The creative and marketing communications industry in Nigeria continues to witness bold leadership moves, as Abuja-based JT Agency, renowned for its cutting-edge approach to visual storytelling, has announced the appointment of Olalekan Akinyele as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO).
Akinyele’s appointment represents more than just a career milestone; it is the culmination of a journey defined by creativity, innovation, and an unrelenting passion for nurturing talent. Prior to this role, he served as Creative Director at 7even Interactive, where he refined his reputation as a visionary thinker and strategist.
But his creative journey started much earlier. In 2015, Olalekan founded Xaine Ingenius, a design and innovation studio with a mission to tackle the pressing challenges facing Nigeria’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Recognizing the instability of Nigeria’s business climate and the impact of currency fluctuations, he repositioned the studio from a purely creative practice into a project-based consultancy. This adaptability not only kept the venture relevant but also provided practical, innovative solutions for startups navigating tough economic realities.
While managing Xaine Ingenius, Akinyele expanded his influence far beyond entrepreneurship. In 2019, he launched Think Like A Designer, a mentorship and training initiative that has since empowered over 600 aspiring professionals and six creative teams. His commitment to mentorship reflects a belief that true leadership is not just about building businesses but also about equipping the next generation with the tools to thrive.
This philosophy has shaped his leadership style at JT Agency. Now at the helm of operations, Akinyele leads a talented team of about 30 individuals, placing organizational culture at the center of his mandate. “Building and leading a high-performing team that shares your vision is one of the most significant challenges, but also the most rewarding,” he remarked, highlighting his focus on collaboration, shared vision, and growth.
What sets Akinyele apart is his ability to straddle the worlds of creativity and business with equal finesse. His career has been a balancing act of entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship, driving independent ventures while excelling within established organizations. This dual perspective has shaped his self-definition as an “intrapreneur”, someone who embodies entrepreneurial agility within corporate structures.
His new role at JT Agency is expected to usher in a fresh era of innovation and strategic growth for the company. With his blend of design thinking, leadership acumen, and deep industry knowledge, Akinyele is well positioned to help JT Agency solidify its reputation as one of Nigeria’s most formidable creative hubs.
As JT Agency continues to shape narratives through powerful visual storytelling, Olalekan Akinyele’s appointment signals both continuity and transformation, an affirmation that the future of the Nigerian creative industry will be driven by leaders who combine vision, versatility, and a passion for people.
