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Summary
Adenike Ogunlesi, founder of Ruff ‘n’ Tumble, has been appointed as an Independent Non-Executive Director on the boards of Unilever Nigeria and Lafarge Africa. The appointment recognises her decades of impact in fashion, manufacturing, and women’s leadership.
Unilever Nigeria Plc announced the appointment of Ms. Adenike Ogunlesi, Founder and Chief Responsibility Officer of Gatimo Limited (Ruff ‘n’ Tumble), as an Independent Non-Executive Director on its Board. Her appointment took effect from March 2025.
Adenike Ogunlesi is a visionary entrepreneur, corporate leader, and changemaker whose work has transformed Nigeria’s fashion and manufacturing industries. She is best known as the Founder and Chief Responsibility Officer of Gatimo Limited, the parent company of Ruff ‘n’ Tumble, a premium children’s clothing brand celebrated for its craftsmanship, African-inspired creativity, and commitment to excellence.
Over the past three decades, Adenike Ogunlesi has redefined fashion retail in Nigeria, pioneering innovative practices in design, garment manufacturing, and brand storytelling. Through Ruff ‘n’ Tumble, she built a Nigerian brand that produces over 1,500 garments daily, setting new standards for quality and sustainability in the industry.
Beyond fashion, Adenike is deeply committed to empowering women. She is the Founding President of the Network of Entrepreneurial Women, a platform providing mentorship, funding access, and advocacy for female entrepreneurs. She has created pathways for countless women to build and grow their businesses through this initiative.
Adenike’s leadership and influence extend into corporate governance and national development. She currently serves as a Non-Executive Director on the boards of Unilever Nigeria Plc and Lafarge Africa Plc, bringing her wealth of business knowledge and ethical leadership to the corporate space. She is also a board member at the Enterprise Development Centre of Lagos Business School, WISCAR (Women in Successful Careers), and the Garment and Accessories Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (GAMAN).
A passionate advocate for ethical business, inclusive leadership, and African excellence, Adenike is a sought-after keynote speaker, mentor, and coach. She is certified in Family and Life Systems Coaching and Neuro-Linguistic Programming, equipping individuals and teams with tools for growth and transformation.
Her educational journey includes executive programs from top institutions such as IE Business School, Lagos Business School, and Gordon Institute of Business Science, where she studied corporate governance, strategic leadership, and retail management.
Adenike Ogunlesi embodies visionary, ethical, and impactful leadership. Her journey continues to inspire a new generation of female entrepreneurs and prove that African women can lead across business, governance, and global platforms.
More than building businesses, she is creating pathways for women to thrive and take their place at the centre of power and change.
