Wol Kolade: A Trailblazer in Private Equity, Healthcare, and Diversity Advocacy
Wol Kolade is one of the most influential figures in the UK’s private equity sector. Known for his pioneering work at Livingbridge, a leading private equity firm, and his numerous contributions to the healthcare and diversity advocacy space, Kolade has made a significant mark on both business and social causes. His career spans decades of leadership roles, awards, and groundbreaking initiatives. In this article, we explore the life and career of Wol Kolade, his accomplishments, and his unwavering commitment to creating systemic change, especially in healthcare and racial equality.
Early Life and Education
Wol Kolade’s journey to success began in an immigrant family. He moved to the UK at the age of eight to attend a private boarding school. Growing up as a minority in the UK, Kolade faced the challenges of racial inequality that shaped his professional trajectory. His experiences navigating these challenges instilled a strong sense of resilience and determination in him.
Kolade pursued an education that combined technical and business disciplines. He earned a Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) in Civil and Structural Engineering from King’s College London (1985-1988) before going on to complete his MBA from the University of Exeter (1989-1990). These academic foundations set the stage for his career in both business and leadership roles.
Wol Kolade’s Career at Livingbridge
Kolade is best known for his role as Managing Partner at Livingbridge, a leading private equity firm based in the UK. He has been with the firm since 1993, where he has been instrumental in driving its growth and success over the past 30+ years. Under his leadership, Livingbridge has become a major player in the UK’s private equity space, providing funding to businesses across various sectors, including healthcare, technology, and retail.
Kolade’s extensive experience in venture capital and private equity has positioned him as one of the most respected leaders in the industry. His vision for Livingbridge has focused on supporting the growth of innovative companies, and he has played a key role in shaping the firm’s strategic direction.
Leadership Roles in Healthcare and NHS England
In addition to his work in private equity, Kolade has dedicated a significant portion of his career to healthcare and social services. He serves as the Deputy Chair at NHS England, a position he has held since March 2022. In this role, Kolade is actively involved in the strategic leadership and transformation of the National Health Service (NHS), working to improve healthcare access and outcomes for diverse communities across the UK.
Kolade’s work at NHS England is closely aligned with his broader vision of social impact. His leadership at NHS England reflects his deep commitment to making healthcare more inclusive and accessible, particularly for marginalized communities. His advocacy for diversity and inclusion extends beyond business into public health, where he has worked tirelessly to address systemic disparities within the healthcare system.
Advocacy for Diversity and Inclusion
One of the most defining aspects of Kolade’s career is his unwavering commitment to advocating for diversity and inclusion, particularly in traditionally exclusive sectors such as private equity and healthcare. As an active member of Level 20, an organization dedicated to promoting gender diversity in private equity, Kolade has used his influence to foster a more inclusive environment for women and minority groups in the finance industry.
He is also the Co-Chair of The 10,000 Interns Foundation, which supports Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) youth by providing them with internship opportunities. Kolade’s personal experiences with racism have driven him to actively engage in creating opportunities for underrepresented groups, ensuring that they have a seat at the table in industries where diversity is often lacking.
Recognition and Awards
Wol Kolade’s achievements have been widely recognized throughout his career. He was awarded the Commander of the British Empire (CBE) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in June 2021 for his services to private equity, healthcare, and social impact. This prestigious recognition underscores Kolade’s outstanding contributions to both business and society.
In addition to his CBE, Kolade has received numerous accolades, including being named in the PE News list of the 50 Most Influential People in Private Equity in 2023 and 2024. His commitment to excellence in both business and social causes has earned him a well-deserved reputation as a changemaker and leader in his field.
Wol Kolade’s Role in Healthcare and NHS Improvement
Kolade’s impact on the healthcare sector goes beyond his role at NHS England. He has also served as a Non-Executive Director at NHS Improvement, where he contributed to efforts to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare services in the UK. His leadership in healthcare has focused on addressing inequality, ensuring that healthcare resources are allocated to those who need them most.
His ongoing work at NHS England continues to focus on improving patient outcomes and creating a healthcare system that is inclusive and accessible to all. Kolade’s ability to bridge the gap between private equity and public healthcare demonstrates his unique approach to leadership, where he brings business acumen to address some of society’s most pressing challenges.
Wol Kolade’s Personal Life and Family
While Wol Kolade is widely known for his professional accomplishments, he has also shared insights into his personal life. He often speaks about the influence of his father, who was a pioneer as a Black man studying at Durham University in the 1950s. His father instilled in him the belief that, as a Black man, he would need to work harder to succeed—a principle Kolade has carried throughout his life.
Though Kolade keeps much of his personal life private, he has expressed his hopes for his children, wishing that they will not have to face the same racial challenges that he encountered during his career. The influence of his family, especially his father, has played a significant role in shaping his perspectives on race, success, and social change.
Conclusion
Wol Kolade’s career is a testament to the power of resilience, leadership, and social responsibility. From his significant role at Livingbridge to his advocacy for diversity at Level 20 and his contributions to NHS England, Kolade has shown what is possible when business leaders use their platforms to create meaningful change.
His journey from an immigrant child to one of the most influential figures in private equity and healthcare is an inspiring story of overcoming adversity and fighting for a more equitable society. Kolade’s work continues to inspire future generations of leaders, especially those from underrepresented communities, proving that success in business and social impact can go hand in hand.
