About Padmi Dissanayake

Padmi Dissanayake is an accomplished Chief People Officer with over 25 years of experience leading transformative HR strategies across healthcare, community services, and social enterprises. With a passion for bringing out the best in people, she helps them evolve, reach their potential, and achieve meaningful work-life goals.

Padmi has partnered with CEOs and boards across 38 countries, shaping strategic direction and governance to drive organizational growth.

Her career highlights include guiding people transformations during various business cycles, mergers and acquisitions, restructuring, implementing digital HR solutions, and leading cultural change initiatives that enhance engagement, accountability, and overall service delivery.

Known for her collaborative, people-centric approach, Padmi inspires teams to connect their roles to a greater purpose, fostering a sense of fulfillment and improving community outcomes. A strong advocate for diversity, inclusion, and well-being, she has led initiatives that promote psychological safety and cultivates an environment of trust, respect, and accountability.

Her expertise aligns with the purpose of empowering individuals, teams, business leaders, and boards to drive transformative change. By assessing workforce capabilities, operating models, and culture, Padmi develops tailored strategies that enable people and organizations to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.

Padmi is a Fellow Certified Practitioner HR (FCPHR) and a Professional Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (MAICD), reflecting her commitment to excellence in leadership and governance.