Here is a detailed Bola Adesola biography.
Harriet-Ann Omobolanle Adesola, popularly known as Bola Adesola, is a trailblazing Nigerian banker, lawyer, and businesswoman whose legacy continues to shape Africa’s financial landscape. With a career spanning over three decades, she has broken multiple glass ceilings, emerging as a symbol of leadership, resilience, and vision in the corporate world.
Widely admired for her transformative leadership at Standard Chartered Bank and now as Chairman of Ecobank Nigeria, Bola remains a beacon of excellence in both financial and humanitarian sectors.
She is often referred to by colleagues and mentees as the “Iron Lady of Nigerian Banking” due to her strategic acumen and unwavering work ethic.
Bola Adesola Biography Summary
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Harriet-Ann Omobolanle Adesola |
| Nickname | Bola Adesola |
| Date of Birth | Not publicly disclosed |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Education | University of Buckingham (LL.B), Nigerian Law School, Harvard Business School (Executive Program), Lagos Business School (AMP) |
| Career Highlights | CEO, Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria; Senior Vice-Chairman, Standard Chartered Africa; Chairman, Ecobank Nigeria |
| Board Memberships | UN Global Compact, WIMBIZ, FinTech Nigeria, Imperial Logistics |
| Personal Life | Married, mother of twin daughters, art collector, and advocate for women empowerment |
| Net Worth | Undisclosed but significantly influential in financial and business circles |
Bola Adesola Early Life and Education
Bola Adesola’s formative years were marked by strong family values and an early exposure to academic excellence. Though her exact birth date is not publicly available, it is known that she grew up in a disciplined household that nurtured her intellectual curiosity and sense of purpose.
Her decision to study law stemmed from a desire to impact society and defend justice.
She pursued her undergraduate degree in Law at the University of Buckingham in the United Kingdom, where she graduated in 1984. Upon her return to Nigeria, she was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1985.
Recognizing the need to expand her leadership and financial skills, she attended prestigious executive programs at Harvard Business School and Lagos Business School, equipping her for a career that would soon span finance, law, and policy.
Bola Adesola Professional Career
Bola began her career as a Treasury Officer at Prime Merchant Bank. In 1990, she joined Citibank, where she held various strategic roles, including Country Treasurer for Citibank Tanzania. Her international exposure and robust understanding of corporate finance laid a solid foundation for future leadership roles.
In 1999, she was appointed Managing Director and CEO of Kakawa Discount House Limited. This role showcased her strategic thinking and helped cement her status as a financial expert. By 2005, she had joined First Bank of Nigeria Plc as an Executive Director, responsible for Corporate Banking and later the Lagos Directorate.
Her career-defining moment came in 2011 when she was appointed CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria, making her the first Nigerian and the first woman to hold this position.
She later became the CEO of West Africa operations and subsequently the Senior Vice-Chairman for Africa. After a decade of service, she retired in 2021 and was immediately appointed Chairman of Ecobank Nigeria.
Board Memberships and Affiliations
Bola’s influence extends globally. In 2015, she was appointed to the UN Global Compact Board by the Secretary-General, and in 2018, she became Co Vice-Chair. She serves on several corporate boards, including Imperial Logistics Plc, and is a trustee at FinTech Association of Nigeria. Bola co-founded Women in Management, Business, and Public Service (WIMBIZ), one of Nigeria’s leading female-focused non-profits.
Personal Life Beyond the boardroom, Bola Adesola is a devoted wife and mother to twin daughters. She is a connoisseur of art, a frequent traveler, and an avid reader. Her life reflects a balance between professional ambition and personal enrichment. She champions women’s rights and is passionate about mentoring the next generation of African leaders.
Bola Adesola Net Worth
Though Bola Adesola’s net worth is not publicly declared, her wealth of experience, strategic board appointments, and leadership positions suggest considerable financial standing. Her influence in shaping Nigeria’s and Africa’s financial systems further underscores her status as a top-tier executive with vast economic influence.
Recent Developments In July 2021, Bola was appointed Chairman of Ecobank Nigeria, a role in which she continues to foster innovation and financial inclusion. She remains active in global advocacy platforms, particularly in corporate governance, climate resilience, and gender equality through the UN Global Compact and other networks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Bola Adesola’s most impactful achievements in the financial sector?
Bola’s most notable achievements include becoming the first Nigerian and first female CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria, leading the bank’s expansion in West Africa, and serving as Senior Vice-Chairman for Africa. She played a key role in promoting sustainable banking practices and financial inclusion in underserved markets. Additionally, her leadership at Ecobank Nigeria continues to influence regional banking reforms.
How has Bola Adesola empowered women in business?
Bola co-founded WIMBIZ, an organization dedicated to increasing the number of women in leadership roles in Nigeria. Through mentorship, funding, and advocacy programs, WIMBIZ has empowered thousands of women. Bola also actively mentors young women in finance and entrepreneurship, advocating for inclusive policies and workplace equity.
What leadership principles does Bola Adesola advocate for?
She believes in ethical leadership, strategic innovation, and inclusive decision-making. Bola emphasizes the need for leaders to be adaptable, visionary, and values-driven. She often speaks on platforms about the importance of transparency, corporate governance, and gender-balanced leadership teams.
What is Bola Adesola’s legacy?
Her legacy lies in her transformative leadership in the banking sector, her commitment to social impact, and her advocacy for gender equality. Bola Adesola has not only advanced the role of women in African finance but also set a gold standard for corporate leadership.
