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, CO-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.

  • Kiran Patel | Totara

    Kiran Patel

    Chief Financial Officer

    "Totara's products allow our customers access to technology that unlocks value by greatly enhancing their overall employee experience. With increasing change and uncertainty globally and the high competition for skills, it is even more critical now to invest in developing people and enhancing collaboration within organisations."

    Kiran leads the financial strategy to support Totara's continued rapid expansion globally. He has a strong commercial focus and deep experience in organisational growth and business transformation. Kiran has held a number of senior management positions across a number of industries including communications, manufacturing, entertainment, energy, retail, and professional services.

  • Nicole Lyons, Head of People & Culture at Totara

    Nicole Lyons

    Head of People & Culture

    "Forward-thinking and successful businesses allow each employee to bring their true self to work. They also understand the power of their people, and how to foster and grow a team, based on the unique needs and aspirations that exist in each of us."

    Nicole leads Totara’s People & Culture function, ensuring our teams are set up to succeed through a positive, empowering employee experience. She is responsible for leading, developing and implementing People and Culture strategies across global markets.

    Nicole has a unique and innovative approach to talent, through extensive international experience at all organisational levels. She has worked across a multitude of sectors, including technology, publishing, digital media, advertising, finance and engineering.

  • Benn Crawford - Head of Product | Totara Learning

    Benn Crawford

    Chief Product Officer

    "A flourishing product results from being designed and shipped with the customer's greatest needs at its heart - this is Totara's product strategy in a nutshell."

    Benn leads a team of passionate product people who are focused on helping organisations create exceptional learning and talent management experiences for their employees. As Chief Product Officer, he is responsible for translating Totara's vision into a cohesive outcomes-driven product strategy that delivers value for both partners and clients. Like many product leaders, the challenge of leveraging software development to grow a business kick-started Benn's journey into creating software. Through building an e-commerce application for a speciality food retailing business, Benn discovered the craft of Product Management and hasn't looked back since.

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    Lars Hyland

    Managing Director - EMEA

    "To thrive in a world that is full of change and uncertainty requires a singular focus on supporting people to sustainably do their best work. That means building a company culture that emphasises skills development, continuous, open feedback and a shared clarity of purpose."

    Lars leads Totara’s operations across EMEA. He is a well-known figure in the HR and workplace learning community, as an expert in the field of Talent Experience, which brings together learning, engagement and performance management practices to drive employee satisfaction and productivity.

    Lars has held senior management positions at a number of learning technology startups in the UK, as well as founding the pioneering SaaS-based spaced learning platform, Retenda.

  • Kate Handley, Totara

    Kate Handley

    Head of Brand

    “Totara’s unique brand story is all about helping people thrive in this ever-changing world of work. We are so much more than a software business. Our hugely flexible range of solutions helps people do their best work, their way - ultimately creating more meaningful work experiences”.

    Kate leads Totara's brand strategy and implementation across the global network. This starts with our own culture, runs through our products and into the wider marketing communications for our community. 

    Before joining Totara, Kate ran a brand and digital agency for 15 years, working on a variety of brands big and small (including Totara in the early days). Her career in creative businesses spans global advertising, digital brand and collateral management, and board directorships.