The Board of Directors of Unilever Nigeria PLC has appointed the founder of renowned fashion brand Ruff ‘n’ Tumble, Adenike Ogunlesi, as an Independent Non-Executive Director of the Board.
A notice filed at the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) on Wednesday said her appointment takes effect from 24th March 2025.
Adenike Ogunlesi is a trailblazing entrepreneur, corporate leader, and changemaker whose visionary leadership has redefined Nigeria’s fashion, retail, and manufacturing industries.
As the Founder and Chief Responsibility Officer of Gatimo Limited, she has built a legacy of innovation and excellence, establishing Ruff ‘n’ Tumble as a premier fashion brand celebrated for its craftsmanship, creative ingenuity, and deep-rooted commitment to African heritage.
With over three decades of transformative leadership, Adenike has pioneered modern retail practices, garment manufacturing, and brand storytelling, positioning Nigeria on the global stage while nurturing a generation of entrepreneurs.
Her work transcends business— she is a mentor, public speaker, and advocate for sustainable enterprise, women’s leadership, and ethical governance. Adenike’s leadership at Gatimo Ltd. has transformed the company into Nigeria’s leading garment manufacturing powerhouse, producing over 1,500 garments daily.
Under her stewardship, the company has set new benchmarks for quality, sustainability, and African-inspired fashion, driving an industry-wide shift towards homegrown excellence.
As the Founding President of the Network of Entrepreneurial Women (NNEW), she established a groundbreaking platform that empowers women entrepreneurs through mentorship, funding access, and advocacy, creating pathways for female-led enterprises to flourish.
Adenike’s influence extends beyond fashion, serving on the boards of Lafarge Holcim Plc, Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) at Lagos Business School, WISCAR (Women in Unilever Nigeria PLC, and Garment and Accessories Manufacturers of Nigeria (GAMAN).
Through these roles, she drives policy advocacy, ethical governance, and industrial development, shaping Nigeria’s business landscape for sustainable growth.
Adenike is a sought-after keynote speaker and thought leader, inspiring audiences with her profound insights on entrepreneurship, leadership, and the future of African industries.
She is a certified Family and Life Systems Coach and Neuro-Linguistic Programming Coach, equipping individuals and businesses with tools for transformative success.
Her educational journey spans globally renowned institutions, including IE Business School, Lagos Business School, and Gordon Institute of Business Science, where she honed her expertise in corporate governance, strategic leadership, and retail management.
Following the above appointment, the current Board composition of Unilever Nigeria Plc. is as follows:
Bolaji Balogun – Chairman / Independent Non-Executive Director
Tobi Adeniyi – Managing Director
Michael Ikpoki – Independent Non-Executive Director
Ben Langat – Non-Executive Director
Chika Nwobi – Non-Executive Director
Ngozi Edozien – Independent Non-Executive Director
Umma Yusuf Aboki – Independent Non-Executive Director
Adenike Ogunlesi – Independent Non-Executive Director
Folake Ogundipe – Executive Director
Obinna Emenyonu – Executive Director
