In a world where women in leadership are too often underestimated and their capacity for excellence questioned, Dupe Olusola stands as living proof that greatness has no gender. She embodies strength anchored in resilience, strategy sharpened by experience, and service rooted in purpose. Across finance, agribusiness, and hospitality, her journey has been defined by a fearless pursuit of innovation and an unwavering commitment to impact. With every milestone, Olusola has not only shattered stereotypes but also set new standards, showing that true leadership is measured by vision, courage, and legacy.
Born in 1974 and raised in Lagos, Olusola’s foundation was laid at Queen’s College, a school known for nurturing some of Nigeria’s finest female leaders. Her academic journey took her to the University of Leicester, where she earned a degree in Economics, and later to the University of Kent, where she obtained a Master’s in Development Economics. These formative years were not just about education but about cultivating a worldview that combined business acumen with a passion for social and economic development.
Her professional journey began abroad with stints at Bloomberg and Northern Trust in the UK, before she returned to Nigeria to carve her own path in the finance and investment landscape. She cut her teeth at SecTrust (now Afrinvest) and later at African Capital Alliance, a private equity firm that exposed her to the rigors of large-scale investment. Her entry into United Bank for Africa (UBA) marked a turning point, as she transitioned from finance into executive leadership, holding pivotal roles in investor relations, marketing, and global client services.
Olusola’s ability to bridge sectors became evident when she was appointed Managing Director of Teragro Commodities, the agribusiness arm of Transcorp. There, she pioneered a landmark partnership with Coca-Cola to produce Five Alive Pulpy Orange Juice locally—an achievement that placed her among Ventures Africa’s “10 Most Influential Nigerian CEOs.” It was a defining moment that revealed her unique blend of strategic vision and executional prowess.
In March 2020, Olusola was appointed Managing Director/CEO of Transcorp Hotels Plc, a role that has since defined her as one of Africa’s most innovative leaders in hospitality. Under her stewardship, the company not only navigated the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic but also expanded its portfolio with the launch of Aura by Transcorp Hotels, a digital platform offering curated accommodation, food, and lifestyle experiences. This bold move redefined hospitality in Nigeria, merging technology with tradition and placing Transcorp Hotels at the forefront of digital transformation in the sector.
Her leadership has not gone unnoticed. From winning the Hospitality Leadership Award at the Africa Hospitality Investment Forum to being recognized as a passionate advocate for women’s leadership and economic empowerment, Olusola has become a beacon of inspiration. Her recent engagement with Harvard’s Advanced Leadership Initiative further amplifies her influence, providing a global platform to channel her ideas on leadership, development, and financial inclusion.
Beyond the boardroom, Dupe Olusola is deeply committed to philanthropy. At her 50th birthday, she launched a foundation to support the education of vulnerable children from low-income families, demonstrating her belief that true leadership extends into community transformation. Married to celebrated life coach Lanre Olusola and a devoted mother of two, she embodies balance—nurturing family while shaping industries. Her journey continues to prove that the most powerful leaders are those who use their platforms to create pathways for others, leaving footprints that inspire generations.
