Fashion Entrepreneur Nike Ogunlesi Joins Unilever Nigeria Board

A statement from the company disclosed that the appointment became effective Monday, March 24, 2025, with expectation to tap from her wealth of experience to move the organisation forward.

Mrs 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, she 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.

Mrs Ogunlesi’s leadership at Gatimo 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.

Her influence extends beyond fashion, serving on the boards of Lafarge Holcim Plc, Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) at Lagos Business School, WISCAR (Women in Successful Careers), 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.

Mrs Ogunlesi 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.