award in Human Capital Excellence. What does this award mean to you personally and professionally?
Diana Ussher-Eke:
This award was both humbling and affirming. It felt like a moment of pause to look back and say, “Yes, the work matters.” What made it even more special was that it came from a platform like Bridge Africa Technologies, which celebrates African talents transforming global narratives in science, tech, and innovation.
To be recognized in the Human Capital Excellence category was a reminder that people strategy is not a soft function; it’s critical infrastructure. The award acknowledged our efforts to make HR a lever for innovation and enterprise value, not just compliance. Personally, it reinforced my belief in building from the inside out: if you want a strong organization, you start with strong people. And for every woman or young professional who saw that award and thought, “Maybe I could do that too,” I hope it planted a seed of possibility.
4. Beyond your executive roles, you’ve contributed to thought leadership in HR, particularly around diversity, cybersecurity governance, and ethical performance systems. Why is this important to you, and how do you choose the issues you engage with?
Diana Ussher-Eke:
For me, thought leadership isn’t about visibility, it’s about responsibility. If you’re in a position to see patterns, influence thinking, or shape practice, then you owe it to the industry to contribute meaningfully. I’ve always believed that HR professionals should not only manage processes but also shape the conscience of the organization.
I’m particularly drawn to underexplored intersections like HR’s role in cybersecurity governance. It’s easy to leave that to IT, but digital trust starts with people. If your employees don’t understand data ethics or don’t feel safe speaking up, no system can protect your organization. Similarly, my work on performance equity stems from seeing how biased systems can derail talented individuals. My MSc thesis focused on that, and it continues to shape my work today.
I engage with issues that challenge us to think differently and where I know we can do better as an industry.
5. Looking at your career so far from IBM to Samsung to Continental Re, what has been the most defining lesson, and what advice would you offer to younger professionals, especially Nigerian women, entering the HR or corporate leadership space today?
Diana Ussher-Eke:
The most defining lesson? That transformation starts with courage. Whether you’re trying to change a policy, shift a culture, or advocate for inclusion, it won’t be easy. But progress never is. You’ll face resistance, doubt, and sometimes even loneliness. But if you stay anchored in purpose and commit to excellence, the results will follow.
To young professionals, especially Nigerian women, I say: never let anyone define your limit. Your voice is valid. Your ideas matter. Invest in your growth, stay grounded in your values, and never underestimate the power of preparation. You don’t have to be the loudest in the room, but be the most prepared.
And don’t be afraid to lead. Leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about being willing to ask the right questions and act on the answers with integrity.
Closing Spotlight: Diana Ussher-Eke – Building People, Shaping Systems, Leading Africa Forward
As we conclude this compelling conversation with Ms. Diana Ussher-Eke, we reflect on the extraordinary depth of a career built on vision, resilience, and measurable impact. Her story is not just one of professional excellence; it is a testament to what is possible when leadership is anchored in purpose and driven by the belief that people are at the heart of every successful institution.
With nearly two decades of cross-sector experience spanning insurance, fintech, and technology, Diana has distinguished herself as a strategist who transforms human capital into business value. At Continental Reinsurance PLC, she has redefined HR’s role in enterprise success, leading cultural transformation, reducing talent attrition through predictive analytics, and launching a continental learning academy that has trained over 5,300 professionals across Africa.
Her contributions extend beyond the corporate space. Through thought leadership on digital trust, gender inclusion, and ethical performance systems, Diana continues to influence broader industry standards. Her ability to connect strategy to execution, whether through diversity initiatives or succession planning frameworks, has made her a sought-after voice across boardrooms, conferences, and institutions.
In 2024, Bridge Africa Technologies had the distinct honor of recognizing Ms. Ussher-Eke with the BAT International Innovation Award in Human Capital Excellence. This award celebrates Africans who are advancing science, technology, and innovation in ways that transform systems and inspire communities. Diana’s recognition is not just for the milestones she has achieved but for the doors she continues to open for others.
As a proud African on a continental and global scale, Diana’s success is deeply rooted in her identity. Her journey is a beacon for emerging professionals, especially young Nigerians navigating their paths in an increasingly competitive and complex world of work. She reminds us that leadership is not about position, but about consistent, meaningful contribution.
At Bridge Africa Technologies, we believe in celebrating not just achievements, but the spirit behind them. Diana embodies that spirit, visionary, grounded, and determined to leave systems better than she found them.
To the next generation: take courage from her journey. Excellence is not a destination; it is a daily discipline. And with commitment, clarity, and community, you too can lead from where you stand.
