Jo Hayes

Jo Hayes is Chief Executive Officer of Habitat for Humanity Hong Kong, part of the global housing organisation working to ensure everyone has a safe, healthy, and affordable place to call home. She leads the organisation's strategy, partnerships, and impact in Hong Kong, advancing housing solutions that improve living conditions and strengthen communities.
 
With nearly 30 years of international experience across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, including roles with the British Council, BBC Worldwide, and The Women's Foundation, Jo brings extensive expertise in strategy, governance, organisational leadership, and stakeholder engagement.
 
As CEO of Habitat for Humanity Hong Kong, Jo is a strong advocate for the role of housing as a foundation for health, economic opportunity, and social mobility. She works with community organisations, corporate partners, and policy makers to address housing vulnerability and promote housing as a critical component of sustainable and inclusive urban development. Jo actively contributes to advancing sector-wide development and has recently joined the Urban Land Institute Housing Committee to bring her governance expertise to shaping housing policy and practice, ensuring that housing remains central to resilient city planning.
 
A Hong Kong Jockey Club Chicago Booth MBA Scholar, Jo brings analytical rigour, financial discipline, and systems thinking to complex social and operational challenges. She is known for applying evidence-based decision-making to strategy, governance, and organisational growth.
 
Originally from the UK, she has lived and worked across Asia and Europe and has been based in Hong Kong since 2013.