A mother of two daughters, Modupe Olusola, the Managing Director and CEO of Transcorp Hotels Plc, juggles the demands of a high-powered career with the responsibilities of motherhood. Her family life, as she explains, is central to her values and provides a grounding force amid the pressures of corporate leadership. She speaks passionately about how she hopes her journey inspires her daughters and other young Nigerian women to break barriers and redefine success in traditionally male-dominated industries.
Modupe Olusola has carved out an impressive niche as Managing Director and CEO of Transcorp Hotels Plc, leading one of Nigeria’s most successful hospitality companies. Known for her strategic vision, Olusola is an inspiration to many new-generation Nigerian women, proving that leadership and innovation in business aren’t confined to any single field. As CEO, she’s not just steering the brand toward financial success; she’s redefining what it means to be a woman leader in Nigeria’s business landscape.
Olusola’s success story didn’t begin in hospitality. A graduate of Economics from the University of Leicester with a master’s degree in Development Economics from the University of Kent, she launched her career in investment banking in the UK before returning to Nigeria. Early in her career, she held pivotal roles at SecTrust (now Afrinvest) and African Capital Alliance. This financial grounding gave her a unique edge, allowing her to hone skills that would later become crucial in her executive journey. Transitioning to Transcorp Hotels in 2020, she faced her biggest challenge yet: navigating the hospitality industry through the global pandemic and, impressively, emerging with record-breaking results.
Under her leadership, Transcorp Hotels Plc recorded an unprecedented success in Q1 2024, achieving a 72% revenue increase and an 844% surge in profit after tax, fueled by a combination of efficient management, a focus on customer satisfaction, and strategic expansions into high-demand hospitality areas. This trajectory reflects not only her strong financial acumen but her commitment to creating world-class hospitality experiences in Nigeria. For Olusola, Transcorp Hotels is more than a job; it’s a platform to bring Nigerian hospitality to the global stage.
Throughout her career, Olusola has consistently advocated for women in leadership. She actively mentors young women, encouraging them to pursue careers in business and to challenge the limitations society might place on them. This commitment is evident not only in her mentorship initiatives but also in her progressive policies at Transcorp, which emphasize diversity and inclusion. By fostering a company culture where women are empowered, she’s setting a precedent that’s transforming Nigeria’s corporate landscape.
Olusola has received numerous accolades, including the 2023 Seven Stars CEO of the Year award, underscoring her impact and influence in the business world. Despite the challenges, Olusola has stayed true to her vision, demonstrating that Nigerian women can and will continue to lead in dynamic, impactful ways. Her story is an inspiring testament to what’s possible with dedication, vision, and an unshakeable belief in one’s purpose.
Read more: MUVA-Adesua: Yummy Mommy
In an era where Nigerian women are striving to make their mark, Olusola’s career path serves as a guiding light. She exemplifies the wave of female executives who are determined to not only reach the top but to lift others as they climb.
