Our People
Our People
Our highly professional, exceptionally trained and motivated workforce have a deep understanding of our products and our customer businesses, to respond swiftly with solutions and truly delight them. We are truly professional, innovative and resilient.
Michael Adekunle Owolabi(MFR) Managing Director
Michael is a qualified Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
He spent the first 10 years of his career in Investment Banking, Treasury and Strategy before pursuing a career in Interior Design in 2004. Between 2000-2003, Michael gained substantial and valuable experience working in advisory roles at both Federal and State Governments levels in the areas of budgeting and strategy. Since 2004, he has grown the Black Pelican Group with 5 subsidiaries into a reference name in interior design.
IL Bagno, specializing in the sales and distribution of high-end interior finishes exclusively represents the leading manufacturing companies in Europe for the Nigerian market, Bathrooms Direct captures the lower end of the market, BPL Wellness the sole distributor of Technogym in Nigeria, Bagno Technik with its multinational team of trained engineers and installers specialize in installation solutions, whilst BPL Logistix, the logistics arm of the business is responsible for pickup in over 100 countries to quality packaging & freight to customers clearance at the border to delivery at the client’s door.
Michael is married to Adetola Oloruntoyin Okeyemi and they have 3 children.
Michael Adekunle Owolabi
(MFR) Managing Director
Adetola Owolabi Executive Director
Adetola Owolabi holds a B.Sc in Business Administration from the University of Lagos and an MBA from the University of Liverpool.
She spent the first 15 years of her career in Relationship Management at Guaranty Trust Bank PLC where she specialized in the structuring of complex commercial credit transactions and international trade finance.
She was Group Head of the Commercial Banking Group responsible for commercial banking clients in the Lagos area.
Her last position was Assistant General Manager and Group Head of the Bank’s Maritime Group charged with developing the maritime sector as a core business focus of the bank.
Adetola has attended several management courses at Harvard Business School, Columbia University Graduate School of Business, IMD, INSEAD and The Leonard Stern Business School of New York University. She is currently the Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer.
Adetola Owolabi
Executive Director
Mr. Bolaji Osunsanya. Chairman, Board of Directors
Mr. Bolaji Osunsanya has over thirty years of extensive management and executive experience across management consulting, finance, commercial banking, and the oil and gas sectors. He is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Axxela Limited, sub-Saharan Africa’s leading gas and power portfolio company. Previously referred to as Oando Gas and Power Limited, Mr. Osunsanya has been at the company’s helm since September 2007, and its subsidiary division Gaslink Nigeria Limited since 2004. As the CEO of Axxela, he oversees the company’s gas infrastructure and virtual pipeline expansion programme, embbed power plant projects, as well as other substantive efforts in the West African sub-region. Mr. Osunsanya joined the then Unipetrol Nigeria PLC in 2001 as the Head of Lubes and Specialties where he was responsible for product coordination and eventual sales of Lubricants, Bitumen, Chemicals, LPG and Aviation fuels.
A few years later following the company’s rebrand as Oando, he was appointed Chief Marketing Officer and oversaw nationwide commercial sales. Prior to joining Oando in August 2001, he was an Executive Director at Access Bank for three years, and an Assistant General Manager/Head of Local Corporate Group of the Institutional Banking at Guaranty Trust Bank from 1992 to 1998. From 1988 to 1992, he worked as a Consultant with Arthur Andersen, Nigeria - now KPMG professional services gaining experience in the banking, oil and gas, and manufacturing industries. In 2014, he assumed the role of President of the Nigerian Gas Association, which he led for two years. Bolaji holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Ife and obtained a Master’s degree, also in Economics, from the University of Lagos in 1987.
Mr. Bolaji Osunsanya.
Chairman, Board of Directors
Mr. Bolaji Olagunju, Non Executive Director
Bolaji Olagunju is the Executive Chairman of Workforce Group – Workforcegroup.com, where he continues to help Workforce Group realise its vision of delivering innovative result-oriented business and human resource solutions to African Businesses. He also engages in coaching and mentoring the leadership team, advise on key strategic initiatives, drive high level execution imperatives, and help the company to acquire the right to win in its Marketplace. In addition to his ongoing work at Workforce Group, Bolaji is focused on investing in, coaching, advising, teaching and supporting entrepreneurs to grow their businesses, experts monetize their expertise and employees make the transition to successful entrepreneurs. He does this through his pet project - Bolajiolagunju.com Prior to becoming Executive Chairman in August 2019, Bolaji was the CEO of Workforce Group. During his 15-year tenure, Workforce Group grew from a single line of business startup operating out of a borrowed office of about 10 square meters to a group of companies operating out of 9 African countries, with its own 10,000 square meters Headquarters, annual revenue of over a billion naira and a staff strength of over 8,000. Bolaji and Workforce Group work with CEOs, Senior HR Executives, Chief Learning Officers, Heads of Strategy, and leaders of Large and medium scale organisations to deliver true integrated business and Workforce solutions. A serial entrepreneur, Bolaji is passionate about starting and growing businesses as well as helping Subject Matter Experts and Business Executives make the most of their know-how. His experience as a successful entrepreneur makes him well-versed in the challenges. Entrepreneurs face and enable him to develop pragmatic and context sensitive solutions that help to overcome these challenges. Bolaji is the bestselling author of two of highly practical and value laden books - Hiring Right - A Matter of Life and Death for Business Owners and Executives and You Must Become A Trainer - How to leverage your expertise, experience, and education in any field to do what you love, impact lives, create wealth and own your future.
