Gbemisola Abudu is a Nigerian-American entrepreneur, business leader, Sports Executive, Culture Architect, and philanthropist known for her expertise in general management and luxury marketing. With a career spanning more than 17 years, she has worked in Nigeria, the Middle East, and the United States.[1][2] She is currently the National Basketball Association (NBA) Africa Vice President and Country Head of NBA Nigeria.[3]
Notably, Abudu contributed to the successful planning and execution of the 2023 NBA All-Star Afrobeats-themed halftime show[1] which featured Burna Boy, Tems and Rema.Also the launch of the NBA Africa Triple Double Accelerator which is focused on giving access to capital and spotlighting promising African startups in the creative industries.[4]
Early life
editAbudu was born in San Bernardino, California.Her father was a chemical engineer and her mother is a pharmacist. Her family roots are in Abeokuta, Nigeria. She is the third of seven children in the family. Although she spent her formative years in Lagos, Nigeria, she moved to Murrieta, California at the age of 14.[5]
Professional life
editAbudu has a diverse professional background, having worked for organizations including Anap Jets,[1] Polo Luxury, Louis Vuitton, White & Case LLP, The Walt Disney Company, and The Clorox Company.[6]
In her current position, she leads the league's basketball and business development initiatives to expand the presence of basketball and the NBA in Nigeria.[7] She is the youngest and also the only black woman to run a league office.[8] In 2022, Abudu received recognition from Sports Illustrated as one of the 100 Most Influential Black Women in Sports in the World. Additionally, she was listed as one of ISPO's 30 Female Changemakers Shaping the Future of Sports.
Social activism and philanthropy
editAbudu is a social activist and philanthropist. She founded the BMGA Foundation, where she serves as a non-executive Board member. This non-governmental organization is committed to promoting gender equity in the African business environment by empowering women for the future of work.[9] Her work in philanthropy led to her recognition as one of the Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) Global top 100 under 40,[1][10] particularly in the category of activism and humanitarian efforts. Abudu's philanthropic endeavors include the BMGA Fellows Program, a social impact initiative designed to bridge the gender skills gap.[11]
Education
editGbemisola Abudu earned an MBA from the Thunderbird School of Global Management in Glendale, Arizona. She also holds a bachelor's degree in marketing and public relations from the University of Wyoming.[12]
References
edit- ^ a b c d "Gbemisola Abudu Vice President, NBA Africa; Country Head, NBA Nigeria, NBA". Milken Institute. The Milken Institute. Retrieved 31 October 2023.
- ^ "How Gbemisola Abudu Is Building an NBA Footprint in Her Native Nigeria". Sports Illustrated. ABI-SI. Retrieved 31 October 2023.
- ^ Ajalogun, Hakeem. "NBA Africa appoints Gbemisola Abudu as Head of Nigeria Office". Nairametrics.com. Nairametrics. Retrieved 8 November 2023.
- ^ "NBA Africa Triple-Double Startup Accelerator Program". VC4Africa. vc4Africa. Retrieved 1 August 2024.
- ^ "Basketball can overtake football in Nigeria, says NBA Africa vice president". BBC Sport. Retrieved 31 October 2023.
- ^ "Gbemisola Abudu". All American Speakers. AAE. Retrieved 31 October 2023.
- ^ Cunningham, Euan. "NBA Africa brings in Abudu to lead new Nigerian office". Sportcal. Verdict Media. Retrieved 31 October 2023.
- ^ Scharpf, Sarina. "Gamechangers who will push the boundaries". ISPO Today. ISPO. Retrieved 31 October 2023.
- ^ "About BMGA". bmga. BMGA. Retrieved 31 October 2023.
- ^ Ndegwa, Dorcas. "Gbemisola Abudu". mipad.org. MIPAD. Retrieved 31 October 2023.
- ^ "BMGA Fellows Program Transforming the next generation of female leaders". acu.ac.uk. Association of Commonwealth Universities. Retrieved 31 October 2023.
- ^ "Speaker Details Gbemisola Abudu". Sportico. Retrieved 31 October 2023.