Adenike Ogunlesi, the CEO of Ruff ‘n’ Tumble, an Indigenous premium brand for quality children’s clothing, shoes and accessories have been appointed as a independent non-Executive Director on the board of Unilever Plc.
Her appointment was contained in a notice filed at the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) on Wednesday which said her appointment takes effect from 24th March 2025.
Adenike Ogunlesi Career
Adenike Ogunlesi has proven herself as an advocate for local manufacturing and African entrepreneurship over the years with her journey from a small-scale business owner to a successful entrepreneur inspiring many, especially women in business.
As the Founder and Chief Responsibility Officer of Gatimo Apparrel Limited, she has built a legacy of innovation and excellence, establishing Ruff ‘n’ Tumble as a premier children’s fashion brand celebrated for its craftsmanship, creative ingenuity, and deep-rooted commitment to African heritage.
Adenike’s leadership at Gatimo Ltd. has also transformed the company into Nigeria’s leading garment manufacturing powerhouse, producing over 1,500 garments daily. Under her, the company has set new benchmarks for quality, sustainability, and African-inspired fashion, driving an industry-wide shift towards homegrown excellence.
She is also the Founding President of the Network of Entrepreneurial Women (NNEW), a groundbreaking platform that empowers women entrepreneurs through mentorship, funding access, and advocacy, creating pathways for female-led enterprises to flourish.
Education and Public Speaking
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.
She is also a sought-after keynote speaker and thought leader, inspiring audiences with her profound insights on entrepreneurship, leadership, and the future of African industries as well as being a certified Family and Life Systems Coach and Neuro-Linguistic Programming Coach, equipping individuals and businesses with tools for transformative success.
Boardroom Leadership
In addition to her latest appointment, Adenike Ogunlesi currently serves 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).
In her capacity as board member in these companies, she drives policy advocacy, ethical governance, and industrial development, shaping Nigeria’s business landscape for sustainable growth.
