Wanji Walcott is a distinguished C-Suite executive and trusted partner to the CEO, other executives, and the board of directors, and is recognized for her deep expertise in digital advertising, technology and ecommerce. Wanji plays a pivotal role in shaping the company’s strategic direction. As a key member of Pinterest’s executive leadership team, she oversees trust & safety, corporate governance, government & public affairs, legal and compliance. She effectively leverages her experience in regulated industries to shape the company’s work on critical matters including public policy issues, privacy, inclusive search, online safety, youth mental health, and responsible use of AI. As Chief Legal & Business Affairs Officer and Corporate Secretary, Wanji plays an active role with the Pinterest board of directors, providing strategic guidance and ensuring that all board activities align with regulatory requirements and best practices in corporate governance, and has been instrumental in helping to refresh the Pinterest board. Recognized for her ability to cultivate strong relationships, Wanji fosters open communication between the board and management. She regularly presents reports on legal risks and emerging trends, equipping the board with the insights needed to make informed decisions. Her role as an effective liaison enhances the board’s understanding of the business, corporate initiatives and strategic goals.
Before joining Pinterest in 2022, Wanji held significant corporate leadership roles, including Chief Legal Officer at Discover Financial Services and General Counsel at PayPal. Her substantial business and legal acumen were further honed at American Express and Lockheed Martin, where she held in-house legal positions. Her early career was spent in private practice, specializing in sophisticated technology transactions.
Wanji’s leadership and commitment to excellence not only enhance Pinterest’s mission but also reflects her passion for fostering a more inclusive and equitable business landscape. She has previously served on the board of directors of Foresight Acquisition Corp II, a healthcare SPAC, and currently serves on several influential non-profit boards, including the Economic Club of Chicago, the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, and the Chicago Botanic Garden.