In this week’s series of Thriving Women, a weekly pullout by Nigerian NewsDirect featuring women who have defied the odds and made a mark in the society, Dr Bunmi Bajomo is our Thriving Woman of the Week.
Leading operations at Pan-african bank, Ecobank Transnational Incorporated, Dr Bunmi currently sits as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Bank and the Head of Corporate Banking for the International Bank.
Corporate banking is a very important division within many large banks because this team serves as a critical link between the commercial banking group and the capital markets/investment banking teams.
As COO for the CIB Business, she oversees Ecobank operations in 33 countries and representative offices in Europe, Middle East and Asia.
Bunmi Bajomo is an experienced economist and financial expert with over 20 years of work experience with a keen demonstration of deep knowledge and history of working in the financial services industry. She is skilled in international business development, market research, trading, business development and economic research.
Bunmi bagged a first class honours in Economics (BSc) from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), M.Sc in Economics and Finance from University of Warwick, Warwick Business School and a PhD in Economics, with specialisation in International Monetary Economics from OAU.
As former Head, Corporate Banking Manufacturing Group at First Bank of Nigeria Ltd, she had direct responsibility for the largest Strategic Business Unit (SBU) – The Manufacturing Group, with a broad mandate to overhaul and develop the manufacturing SBUs in Nigeria and in other subsidiaries in Africa, Europe and Asia. Core coverage was structured project & trade finance, assets-based finance and liquidity management premised on innovations and market disruptions.
Moreso, Dr Bunmi has made her mark as one for the favourite speakers financial experts wish to listen to. This is evidenced by feedback and speaking opportunities she regularly receives. One of the attendees at the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria Bankers conference speaking to NewsDirect after a panel session Dr Bunmi was on said, “Dr Bunmi is one of the reasons I looked forward to attending this year’s conference. She took everyone by storm last year. I really wish people like her could be appointed as Minister to stir Nigeria’s economic fortunes.”
Dr Bunmi is also a multiple award winner across her academic and professional experiences. Among her outstanding performance recognitions are British Chevening Scholarship, several special recognition awards and Midas Touch Award for significant contribution to the development of the banking sector.