OLALEKAN LATONA: A TRAILBLAZER’S JOURNEY FROM CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER TO HEAD OF INNOVATION AND STRATEGY BY CHINEDU NSOFOR

In the fast-paced world of corporate evolution, few individuals stand out as much as Olalekan Latona, whose remarkable journey at Card Center Nigeria Limited in Lagos saw him transition from Chief Marketing Officer in 2014 to the role of the Head of Innovation and Strategy, overseeing Customer Services, Information Technology, and the Compliance Unit since 2018 to 2019. This trajectory is not only a testament to his exceptional leadership skills but also reflects his ability to adapt to the dynamic landscape of the business world.

Chief Marketing Officer (2014-2018):

As the Chief Marketing Officer at Card Center Nigeria Limited, Lagos, Olalekan was instrumental in redefining the company’s market presence. Under his stewardship, the marketing team implemented innovative strategies that led to increasing revenue for three years by over 25%. He developed partnership strategy with banks to facilitate card issuance and usage. Olalekan’s emphasis on customer-centric approaches resulted in a significant boost in customer engagement and brand loyalty.

One of his notable achievements during this period was the successful launch of a groundbreaking cost-effective marketing campaign. Leveraging cutting-edge technology, social media, email and offline marketing techniques, Olalekan’s team created other lines of income for the company which include event organisation and event data management that resonated with the target audience. This campaign not only increased sales but also set a new industry benchmark for marketing excellence.

Transition to Head of Innovation and Strategy (2018):

In 2018, recognizing Olalekan’s forward-thinking mindset and strategic vision, the company entrusted him with a broader portfolio. As the Head of Innovation and Strategy, Olalekan took on the responsibility of shaping the company’s future by driving innovation across multiple facets of the business.

Management Services: Under Olalekan’s leadership, he managed the marketing aspect of the business plan including industry analysis, customer trends, market growth, positioning and promotions. He implemented a comprehensive training program for all departments, focusing on standard, empathy and problem-solving skills. This resulted in the reduction in customer complaints and a noteworthy increase in customer satisfaction ratings.

Information Technology: Olalekan’s strategic approach to Information Technology involved his collaboration with software development team to research and implement new products. His emphasis on cybersecurity and the adoption of emerging technologies distinguished him from the archaic generation.

Compliance Unit: Olalekan’s commitment to regulatory compliance was evident in his meticulous oversight of the Compliance Unit. He initiated a comprehensive review of existing policies and procedures, ensuring alignment with evolving industry regulations. His proactive approach not only shielded the company from potential legal challenges but also garnered praise from regulatory authorities.

Innovation and Strategy: In the realm of innovation and strategy, Olalekan spearheaded cross-functional collaboration, fostering a culture of creativity and forward-thinking. He championed the establishment of a yearly business forum for foreign partners for the local card and payment sector, which helped to project the company’s capacity to innovation.

Olalekan Latona’s journey is a story of leadership, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. His strategic acumen and commitment to innovation continue to shape the company’s trajectory, ensuring it sustained success in an ever-evolving business landscape.