Oluwayemisi Olorunshola: A trailblazer in banking, corporate leadership

Oluwayemisi Olorunshola is a distinguished Nigerian finance expert whose career spans corporate management, supply chain operations and leadership within the financial sector.

Over the years, she has built a reputation for strong governance, strategic leadership and commitment to inclusive growth in corporate institutions.

She made history as the first female chairman of Wema Bank, a milestone widely seen as a reflection of the bank’s dedication to diversity and equal opportunity within its leadership structure.

In another significant development in her career, the Bank Directors Association of Nigeria (BDAN) appointed her as the chairman of its Board of Directors following the retirement of Mustafa Chike-Obi after he successfully completed his tenure.

Background

Dr. Olorunshola hails from the Yoruba ethnic group in Nigeria. Her educational journey demonstrates a strong academic foundation in both economics and business administration.

She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education and Economics from Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, one of Nigeria’s most prestigious institutions.

Seeking to expand her expertise in management and corporate leadership, she later obtained a Master of Business Administration from the University of Liverpool in the United Kingdom.

Her quest for deeper knowledge and professional advancement eventually led her to pursue a Doctorate degree in Business Administration at Walden University in the United States.

Professional career

Dr. Olorunshola began her professional journey in the corporate sector, where she developed extensive expertise in supply chain management and operational leadership.

She spent about 15 years working with Unilever Nigeria, one of the country’s leading multinational companies.

During her time at the organisation, she gained valuable experience across different areas of the supply chain.

These included business and production planning, procurement, distribution, import and export operations as well as logistics services.

Her role also involved business process re-engineering and operational management, helping her build the strategic thinking and problem-solving skills that later shaped her leadership approach.

Beyond her work in multinational corporations, she has accumulated more than a decade of experience in boardroom leadership and business management, establishing herself as a respected voice in corporate governance and organisational development.

Leadership role at Wema Bank

Dr. Olorunshola’s journey in the banking sector began when she joined Wema Bank in 2022 as a Non-Executive Director.

Her governance experience and leadership capabilities soon earned her the role of Chairman of the Board’s Nomination and Governance Committee.

Her strong performance and strategic contributions eventually led to her appointment as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the bank.

She assumed the position following the retirement of Babatunde Kasali, who stepped down after reaching the retirement age stipulated in the bank’s Articles of Association.

With this appointment, she became the first female chairman in the bank’s history, marking a significant milestone for gender inclusion within the organisation.

Appointment as BDAN board Chairman

In addition to her responsibilities at Wema Bank, Dr. Olorunshola plays an influential role in the wider corporate governance landscape in Nigeria.

The Bank Directors Association of Nigeria appointed her as the Chairman of its Board of Directors following the retirement of Mustafa Chike-Obi.

The appointment further strengthened her reputation as a respected figure among banking executives and corporate governance professionals in the country.

Professional training and expertise

Dr. Olorunshola has received professional training from several reputable institutions and management facilities across the world.

These include the Four Acres Training Facility of Unilever in the United Kingdom, FITC, Leishton Academy and H. Pierson.

Her training and experience have equipped her with deep knowledge in corporate governance, operational strategy, organisational leadership and business management.

Research works

Beyond her corporate responsibilities, Dr. Olorunshola is also passionate about academic research and education. One of her widely read publications focuses on sustainability strategies for small businesses.

The research was published in the Journal of Functional Education and is available on academic platforms such as ProQuest and Academia.edu.

Her work has since been referenced by several scholars studying small business development and sustainability.

Professional memberships

Dr. Olorunshola maintains active membership in several professional organisations both locally and internationally. She is a Director and Fellow of the International Institute for African Scholars.

She is also a Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants. In addition, she is a member of the Institute of Directors and a chartered member of the Nigerian Chartered Institute of Personnel Management.

Family

Dr. Oluwayemisi Olorunshola is happily married and blessed with children.

Despite her demanding professional responsibilities, she maintains a strong commitment to family life while continuing to make meaningful contributions to Nigeria’s corporate and financial sectors.

Philanthropy

Outside her corporate career, Dr. Olorunshola is deeply committed to community development and social impact.

She actively participates in civic initiatives and volunteer programmes aimed at supporting social progress and development in different communities.

Her involvement in these activities reflects her belief that leadership should extend beyond corporate boardrooms to positively influence society.