Marketing leadership is reshaping insurance awareness and engagement in Nigeria
Olusesan Ogunyooye, Head of Marketing at AXA Mansard Insurance Plc, is transforming the insurance landscape in Nigeria by making the brand more relatable, accessible, and culturally relevant. His work has repositioned insurance as an essential part of everyday life, driving adoption across diverse customer segments.
Award-Winning Leadership in Marketing
Ogunyooye’s innovative approach to brand marketing has earned him multiple recognitions, highlighting his intellectual contributions to both the business environment and the marketing profession in Africa.
Since joining AXA Mansard in 2021, he has led the development of campaigns that increase brand visibility and engagement, particularly among youth and emerging customer segments. His initiatives focus on domesticating the global AXA brand, integrating it culturally into the Nigerian market.
Reflecting on the recognition, Ogunyooye said:
“This feels truly special. But more importantly, it represents a well-deserved recognition for the work and commitment of my team. Our mission is to help Nigerians recognise and appreciate the pivotal role insurance plays in their lives, and it’s fulfilling to see that this mindset is being recognised.”
He added:
“Marketing in Nigeria has moved beyond intuition; it’s about fusing data, creativity, and empathy to create products and messages that make people’s lives better. This philosophy is being rewarded, and it inspires us to do even more.”
Ogunyooye dedicates the award to the AXA brand, noting that its purpose—“acting for human progress by protecting what matters”—provides the inspiration for bold, impactful initiatives.
Social Impact and Community Engagement
Under Ogunyooye’s leadership, AXA Mansard has strengthened its corporate social responsibility initiatives, impacting over 5,000 lives. Through the AXA Hearts in Action (AHIA) program, over 900 employees and agents contributed more than 23,000 volunteering hours in 2024. His belief that a brand should reflect the society it serves has helped deepen the AXA brand’s relevance in Nigeria.
Previous Achievements and Career Highlights
Before joining AXA Mansard, Ogunyooye was Head of Marketing and Communications at Alpha Mead Group, leading campaigns across 11 countries. His achievements include:
- Full rebranding of Alpha Mead
- Launch of the first monthly rental product in Nigeria and Ghana
- Launch of Nigeria’s first Modula Healthcare Facility
- Recognition through Sabre Awards for innovative marketing campaigns
Educational and Professional Credentials
Ogunyooye holds:
- MBA from Business School Netherlands
- BA in English Studies from Adekunle Ajasin University
- Diploma in Mass Communications from Moshood Abiola Polytechnic
He is also a Fellow of the National Institute of Marketing Nigeria (NIMN), a Member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), UK, and a Member of the Strategic Management Institute, Nigeria.
Driving Insurance Adoption Through Branding
Ogunyooye’s work demonstrates the power of brand marketing in transforming perceptions and increasing insurance adoption in Nigeria. By combining cultural relevance, data-driven strategies, and social impact, he continues to set new standards for insurance marketing and brand leadership in Africa.