To understand the ethical core of Rotary, one must look to the life of Herbert J. Taylor. A consummate salesman, business executive, civic leader, and deeply principled philanthropist, Taylor left an indelible mark on the global business community by authoring The Four-Way Test—one of the world’s most widely printed and quoted statements of business ethics.

Biographical Overview

Full Name: Herbert John Taylor

Lifespan: April 18, 1893 – May 1, 1978 (Aged 85)

Birthplace: Pickford, Michigan, USA

Education: Northwestern University (B.A., 1917); awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws (LL.D.) from Houghton College.

Legacy: Inducted into the American National Business Hall of Fame and featured on the cover of Newsweek (February 28, 1955 issue).

Profile of Global Leadership: RI President Olayinka H. Babalola

Shaped by the dynamic spirit of his native land, Olayinka Hakeem Babalola carries a lifelong passion for service, community development, and peacebuilding to the highest level of Rotary leadership.

His Rotary Journey & Leadership Milestones

President Babalola’s path highlights a unique, grassroots ascent through the ranks of Rotary:

• 1984: Co-founded and served as the charter president of a Rotaract club while studying at the Federal University of Technology in Bauchi, Nigeria.
• 1994: Officially joined the Rotary Club of Trans Amadi.
• 2011–2012: Served his region as District Governor.
• 2018–2020: Elected to the Rotary International Board of Directors, serving as the global Vice President during the 2019–20 term.
• Polio Eradication: A fierce champion for health, he served on the global End Polio Now Countdown to History Campaign Committee (2017–2023) and remains a vital advisor to the Nigeria National PolioPlus Committee
• Disaster Relief: Currently serves as a trustee for ShelterBox UK, Rotary International’s official project partner for emergency disaster relief.

Professional & Corporate Background

Before stepping into full-time global volunteer leadership, President Babalola built a highly decorated 30-year career in the private sector:

• Education: Graduated with a degree in Electronics Engineering (1988).
• Energy Sector: Spent over 25 years in senior executive leadership positions at Shell PLC.
• Entrepreneurship: Founder of two major corporations: Riviera Technical Services Ltd. (an oil and gas infrastructure delivery firm) and Lead and Change Consulting (an executive coaching and organizational advisory group).
• Affiliations: Member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, the Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria, the Association of Change Management Practitioners, and the Jericho Businessmen Club.

Promoting Peace

Fostering cross-cultural dialogue, supporting refugees, and training leaders to prevent and mediate conflict.

Providing Clean Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH)

Building sustainable water and sanitation systems so communities can thrive.

Saving Mothers and Children

Expanding access to quality health care, nutrition, and safety for mothers and their children.

Protecting the Environment

Developing community-based, innovative projects to safeguard our natural resources and ecosystems.

Protecting the Environment

Developing community-based, innovative projects to safeguard our natural resources and ecosystems.

Growing Local Economies

Creating opportunities for decent, productive work and empowering entrepreneurs, particularly women.

Supporting Education

Strengthening local capacities to support basic education, improve adult literacy, and reduce gender disparities.

Saving Mothers and Children

Expanding access to quality health care, nutrition, and safety for mothers and their children.

Providing Clean Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH)

Building sustainable water and sanitation systems so communities can thrive.

Fighting Disease

Educating and equipping communities to halt life-threatening illnesses, alongside our historic global mission to eradicate Polio.