Oluyemi Oloyede, an alumnus of the University and Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of UAC Foods, a seasoned people and business expert, has clinched the Operator Excellence Award at the Premia Awards 2025, in recognition of his outstanding impact, consistency and leadership across multinational business environments.

The award, announced by the organisers of the Premia Awards, celebrates individuals who have demonstrated exceptional excellence in leadership, innovation, service delivery and community building. Oloyede was selected from a competitive pool of nominees for his results-driven approach and his sustained contribution to operational excellence within and beyond Nigeria.

With over 16 years of professional experience, Oloyede has supported and led multinational teams to deliver remarkable outcomes across diverse markets. He has recorded notable successes with global brands such as Procter & Gamble, Kellogg and Kerry Group.

In his roles, he leads multidisciplinary teams spanning commercial operations, finance, research and development, applications, supply chain and operations, supporting customers across the West African sub-region.

The organisers noted that his leadership philosophy, anchored on a growth mindset, grit, diligence and integrity, has consistently translated into measurable business growth and strong stakeholder confidence. Industry observers also point to his ability to combine strategic clarity with people-centred leadership as a defining feature of his career trajectory.

Oloyede, who graduated with a First Class Honours degree in Mathematics from Great Ife, later earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the same institution. He began his career at Procter & Gamble West Africa as a Key Accounts Manager, covering major territories across Nigeria including Ibadan, Abuja, Kaduna, Zaria, Jos, Port Harcourt and Lagos. He subsequently rose to become National Sales Operations Manager, overseeing all P&G sub-distributors nationwide, and later served as Regional Sales Manager with responsibility for Lagos, Ogun, Edo and Delta States.

His professional journey also includes a stint at L’Oréal Central West Africa as National Sales Manager for Nigeria and Ghana, before leading Kellogg’s business in West Africa, a period during which the landmark $450m joint venture between Tolaram Group and Kellogg was consummated. Following the transition to the joint venture, he joined Kerry Group, a global B2B organisation that develops and manufactures flavours, ingredients and technology solutions for food and beverage manufacturers worldwide.

Reacting to the honour, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, described Oloyede’s achievement as “a resounding affirmation of the Great Ife tradition of excellence.” In a congratulatory message on behalf of the University authorities, Bamire said, “This prestigious recognition once again demonstrates the capacity of Obafemi Awolowo University alumni to excel at the highest levels globally. Oluyemi Oloyede’s trajectory reflects intellectual rigour, character, discipline and leadership; values that OAU has consistently instilled in its graduates. We are immensely proud of him.”

The Vice-Chancellor added that the award serves as an inspiration to current students and young professionals, urging them to remain steadfast, innovative and committed to excellence in their chosen fields.

Beyond the individual accolade, stakeholders say Oloyede’s recognition further projects the global image of Obafemi Awolowo University as a breeding ground for world-class professionals and transformational leaders. Across continents and industries, OAU alumni continue to distinguish themselves in academia, public service, business and innovation, reinforcing the University’s reputation as one of Africa’s foremost centres of learning and leadership development.

The Premia Awards, an annual platform dedicated to celebrating excellence across sectors, continues to spotlight individuals and organisations whose work raises standards, drives innovation and contributes meaningfully to sustainable development.