Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Timeline
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Martins OGBOLU

Martins OGBOLU

Legal, Risk and Compliance expert
Johannesburg,Gauteng

Summary

Over the years I have acquired cognate skills in the areas of Company Secretarial and board governance, Corporate Legal Services (Litigation and Contracting) as well as Governance Risk and Compliance (GRC).


With regard to GRC, I have successfully designed a fit for purpose and implemented the following programmes across various Vodacom/Vodafone operations;

1. Business ethics

2. Anti-bribery compliance

3. Sanctions and Trade Controls

4. Legal and Regulatory Compliance

5. Policy Compliance

6. Whistle blowing and investigations

In terms of cultural diversity and operational experience I have implemented the above programmes in 12 (twelve) sub-Saharan African countries

A core professional with multi jurisdictional experience across Africa, adept at spearheading the implementation and transformation of Governance Risks and Compliance programmes in organisations by fostering operational enablement. I have significantly enhanced business growth at Vodacom South Africa through ensuring that the GRC function is pro-active and providing future solutions to business.


My tenure at Etisalat Nigeria showcases my ability to establish critical legal regulatory and compliance frameworks from scratch, blending exceptional communication skills with a keen eye for corporate governance.

Overview

33
33
years of professional experience

Work History

Group Executive Risk and Compliance

Vodacom South Africa
10.2009 - Current


  • Strengthened corporate governance by developing robust policies and procedures framework.
  • Developed both long-term vision and strategic growth plan for the Governance Risk and Compliance function.
  • Organized and executed in-house training sessions on legal compliance and company policies, strengthening the overall understanding of internal guidelines.
  • Collaborated with key stakeholders. internal and external to define organizational priorities, establish shared goals, and align strategies towards achieving desired outcomes.
  • Continuous horizon scanning to identify potential legal and regulatory risks and designing effective programmes to provide adequate controls.
  • Led cross-functional teams in the successful completion of high-impact projects.
  • Developed and executed governance strategic plans, resulting in significant business growth.
  • Leveraged data-driven insights to make informed decisions about programme design, process improvements, and strategic planning initiatives.
  • Cultivated a high-performance culture by setting clear expectations and providing regular feedback on performance metrics.
  • Implemented innovative solutions utilizing AI, RPA and data analytics to address GRC challenges, driving technological change across the function and organization.
  • Managed budgets and resources effectively, ensuring optimal allocation for maximum impact.

Director Legal and Compliance

Etisalat Nigeria
04.2008 - 09.2009
  • Pioneer staff of the mobile company in Nigeria.
  • Reported directly to the MD with end to end responsibility for all Legal and compliance matters.
  • Set up from scratch the Litigation and Risk departments; Site acquisition functions and the Compliance Unit.
  • Managed the divisional budgetary requirements as well as recruitment of skills into the function.
  • Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy.
  • Proactively identified potential risks and implemented mitigation strategies to minimize negative impacts on projects or business operations.
  • Evaluated company documentation to verify alignment with regulatory requirements.
  • Strengthened internal controls by reviewing existing policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
  • Negotiated favorable contracts with vendors for reduced costs and improved service quality.
  • Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new organization.

EHOD Legal and Company Secretary

AIRTEL NIGERIA (Formerly Vmobile)
10.2003 - 03.2008
  • Improved efficiency in filing statutory reports with regulatory bodies by implementing an organized system for tracking deadlines.
  • Enhanced corporate governance by implementing efficient board meeting procedures and documentation practices.
  • Assisted in the successful completion of legal compliance audits by maintaining accurate records and providing timely information.
  • Reduced legal risks by proactively monitoring changes in laws and regulations applicable to the company''s operations.
  • Promoted transparency in corporate governance by consistently updating stakeholders on important decisions, financial performance, and other relevant information.
  • Facilitated efficient collaboration among board members by coordinating meeting schedules, agendas, and materials in advance.

Senior Associate

Babalakin & Co
07.1991 - 09.2003
  • Involved in extensive legal practice and company secretarial duties.
  • Conducted briefs and represented clients in Courts.
  • Reviewed commercial contractual agreements and concluded commercial negations from end to end.
  • Conducted International Commercial Arbitrations and settlements
  • Approached each problem with fresh mind and analytical strategies to quickly resolve concerns.
  • Skillfully negotiated contracts, securing favorable terms for both the organization and its clients while maintaining mutually beneficial relationships.
  • Worked varied hours to meet seasonal and business needs.

Education

LLB (Hons) - Law

Ahmadu Bello University
Zaria Nigeria
04.2001 -

Skills

Strategic leadership

Accomplishments

  • Restructured the Compliance function by creating the Front Line Advisory Business Partnering model
  • Developed an App to enable all staff register their gifts and hospitality on the go. This App known as the Gift and Hospitality App encourages and simplifies the registration of gifts and hospitality and thereby mitigates the risk of bribery and reputational liabilities.
  • Automated the continuous monitoring control through the use of AI and data analytics
  • Rated as a Top talent and Top performer by Vodacom South Africa.
  • Completed the Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management.
  • Awarded Vodafone Global Compliance Champion
  • Awarded the Best Compliance Function by the Compliance Institute for Southern Africa
  • Appointed as a Non Executive Director of the Compliance Institute for Southern Africa

Timeline

Group Executive Risk and Compliance

Vodacom South Africa
10.2009 - Current

Director Legal and Compliance

Etisalat Nigeria
04.2008 - 09.2009

EHOD Legal and Company Secretary

AIRTEL NIGERIA (Formerly Vmobile)
10.2003 - 03.2008

LLB (Hons) - Law

Ahmadu Bello University
04.2001 -

Senior Associate

Babalakin & Co
07.1991 - 09.2003

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Martins OGBOLU Legal, Risk and Compliance expert