Nigeria’s biggest online travel booking agency, Wakanow, has made a change in their leadership hierarchy. They have just announced the appointment of Chief Commercial Officer Adebayo Adedeji as new interim Chief Executive Officer.
This follows the exit of CEO and founder Obinna Ekezie who is currently the subject of various investigations for financial improprieties. The change in leadership takes effect immediately.
As the CCO of Wakanow, Mr. Adedeji is said to have been responsible for driving the transition programme of the company since the middle of the year. And now as CEO, he is expected to continue this good work, leading its next phase of growth through a rough patch – the company was recently bedeviled by financial crisis.
A financial expert, Mr. Adedeji hold a degree in Demography and Social Statistics from the Obafemi Awolowo Univeristy (OAU). He also holds a Master of Business Administration in Finance from Clark Atlanta University.
While it may be his first role as CEO, he is not a novice in the industry. He has about 19 years of experience in finance under his belt.
Mr. Adedeji has worked as a financial analyst (some in senior roles) in various firms including Pan-African bank, Ecobank, and electronics manufacturer, Texas Instruments.
He has also worked in Walmart in various capacities including Senior Manager, Financial Planning as well as in PetSmart as Senior Manager Financial Planning & Analysis.
His most recent job before Wakanow was at Amazon, where he was a Senior Finance Manager, in charge of providing finance support for product teams in 16 countries.
According to his LinkedIn account, Mr Adedeji is also the Executive Director of BK Global Food Limited, a position he has held since 2016.
Speaking on his new appointment, the board at Wakanow believes he is capable of accomplishing the company’s set goals.
“The Board of Wakanow is confident that Mr. Adedeji will provide an invaluable contribution to setting goals and objectives for the company’s future growth, whilst also providing the administrative guidance and direction required during this period of significant transition and transformation.”
Since 2015, the company has struggled with low sales as Nigeria, its largest market, went into recession. But a $40 million investment from the Carlyle Group is said to provide the company with a chance to overcome its challenges.
It is hoped that this change in leadership will further helps with that.
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