Mr. Bolaji Olagunju,
Non Executive Director
Ms. Olusola Adeola, Non Executive Director
Sola has over 14 years’work experience as a strategy and organization development consultant working across the private sector, the public sector and the development sector. She has both local and global work experience in institutions such as Accenture, the Clinton Foundation, Dalberg and ESSPIN (a UKaid Initiative in Nigeria). In the non-profit sector, Sola has pioneered in a number of fields, from a start-up political party (Kowa Party) to Nigeria’s first innovation hub as the Coordinator of the FATE Institute for Venture Design (IVD), an initiative between Stanford’s Centre for Design Research (CDR) and FATE Foundation. Sola recently worked as the Executive Secretary of Freedom Foundation and subsequently, the Head of Corporate Strategy for LAT Cleveson Group (www.latcleveson.com), a diversified conglomerate with subsidiaries in maritime, agriculture and retail. Given her passion for education, Sola co-founded Designing Futures, an education platform to promote innovative solutions that would empower generations to ‘design their future’. In collaboration with Incubator Africa, she led the establishment of Imaginal Education Initiative, a network organization of Imaginal Education (www.imaginaleducation.com). She often collaborates on reform initiatives in the education sector and works as a freelance consultant. Sola has co-authored Civics Textbooks published by Kachifo Ltd, used in private primary and secondary schools in Nigeria. Sola has a Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service (BSFS) from Georgetown University and a Masters in Public Administration (MPA) from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), focused on Education Policy. She is also a Kauffman fellow (www.kauffmanfellows.org).
Ms. Olusola Adeola,
Non Executive Director
Mrs. Simi Osinuga, Non Executive Director
Simisola Osinuga is the CEO of S.O consult limited a business transformation company helping businesses in Africa identify and fix gaps in customer experience. She is also an Enterpreneur and also currently runs two (2) different businesses. Prior to this she worked with Guaranty Trust bank Plc for over 28 years where she functioned in various roles from banking operations to retail & commercial banking and digital banking and customer experience. She delivered remarkable transformations through the notable management positions she held in the bank. She is currently on the advisory board of CEBIH and has chaired very significant steering committees. She is a member of the Customer Experience Professional Associate (CXPA). Simisola attended several management programs such as the CX program at the renowned Walt Disney Institute and the Michigan Ross “Executive Positive Leadership”. Michigan Ross Leadership Program.
She attended the University of Calabar and has her MBA from the Middlesex University Business School in London. She is married and has two sons.
Mrs. Simi Osinuga,
Non Executive Director
Mr. Bayo Sanni, Non Executive Director
Mr.Bayo Sanni is the CEO of Catilas Resources Limited, a business advisory and strategic outsourcing company.
Prior his current role, he spent over 25years in the banking industry holding critical roles as Chief Risk Officer and Executive Director for Commercial Banking at FCMB and Skye Bank (now Polaris Bank).
Mr. Sanni, an alumnus of a University of Lagos, also sits on the Board of IO Furniture and Sierracraft Limited (a boat building company).
Mr. Sanni brings superb strategic and process experience to the Board of Black Pelican. He is married with two children.
Mr. Bayo Sanni,
Non Executive Director
Princess Kay-Olufade. General Manager Abuja.
Princess Kay-Olufade. General Manager Abuja
Sandra Oyugbo | Head, Human Resources and Strategy
Sandra graduated with a bachelor’s degree in microbiology from the University of Benin, Edo State. She further pursued a master’s degree at the esteemed Pan Atlantic University (Lagos Business School).
With over 17years experience cut across Banking and Consulting, Sandra brings with her a rich and diverse skill set encompassing Talent Management, Risk mitigation and Process improvement.
Sandra commenced her tenure with Black Pelican Limited in 2023 as the Head, Human Resources & Strategy. Her primary focus involves creating high-performing teams aimed at steering sustainable business outcomes for BPL and its five subsidiaries.
Sandra Oyugbo |Head,
Human Resources and Strategy
Mayowa Amupitan.
Head, Internal Control
Charles Olumuyiwa Joseph | Head, Abuja Design Team
Charles is a seasoned Spatial Design Consultant with over a decade of experience in transforming spaces to enhance functionality, aesthetics, and user experience. Currently heading the Abuja Design Team at IL Bagno Bathrooms + Designs, Joseph brings a wealth of expertise in design, data analysis, and project management to every project he undertakes.
Charles holds a Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgy and Materials Engineering from the University of Lagos and a Postgraduate Diploma in Data Science and Business Analytics from the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin. His unique combination of technical knowledge and creative flair allows him to deliver innovative design solutions that meet clients' specific needs and preferences.
