Rockefeller Foundation Announces New Chief People Officer

NEW YORK | August 8, 2024 — The Rockefeller Foundation named Mark Wattley Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer (CPO). In this role, Mr. Wattley will be responsible for shaping and implementing the organization’s talent vision and strategy, with a focus on leading a best-in-class People unit that aligns with the Foundation’s mission to promote the well-being of humanity. He will oversee talent acquisition, employee relations, and programs that enrich organizational development. Mr. Wattley will also play a key role in fostering an inclusive workplace culture, advancing the Foundation’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, across the Foundation’s global workforce in the U.S., Italy, Kenya, and Thailand.

“A proven innovator and leader, Mark has a strong track record of recruiting and retaining talent and strengthening organizational culture. He will help The Rockefeller Foundation unlock the potential of our most important asset—our people—to meet our goals of slowing the climate crisis and advancing human opportunity,” said Natalye Paquin, The Rockefeller Foundation’s Chief Operating Officer (COO).

Mr. Wattley joins The Rockefeller Foundation as it continues its $1 billion commitment to advance the global climate transition, especially for those most at risk. In alignment with this mission, the Foundation is also working towards achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for its operations and endowment by 2050, making it the largest private U.S. foundation to undertake such an initiative.

“I am charged up by The Rockefeller Foundation’s drive to use partnerships, alliances, and other collaborations to scale sustainable and ethically responsible solutions to people and communities suffering the most from the climate crisis,” said Mr. Wattley. “I have always been passionate about ensuring that the employee experience and talent strategy are fully integrated into business objectives and priorities. Joining the Foundation represents an extraordinary opportunity to be part of the pivotal change taking place internally as a driver for the organization to continue its mission-driven global impact.”

Prior to joining The Rockefeller Foundation, Mr. Wattley served as Chief People Officer at Cooler Screens, where he was instrumental in shaping the company’s culture and implementing innovative talent practices. During nearly 20 years at Walgreens and Walgreens Boots Alliance, Mr. Wattley held various legal and senior HR business roles, including Vice President of HR Mergers & Acquisitions. He was responsible for starting and leading several new HR initiatives within the organization. Earlier in his career, Mr. Wattley practiced law in private practice and held senior attorney positions at the U.S. Department of Education and the Chicago Board of Education. He holds a bachelor’s degree from DePaul University and a juris doctorate from Notre Dame Law School.

About The Rockefeller Foundation

The Rockefeller Foundation is a pioneering philanthropy built on collaborative partnerships at the frontiers of science, technology, and innovation that enable individuals, families, and communities to flourish. We make big bets to promote the well-being of humanity. Today, we are focused on advancing human opportunity and reversing the climate crisis by transforming systems in food, health, energy, and finance. For more information, sign up for our newsletter at rockefellerfoundation.org and follow us on X @RockefellerFdn.