At Agena, we believe in recruiting people who align with our values, bring expertise to the table, and can help drive meaningful change. That’s why we’re delighted to introduce Oluwatobi Kolawole, who recently joined us as ESG and Sustainability Lead. With a PhD in sustainability and a wealth of experience spanning academia, consulting, and strategic planning, Oluwatobi brings a fresh perspective and deep knowledge to the team. We caught up with him to learn more about his background, his ambitions for Agena, and what sustainability means to him.
Getting to Know Oluwatobi
Tell us a bit about your background and what brought you to Agena.
I come from a varied background that blends architecture, academic research, and sustainability consulting. I hold a PhD in sustainability and ethics and am a GRI-certified sustainability professional. I’ve worked on ESG strategic planning with different organisations, taught sustainability and project risk as a module leader at London South Bank University, and supervised over 25 MBA dissertations in a single year. What drew me to Agena was the chance to put all of that knowledge to work at scale — in a fast-growing company already showing real leadership in ESG.
What was it about the ESG & Sustainability Lead role that appealed to you most?
This role offers something quite rare: autonomy combined with strategic influence. I was particularly excited by the opportunity to embed ESG across environmental, social, and governance pillars — and to do so in a business that’s already carbon neutral and ambitious about continuous improvement. It’s about driving ESG not just as a compliance box-tick, but as a value driver.
What’s your first impression of the team and the company culture?
I’ve been really impressed. The team is open, collaborative, and genuinely forward-thinking, particularly around sustainability, which isn’t always a given in operationally intensive industries. But what’s stood out most is how warm and kind everyone is. That tells me a lot about the culture here. It’s a values-led environment, which makes it a fantastic place to work.
Let’s Talk ESG
What does ESG mean to you, and why is it important for a company like Agena?
To me, ESG means weaving environmental responsibility, social equity, and strong governance into every business decision. For a company like Agena — sitting at the intersection of mobility and digital infrastructure — ESG is critical. It’s how we meet the rising expectations of stakeholders and deliver long-term value. With a robust 2025–2027 ESG strategy already in place, we’re in a great position to lead the sector with measurable impact, integrity, and innovation.
What are your top priorities as you settle into the role?
My first priority is to align with the excellent ESG groundwork that’s already been laid, and to begin delivering against the 2025–2027 roadmap. In the short term, I’m focusing on refining our emissions mapping — particularly around Scope 3 emissions — and exploring ways to reduce our operational footprint, including our patrol vehicle fleet. I’m also working on engaging stakeholders across the business to make sure ESG is integrated into everyday decision-making.
How can colleagues across the business contribute to our ESG efforts?
Every single team member can play a part. Whether it’s choosing greener suppliers, reducing resource use, or helping to promote equity and inclusion, ESG belongs to all of us. Getting involved in volunteering or community initiatives is another great way to support our goals. It’s not someone else’s job — it’s how we all help deliver better quality, innovation, and outcomes.
Are there any small changes we can make now that could have a big impact?
Definitely. The next phase of our ESG work is about refining what we’re already doing. That includes improving how we track Scope 3 emissions, building stronger relationships with sustainable suppliers, and scaling impactful innovations — like dynamic pricing and solar-powered solutions. These steps can lead to quick, tangible results.
Looking Ahead
What does success look like for you over the next 6–12 months?
Success means deepening our ESG maturity. That includes refining our emissions reduction roadmap, establishing consistent baseline metrics across Scope 1–3 emissions, and aligning our operations more tightly with the 2025–2027 strategy. Just as importantly, I’d like to see increased engagement and involvement across the business — where ESG is something people feel informed about and empowered to influence.
What major sustainability or ESG trends should we keep an eye on?
There are several. The shift toward science-based net-zero targets, new carbon disclosure regulations, and the push for better integration of ESG data across business systems are big ones. There’s also growing pressure for organisations to demonstrate social impact and equity, not just environmental performance.
How do you see our industry evolving in terms of environmental responsibility?
The parking and mobility industry is being reshaped by sustainability. From low-emission solutions to smarter infrastructure and circular operating models, the landscape is changing quickly. Companies like Agena — with a clear ESG vision — are in an ideal position to lead the charge.
On a Lighter Note
What might people be surprised to learn about you?
I earned my PhD by the age of 27.
If you could make one sustainable change in the world right now, what would it be?
I’d eliminate the global reliance on coal. It’s one of the biggest contributors to carbon emissions, and moving away from it would significantly improve public health and accelerate our shift to renewable energy.
Tea or coffee? Countryside or city break?
Tea, always. And while I love the energy of cities, I’d choose a countryside escape any day — for the peace, perspective, and connection it brings.
We’re thrilled to have Oluwatobi on board and look forward to seeing the impact he’ll make in helping shape a more sustainable future for Agena — and the communities we serve.