Throughout his career, Charles has successfully managed and executed numerous design projects, consistently exceeding client expectations and achieving significant improvements in efficiency and profitability. His analytical mindset, coupled with a deep understanding of design principles, enables him to optimize spaces for both residential and commercial clients.
In addition to his professional achievements, Charles is actively involved in community service through the Catholic Church, where he leverages his skills in communication and organization to contribute positively to various initiatives.
Charles’ commitment to continuous learning and his passion for creating beautiful, functional spaces make him a valuable asset to any design project. He thrives on the challenge of transforming ideas into reality, ensuring every space he designs is both practical and inspiring.
Charles Olumuyiwa Joseph |
Head, Abuja Design Team
Gloria Chinyere Ezumezu Group Head, Bathrooms Direct, Lagos.
Gloria Chinyere Ezumezu Group Head, Bathrooms Direct, Lagos.
Gloria holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Banking & Finance from Madonna University, a certified Prince 2 Practitioner and she is currently running her master’s degree in business administration at Rome Business school.
She is an accomplished professional with 15 years experience in sales and has held the position of a sales specialist in several organizations.
Gloria joined Black Pelican Limited in 2018 and heads the Lagos bathroom business.
Omotola Olawoye Team Lead, Technogym Abuja
Omotola has her MBA from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and her bachelor’s degree in urban and Regional Planning from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology.
She has over 7 years of experience in business development and customer service, having functioned as a sales consultant in two business units of BPL, and 3 departments proffering bathrooms and non-bathrooms solutions.
Omotola joined Black Pelican Limited in 2018 and currently manages the Wellness department of BPL in Abuja.
Omotola Olawoye
Team Lead, Technogym Abuja
Olugbenga Ojudun | Head, Technology & Digital Solution
Gbenga is a highly accomplished IT professional with over 11 years of experience in Management Information Systems (MIS). Proven track record of leveraging technology to drive business growth, improve efficiency, and enhance decision-making processes. Possesses a unique blend of technical expertise, business acumen, and leadership skills. Holds a Bachelor's degree in Management Information Systems.
Gbenga Joined Black Pelican in 2022 and heads the IT & Digital Solutions Department.
Gbenga Ojudun | Head, Technology & Digital Solution
Gloria Ojoh | Head, HNW, Abuja
Damilola Sobajo| Head, Brand Strategy & Marketing
Damilola holds a bachelor's degree in English and Literature from Lagos State University and holds a master's degree in mass communications from Liverpool John Moores University. She is a certified member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations.
She has over 13 years of experience in marketing communications having worked with several agencies and brands. She has handled effective communication campaigns for brands in various industries with a commitment to proffering strategic direction and ideation in building brand awareness and shaping narratives.
Damilola joined Black Pelican Limited in 2022 and oversees the Brand Management and marketing communications department of BPL and its five subsidiaries.
Damilola Sobajo| Head,
Brand Strategy & Marketing
Gbeminiyi Jinadu | Head, Bagno Technik
Gbeminiyi Jinadu | Head, Bagno Technik
Sunday Amusa | Head, Operations Division
Sunday holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Lagos and a Master of Business Administration with specialization in Finance from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology. He is a member of the Institute of Internal Auditors, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria.
Sunday has over 15 years of experience in Internal Audit, Tax, Finance, Supply Chain and Operations
He joined Black Pelican Limited in 2010 and oversees the operations that include the Business' Controls, Procurement, Warehouse and Logistics department of BPL and its five subsidiaries.
Sunday Amusa |
Head, Operations Division
Fatimah Akande | general counsel
Fatimah Akande
General counsel
Omololu Ogunbusuyi | Head, Procurement
Omololu Ogunbusuyi Head, Procurement
Oyetunji Oyeyemi | Head, Design Lagos
Oyetunji Oyeyemi | Head, Design Lagos
Joseph Adenowun | Head BPL Logistix.
Joseph holds a bachelor's degree in Geography and a master’s degree in Transportation Planning and Management from the University of Lagos, Nigeria.
He has over 15 years of experience in Supply Chain management having provided excellent service to the public sector, several blue-chip organizations and notable HNIs. He has effectively demonstrated expertise in import, export as well as door to door logistics from over 50 countries across various types of goods.
Joseph joined Black Pelican Limited in 2018 and heads BPLOGISTIX, the Warehouse and Logistics department of BPL and its five subsidiaries.
Joseph Adenowun |
Head BPL Logistix.
Kemi Aiyesehinde | Head, Technogym B2B
Kemi Aiyesehinde | Head, Technogym B2B
Our Directors
Mr. Michael Owolabi
Managing Director/CEO
Mrs. Adetola Owolabi
Executive Director/COO
Mr. Bolaji Osunsanya
Chairman, Board of Directors
Mr. Bayo Sanni
Non-Executive Director
Ms. Olusola Adeola
Non-Executive Director
Mrs. Simi Osinuga
Non-Executive Director
Mr. Bolaji Olagunju
Non-Executive Director
Lagos Team
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