Here is a detailed Bola Adesola biography.
Harriet-Ann Omobolanle Adesola, widely known as Bola Adesola, is a distinguished Nigerian businesswoman with over 33 years of experience in the banking sector.
She has held several significant positions, including Senior Vice-Chairman at Standard Chartered Bank Group and CEO of Standard Chartered Bank for Nigeria and West Africa.
Bola Adesola Biography Summary
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Harriet-Ann Omobolanle Adesola |
| Nickname | Bola Adesola |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Education | Law degree from the University of Buckingham, UK; Alumna of Harvard Business School and Lagos Business School |
| Professional Titles | Senior Vice-Chairman, Africa at Standard Chartered Bank (Retired); Chairman of Ecobank Nigeria; Chairman of Lagos State Employment Trust Fund |
| Years of Experience | Over 33 years in the banking sector |
| Notable Roles | First Nigerian and first female CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria; Co-founder of Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ) |
| Family | Married with twin daughters |
Bola Adesola Early Life and Education
Bola Adesola’s formative years were marked by a strong emphasis on education and personal development.
She pursued a law degree at the University of Buckingham in the United Kingdom, laying a solid foundation for her future endeavors in the corporate world.
Her academic journey continued at prestigious institutions such as Harvard Business School and Lagos Business School, where she honed her leadership and management skills.
Her upbringing instilled in her a sense of discipline and a drive for excellence, qualities that would later define her professional trajectory.
The combination of a legal education and advanced business training equipped her with a unique perspective, enabling her to navigate the complexities of the financial sector with adeptness.
Bola Adesola Career
Bola Adesola’s career in banking commenced at Prime Merchant Bank as a Treasury Officer. In 1990, she transitioned to Citibank, where she held various treasury roles, including serving as Country Treasurer for Citibank Tanzania between 1995 and 1997.
Her nine-year tenure at Citibank was marked by significant contributions to the bank’s operations in Nigeria and Tanzania.
In 1999, she was appointed Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Kakawa Discount House Limited, a securities trading and asset management firm. Her leadership at Kakawa was instrumental in steering the firm towards growth and profitability.
By 2005, Bola had joined the board of First Bank of Nigeria Plc as Executive Director, Corporate Banking.
She later became Executive Director of the Lagos Directorate, overseeing significant operations within the bank. Her strategic insight and leadership were pivotal in expanding the bank’s corporate banking portfolio.
In 2011, Bola Adesola broke new ground by becoming the first Nigerian and first female CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria. Under her stewardship, the bank saw substantial growth and reinforced its presence in the Nigerian market.
Her role expanded in 2015 to include oversight of the bank’s West African operations, further solidifying her reputation as a formidable leader in the banking industry.
After a decade of impactful service, she retired from Standard Chartered Bank in May 2021. Shortly thereafter, in July 2021, she was appointed Chairman of Ecobank Nigeria, continuing her legacy of leadership in the financial sector.
Additionally, she serves as Chairman of the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, contributing to economic development and employment generation in Lagos State.
Bola Adesola Recent Developments
In September 2024, Bola Adesola was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) PLC, Nigeria’s leading Central Securities Depository.
This appointment underscores her continued influence and leadership within the financial services sector. Her extensive experience is expected to contribute significantly to CSCS’s strategic goals and its leadership in the capital market.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Bola Adesola’s educational background?
Bola Adesola holds a law degree from the University of Buckingham in the United Kingdom. She furthered her education at Harvard Business School and Lagos Business School, enhancing her leadership and management capabilities.
What notable positions has Bola Adesola held in her career?
Throughout her career, Bola Adesola has held several prominent positions, including:
- Managing Director/CEO of Kakawa Discount House Limited
- Executive Director, Corporate Banking at First Bank of Nigeria Plc
- First Nigerian and first female CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria
- Senior Vice-Chairman, Africa at Standard Chartered Bank
- Chairman of Ecobank Nigeria
- Chairman of the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund
What contributions has Bola Adesola made to women’s empowerment?
Bola Adesola co-founded Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ) in 2001. WIMBIZ is a non-profit organization dedicated to elevating the status and influence of women in these sectors.
Through mentorship, advocacy, and capacity-building programs, WIMBIZ has empowered numerous women to achieve leadership positions and has been instrumental in promoting gender diversity in Nigeria’s corporate landscape.
What recent appointments has Bola Adesola received?
In September 2024, Bola Adesola was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) PLC, Nigeria’s leading Central Securities Depos
What is Bola Adesola’s net worth?
Bola Adesola’s net worth is not publicly disclosed. However, her illustrious career in banking, including high-ranking roles at Standard Chartered Bank, Ecobank Nigeria, and other organizations, as well as her contributions to the corporate and financial sectors, undoubtedly place her among the most influential and successful business leaders in Africa.
Her wealth is further amplified by her board memberships and consultancy roles, although exact figures are not available.
Is Bola Adesola married?
Yes, Bola Adesola is married. She is also a proud mother of twin daughters. Despite her highly demanding career, she has successfully balanced her professional life with her family commitments, often emphasizing the importance of family values and support in achieving success.
What are Bola Adesola’s contributions to financial literacy and mentorship?
Bola Adesola has been a strong advocate for mentorship and financial literacy, especially for women.
Through organizations like WIMBIZ, she has mentored many young professionals, inspiring them to pursue excellence in their careers. She is also a frequent speaker at conferences and workshops, where she shares her expertise on leadership, financial empowerment, and corporate governance.
What is Bola Adesola’s legacy in the banking industry?
Bola Adesola’s legacy lies in her trailblazing achievements in the Nigerian and African banking sectors. She broke barriers as the first female CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria, championed diversity and inclusion, and contributed to the growth of the financial services industry. Her leadership roles have inspired countless women to aspire to leadership positions in traditionally male-dominated industries.
Bola Adesola Other Notable Achievements
Bola Adesola’s career extends beyond her professional roles. She is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers and the Institute of Directors. She has received numerous awards, including the Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) recognition in 2020 and several others for her contributions to the financial industry.
Additionally, she has been involved in philanthropy and community development initiatives, focusing on education, gender equality, and youth empowerment.
Bola Adesola Leadership Style and Philosophy
Bola Adesola is known for her transformative and visionary leadership style. She emphasizes teamwork, integrity, and innovation in achieving organizational goals. Her approach to leadership has consistently involved fostering collaboration among diverse teams, encouraging creativity, and promoting ethical practices in business operations.
