Professional Role and Responsibilities
Olakunle Ogedengbe is the Global Head of Digital Solutions - Trade Marketing & Distribution at British American Tobacco (BAT), based in London, England. He leads the digital and technology agenda specifically for the BAT Southern Europe Business Unit, which encompasses 18 countries. His role includes accountability for the technology and digital portfolio across a diverse and multilingual Central Europe business unit, indicating extensive regional responsibility spanning multiple markets.
Expertise and Leadership
Ogedengbe is an experienced Chief Information Officer (CIO) and digital leader with a track record of driving innovation within BAT. He holds the credentials of a Certified Product Leader and is recognized as an Innovation Champion and an Inspiring Leader. His leadership style and expertise have positioned him as a keynote speaker, highlighting his influence and visibility within the digital and technology domain in the consumer goods sector.
Regional and Strategic Impact
Previously, Olakunle served as the Head of Digital Business Solutions for BAT West and Central Africa (BATWCA). During this tenure, he was instrumental in enhancing digital capabilities and business technologies in those regions. His leadership contributed to BAT winning the Consumer Goods category at the CIO Awards in 2021, where he personally clinched the Chief Information Officer of The Year award in the Platinum category in 2020 at the inaugural CIO Awards. These accolades demonstrate his capacity to align technology initiatives with business growth and operational excellence in competitive markets.
Academic Background
- M.Sc. in Information Systems Management from the University of Liverpool
- B.Sc. in Electronic and Electrical Engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University
This education foundation supports his technical and managerial capability in overseeing comprehensive digital strategies.
Professional Achievements and Recognition
- Awarded CIO of The Year (Platinum category) at the 1st CIO Awards (2020) for outstanding performance in digital leadership within BAT’s West and Central Africa operations.
- Acknowledged for leadership in transforming BAT through digital solutions, earning BAT recognition in the consumer goods category of CIO awards.
- Recognized as a key figure in technology-driven business transformation at BAT, with specific contributions in trade marketing and distribution segments.
Digital Presence and Influence
Ogedengbe maintains an active professional LinkedIn profile (https://linkedin.com/in/olakunle-ogedengbe) where he shares insights related to digital transformation, product leadership, and innovation in the consumer goods and tobacco industry sectors.
Summary of Actionable Insights
- As the Global Head of Digital Solutions for Trade Marketing & Distribution, Olakunle is a pivotal decision-maker in BAT’s digital transformation journey, especially across Southern Europe and Central Europe, reflecting an expansive geographical remit.
- His prior role overseeing West and Central Africa's digital business solutions indicates strong expertise in emerging markets and multi-country operations, highlighting adaptability to complex, diverse business environments.
- His recognition through prestigious CIO awards underscores a focus on innovation and leadership in digital technology deployment that drives commercial advantage within BAT.
- His multidisciplinary technical education and certified product leadership support involvement in both strategic technology planning and hands-on digital product development.
These points suggest that Olakunle Ogedengbe is a senior IT and digital leader with proven success in driving regional and global digital initiatives within a major multinational consumer goods company, focusing on trade marketing and distribution channels. Engaging with his digital priorities and innovation initiatives could be key in aligning with BAT’s IT and commercial strategies in these geographies.
