The Wikimedia Foundation is excited to announce the appointment of Robyn Arville as Chief Talent and Culture Officer (CTCO). Robyn brings 20 years of experience in human resources to the Foundation, most recently as the Head of People and Culture at the Public Library of Science (PLOS), where she worked to develop PLOS’s people strategy creating a culture that embraced innovation, learning, resilience and joy. She will join Wikimedia on 23 September.
The Wikimedia Foundation is the nonprofit organization that supports Wikipedia and other free knowledge projects. Together, Wikipedia and the Wikimedia projects are visited by over 1.5 billion unique devices every month. The Wikimedia Foundation is driven by its vision of building a world in which every single person can freely share in the sum of all knowledge.
“Robyn brings to Wikimedia a passion for building organizational culture that embraces inclusion and connectedness,” said Katherine Maher, Executive Director of the Wikimedia Foundation. “Our people are our greatest strength and resource. Robyn’s vision for our Talent and Culture places people at the center of our efforts as we endeavor to our aspirational vision.”
As Chief Talent and Culture Officer, Robyn will lead the Talent & Culture department, recruiting and supporting skilled, passionate people to advance the Wikimedia mission. She will work with other Foundation leaders to develop strategies for best supporting and cultivating staff.
“For me, joining the Wikimedia Foundation and promoting knowledge equity is a way to elevate a model for dialogue, action, understanding, and learning at a time when the world needs it most,” Robyn said. “I’m excited to build on my service to people and amplify the work of a collaborative, global community that is striving to break down barriers and open access to knowledge by creating a space where all voices matter.”
Prior to joining PLOS, Robyn spent six years at Humanity United, a human rights philanthropic foundation. She has worked at various healthcare and biotechnology organizations, from small startups to large global organizations. She has focused her energy on establishing a values-driven culture in organizations in which she has worked. She brings a deep commitment to cultivating employee experiences that build connections and community within the workplace.
A fan of the great outdoors, Robyn lives in the East Bay with her husband and five-year-old daughter.
