BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Nigerian Aviation Handling Company PLC (NAHCO Aviance) has appointed Mr. Olumuyiwa Olumekun as its new Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (GMD/CEO), effective January 1, 2025.
Olumekun succeeds Mr. Indranil Gupta, whose tenure ended on December 31, 2024, after a distinguished period of service.
In a formal announcement to the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) dated December 27, 2024, NAHCO’s Company Secretary, Mr. Bello Abdullahi, stated:
“The Board has approved the appointment of Mr. Olumuyiwa Olumekun as the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (GMD/CEO) of the Company with effect from 1st January 2025.”
The notice further acknowledged Gupta’s contributions, adding:
“Mr. Indranil Gupta is retiring on 31st December 2024, upon completing his service contract tenure as the GMD/CEO and will also be stepping down from the Board of Directors of the Company.”
Olumekun brings over three decades of leadership experience across diverse sectors to his new role.
A seasoned business executive, Olumekun previously served as NAHCO’s Group Executive Director, Corporate Services, before retiring in February 2022.
His tenure at the company was marked by significant achievements, including acting as Managing Director from August 2021 to February 2022.
During his time at NAHCO, Olumekun spearheaded critical initiatives such as the implementation of the company’s transformative 2019–2023 strategic plan, which yielded a remarkable 300% increase in profitability.
Reflecting on his achievements, he once noted:
“Effective leadership is about driving growth while building systems and structures that sustain success. I am committed to continuing this legacy at NAHCO.”
Prior to his Corporate Services role, Olumekun led NAHCO’s Commercial and Business Development efforts in 2019, laying the groundwork for the company’s expansion into new markets.
Before joining NAHCO, Olumekun had a 23-year career with Red Star Express PLC (FedEx), where he retired as Executive Director in 2015. At Red Star, he managed the FedEx brand and oversaw core functions including Sales, Marketing, Operations, Strategy & Business Development, Customer Service, and IT.
He also served on the company’s Board of Directors for a decade.
A graduate of the University of Ibadan (1985), Olumekun is an alumnus of the Lagos Business School, where he completed both the Chief Executive and Advanced Management Programmes.
He is a Member of the Institute of Directors and a Registered Professional with the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria.
As Olumekun steps into his new role, stakeholders are optimistic about his ability to lead NAHCO into its next phase of growth.
Reflecting on his commitment, he said: “NAHCO has a strong foundation, and I am honored to build on the legacy of my predecessor.
Together with our team, we will continue to drive innovation and operational excellence, ensuring we remain at the forefront of aviation handling in Nigeria and beyond.”
Olumekun, a family-oriented individual, is happily married and deeply committed to balancing his professional and personal life.
As Gupta retires, NAHCO celebrated his invaluable contributions. Under his leadership, the company achieved several milestones and positioned itself as a leader in the aviation handling sector.
The Board expressed their gratitude for his dedication and wished him success in his future endeavors.
