Rena Kokalari

Rena Kokalari joined the Wikimedia Foundation as Chief People Officer on September 1, 2026. She brings more than 25 years of experience leading People and Culture across global humanitarian organizations, financial technology, media, manufacturing, and civic campaigns.

Before joining the Wikimedia Foundation, Rena advised mission-driven organizations through RK People Strategy & Advisory. She previously spent more than 13 years at the International Rescue Committee, most recently leading People and Culture for 2,000 employees across 27 countries. Earlier, she  led human resources for humanitarian operations across the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia, supporting as many as 8,000 workers across a portfolio of 14 countries and overseeing People strategy in complex conflict and displacement settings.

Rena began her career at Condé Nast and MeadWestvaco and later built the People function at financial technology company FTEN, partnering with its founders through the company’s acquisition by Nasdaq.

Rena holds a Master of Science in Global Affairs from New York University and bachelor’s degrees in political science and sociology from Ithaca College. A longtime supporter of Wikipedia, she lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Sean, and their young son, Sagan.