Totara is dedicated to transforming the learning technology marketplace by offering our customers and partners a powerful, flexible, innovative and open software platform on which to deliver workplace learning in the way that best suits you. Control is in your hands.

Our global leadership team is committed to this vision. Our company ethos is open. We enjoy building honest, collaborative and service focused relationships with our partners and customers. It’s the open secret to our success.

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    Richard Wyles

    CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, FOUNDER

    “I strongly believe in open source as a key driver of innovation and achieving greater access to good technology. Quality training is the key to productivity in every sector so combining open source and learning technologies is the best job I can imagine. It's a great combination to deliver positive change.”

    Richard played an instrumental role in founding Totara Learning Solutions in 2010 and has led the company since start-up. Prior to Totara, Richard played a leading role in the dramatic rise of Moodle as the e-learning technology of choice in his home country New Zealand and internationally.

    He has led large government funded Moodle projects including the very first enterprise scale deployment of Moodle in 2004.

    In 2006 he co-founded the Mahara project, the popular open source eportfolio system. That year Richard also co-founded Flexible Learning Network, now part of the City & Guilds Kineo group of companies.

  • David Newcomb - PRESIDENT OF TOTARA AMERICAS

    David Newcomb

    PRESIDENT OF TOTARA AMERICAS

    "As demand to improve the skills and competencies of the workforce increases, we strive to develop products that meet that demand with innovative and flexible solutions. In this era of the employee experience, Totara is working diligently to provide our clients with products that are flexible, open, and most of all effective. I am excited and energized to help guide our organization in all of these endeavors."

    David is responsible for all operations in the Americas with a focus on the United States. He will be a key factor in the introduction of new products and strategies in these markets.

    Prior to joining Totara, David was involved in the technology marketplace for over 25 years and has held Senior Leadership roles at GP Strategies Corporation, SkyMall, and Greenleaf Technologies.

  • Miguel Palma - HEAD OF MARKETING

    Miguel Palma

    HEAD OF MARKETING

    "Within the talent experience space, there is no better place to be than at Totara. Our flexible architecture, complete product suite, and competitive value proposition makes Totara a strategic alternative when compared to costly incumbents. The next few years are going to be very exciting and I am thrilled to be a part of it."

    Miguel Palma is the Head of Marketing at Totara. He is responsible for opening new markets, creating and capturing customer demand, and delivering Totara’s global marketing strategy.

    Prior to Totara, Miguel led marketing at ReadyTech, a provider of virtual classroom software and hands-on training labs. Before that, he grew B2B brands at KenCreative, and worked in business development at high-growth technology companies like eBay, Metaio (acquired by Apple) and Tapioca Mobile (acquired by Qualcomm).

  • Gordon Johnson

    Gordon Johnson

    VP OF CONTENT & BRAND MARKETING

    “I’ve been in the learning and talent industry for over 25 years because I’ve been able to make people’s lives better through education, connection, and experience. I’m so fortunate to be a part of Totara, who believes strongly in this mission and backs it up with their technology and the way they treat their customers and partners.”

    Gordon is the marketing head and managing editor for all of Totara’s content marketing activities, including eBooks, blogs, videos, infographics, etc. He also leads up Totara’s public relations and analyst relations programs.

    Gordon is a recognised marketing leader in the learning technology space, having helped eight learning system vendors and many other types of L&D vendors launch new products and grow market share through innovative marketing strategies.

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    Lars Hyland

    Chief Learning Officer

    “Open learning technology is the key to unlocking freedom and empowering organisations worldwide to create the learning platforms they need to thrive in today's ever-changing business world. Businesses need to act now to avoid being constrained by proprietary software that no longer meets their needs and stifles progress."

    Lars leads Totara’s operations across EMEA, and heads up the Brighton office in the UK. He is also responsible for the development and growth of the Totara Community, a global network of learning professionals.

    Lars has championed the adoption of learning technology and is a recognised thought leader in the industry. Lars has held senior management positions at Epic, Brightwave, LEO and CogBooks in the UK, as well as founding the pioneering SaaS-based learning transfer platform, Retenda.