Our Man Crush Monday, Ernest Akinlola is a seasoned and versatile business executive who has adeptly balanced his career between corporate and entrepreneurial ventures. He consistently achieves revenue, profit, and business growth objectives in start-up, turnaround, and rapid-change environments. With an extensive multi-functional business background in an international context, he is an inspirational leader with strong communication skills, capable of clearly articulating vision and motivating diverse teams to perform at their best.
Currently, Ernest is the pioneering MD/CEO of Bboxx Nigeria, a leading solar renewable energy company where he has alleviated energy poverty for over 100,000 Nigerians. He has previously held senior positions globally in blue-chip organizations, including CEO of Ntel (formerly NITEL Nigeria), COO at Lycamobile UK, CMO of Etisalat Nigeria (9 Mobile), Business Development Director at Blackberry Nigeria, Director of Strategic Partnerships at T-Mobile UK (EE), Head of Commercial Partnerships at Virgin Mobile UK, and Head of Audit at One 2 One.
Ernest is a recognised expert in Mobile Virtual Network Operations. He built the business case and spearheaded the launch of Virgin Mobile (the world’s first MVNO) on the one2one network in the UK, which later IPO’d for £1.2 billion. He also led the expansion of Lycamobile into eight European countries, successfully negotiating each MNO agreement. In 2018, Ernest pioneered the concept of National Roaming in Nigeria between NTEL and 9 Mobile, conducting the first-ever national roaming trial on the Airtel and 9 Mobile networks.
Highly entrepreneurial, Ernest has launched various start-ups and is passionate about the digital economy, leveraging technology and innovation for competitive advantage. He co-founded a virtual online services platform that won first prize in the Wema Bank Hackathon 2.0 for its groundbreaking mylottohub app and founded Right Instinct, a boutique consultancy focusing on scaling tech start-ups in telecoms, renewable energy, and technology.
As a business mentor, Ernest is distinguished in World Bank start-up programs across Africa and Europe. He is a sought-after speaker on these topics and has been a guest speaker at several workshops, including those organized by MTN, SAP, Lagos Chamber of Commerce, and NASME. He is a member of the IT & Telecoms Committee of the Institute of Directors of Nigeria, where he has authored articles on NDPR and Cyber Security.
Ernest holds a first degree in Applied Economics from UEL UK, an MBA from Manchester Business School, and is a Qualified Chartered Accountant UK (FCCA). For all his accomplishments and impact in the business, Pride Magazine Nigeria celebrates Ernest today and always.