Leadway Assurance announces strategic leadership transitions

…Gboyega Lesi appointed acting MD

…Olufunmilayo Amanwa appointed ED

Leadway Assurance Company Limited, a foremost player in the Nigerian insurance sector has announced a significant leadership transition in line with the regulatory requirements of the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM).

Following NAICOM’s guidelines on tenure limits for executives, the board of directors has announced the appointment of Gboyega Lesi as the acting managing director of Leadway Assurance Company Limited, effective January 1, 2024. This appointment is subject to the requisite regulatory approval from NAICOM.

This strategic move is a testament to Leadway Assurance Company Limited’s commitment to sustaining the highest standards of corporate governance and adherence to regulatory directives.

The Board expresses confidence in Gboyega Lesi’s leadership capabilities, underpinned by his close collaboration with Tunde Hassan-Odukale over the years.

Tunde, commenting on the appointment of his successor, stated, “I am confident in Gboyega Lesi’s leadership, and I believe his expertise and experience in the industry in almost three decades will be instrumental in steering the company towards continued success and growth across the west African insurance market.

“Lesi, a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience, is well positioned to lead the company into its next phase of growth. His strategic vision and deep understanding of the industry make him an ideal successor to guide Leadway Assurance on its trajectory of sustained success,” Hassan-Odukale added.

Reflecting on his appointment, Lesi said: “It is an honour to assume leadership of this esteemed company during such a pivotal time. Our robust growth over the years is attributed to our values, a customer-centric culture, and an engaging approach that sets us apart.

“Taking up the mantle to build upon this rich legacy is a challenge I eagerly embrace alongside our dedicated professional team. Our current standing is a testament to our stakeholders, brokers, and peerless customers’ trust in our ability to provide convenient, tech-driven, and reliable risk management support. My determination to consistently deliver excellence remains unwavering. I am wholeheartedly committed to furthering our accomplishments by placing our clients at the center of every aspect of our operations.”

In a similar development, Leadway Assurance Company Limited announced the appointment of Oluwafunmilayo Amanwa as the executive director, Technical & Operations, following the exit of the current executive director, Technical Services, Adetola Adegbayi, occasioned by the NAICOM circular on tenure limits for executives.

Her appointment is also subject to the requisite regulatory approval from NAICOM.

Commenting on the appointment, Tunde reiterated that Amanwa’s exceptional portfolio and industry experience make her a worthy appointment to help the organization achieve its strategic objective of attaining best-in-class underwriting excellence and operational efficiency.

The company remains dedicated to providing innovative and comprehensive insurance solutions to its diverse clientele. This transition aligns with Leadway Assurance Company Limited’s commitment to fostering seamless succession planning that fosters its mission and values continuity.

Gboyega Lesi is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of working experience in the Nigerian Insurance industry. As a Non-Executive Director at Leadway IARD in Cote D’voire, Lesi leveraged his experience to oversee Leadway’s strategic investments. In his previous role as Executive Director of Commercial Business at Leadway Assurance Company Ltd., Nigeria, he played a crucial role in developing and executing the organization’s B2B sales strategy.

Prior to joining Leadway, Lesi started his insurance career as an insurance broker with SCIB Nigeria & Co. Limited, where he rose to be the head of business development. He also worked with ADIC Insurance Ltd. (now NSIA Insurance Ltd.) as Vice President and Head of Alternative Distribution Channels.

Gboyega’s educational journey includes an Advanced Management Programme (AMP) from Lagos Business School in 2022, an MBA from Aston Business School, United Kingdom, in 2008, and a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Lagos, Nigeria, in 1992. He holds Associate memberships with the Chartered Insurance Institute Nigeria (ACIIN) and the Chartered Insurance Institute London, UK (ACII). He is also a Member of the Chartered Institute of Directors, Nigeria. (M.IoD)

Olufunmilayo Amanwa is a seasoned professional who has produced timely and unparalleled results in her 17 years of work experience. She has been able to demonstrate an excellent blend of ethical work culture and professionalism in her handling of contractual agreements, underwriting, claims, reinsurance, specialty insurance (energy, power, and aviation), reinsurance broking, administration and risk management.

She started her insurance career at Mutual Assurances Limited in year 2002 as the Acting Company Secretary/Head, Claims unit before moving to Leadway Assurance Company Limited where she held various roles including legal, claims, underwriting, specialty reinsurance, company secretariat/board secretary, Head special risks underwriting and claims, team lead industrial construction and property underwriting and Head, General business underwriting. Prior to her return to Leadway, she was a senior reinsurance broker at Afro-Asian Insurance Services, London, United Kingdom.

Funmi holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from Lagos State University. She is a member of the Nigerian Bar Association, an associate member of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria, and a certificate member of the Chartered Insurance Institute of London. She is also a graduate member of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (UK).