Nicola Galombik is an Executive Director of Yellowwoods Holdings, a private investment group, where she leads work to advance social and environmental impact through the group’s portfolio companies, including Hollard Insurance, Nando’s and &Beyond. A business leader and social innovator, she focuses on multi-sector partnerships that drive systems change and build a more inclusive economy. Under her leadership, Yellowwoods has incubated African non profit social enterprises focused on early childhood development through SmartStart Early Learning Franchise – which received a Skoll Award in 2026, public education outcomes through the Programme to Improve Learning Outcomes, and inclusive youth employment through Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator – which received a Skoll Award in 2019.
Nicola has contributed to national, and global initiatives on skills, employment and leadership, including South Africa’s Ministerial Task Team on Post-School Education and Skills, the South African Presidential Youth Employment Initiative, and the World Bank’s High-Level Advisory Council on Jobs. She is a Fellow of the African Leadership Initiative (ALI), serves on the Advisory Board of Africa Leadership Group, and has lectured at leading global business schools. Her recognition includes the McNulty Prize, and the World Economic Forum Schwab Foundation Corporate Social Intrapreneur Award. She holds an MA from New York University.