Gboyega Lesi is a seasoned insurance professional with over 25 years of experience spanning risk management, insurance broking, underwriting, product development, bancassurance, and sales.
He began his career as a trainee risk surveyor, building a strong technical foundation in risk assessment and underwriting. Over the years, he has developed deep cross-functional expertise across the insurance value chain, positioning him as a well-rounded industry leader.
Prior to joining Leadway Assurance Company Limited, he worked with SCIB Nigeria & Co. Limited, where he rose to become Head of Business Development, and later at NSIA Insurance (formerly ADIC Insurance Limited) as Vice President, Head of Alternative Distribution Channels, where he drove innovative distribution strategies.
At Leadway Assurance Company Limited, he has held several strategic leadership roles, culminating in his position as Executive Director, Commercial, where he played a critical role in developing and executing the company’s B2B sales and growth strategy.
He was appointed Managing Director effective January 1, 2024, reflecting the Board’s confidence in his leadership, industry expertise, and strategic vision to drive growth across Nigeria and the broader West African insurance market.
In addition to his executive responsibilities, he has also served at a regional level as a Non-Executive Director of Leadway IARD in Côte d’Ivoire, contributing to cross-border expansion and investment strategy within the West African market.
Gboyega Lesi currently serves as Chairman of the Nigeria Liability Insurance Pool (NLIP), a key industry risk-sharing body formed by major insurers to underwrite and manage liability risks in Nigeria. In this capacity, he provides strategic leadership and governance oversight for the organization, helping to strengthen liability insurance coverage standards across the market.
Professional Insurance Qualifications
Associate, Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN)
Associate, Chartered Insurance Institute (CII), United Kingdom
Member (MCMI), Chartered Management Institute, United Kingdom
Fellow, Risk Management Society of Nigeria (RIMSON)
Leadership-Driven Awards
Under the leadership of Gboyega Lesi, Leadway Assurance Company Limited has received multiple prestigious recognitions, including:
- Insurance Company of the Year – BAFI Awards (2024 & 2025)
- Excellence in Claims Leadership and Digital Innovation (2025)
Contribution to the Industry
Gboyega Lesi has made significant contributions to the growth, modernization, and increased relevance of the Nigerian insurance industry through strategic leadership, innovation, and active industry engagement.
As Managing Director of Leadway Assurance Company Limited, he has played a pivotal role in strengthening market confidence in insurance by driving operational excellence and ensuring consistent claims settlement performance. Under his leadership, the company recorded one of the highest claims payouts in the industry, reinforcing trust and demonstrating the critical role of insurance in economic stability and risk mitigation.
He has been instrumental in advancing customer-centric and technology-driven insurance solutions, helping to bridge the gap between insurers and underserved segments of the market. Through digital innovation and improved service delivery, he has contributed to increasing insurance accessibility and adoption in Nigeria.
Beyond his organization, he actively contributes to industry development through his involvement with the Nigerian Insurers Association, where he participates in shaping policies and initiatives aimed at strengthening the insurance ecosystem. His engagement supports industry collaboration, regulatory alignment, and the promotion of best practices.
In addition, his experience across underwriting, risk management, and alternative distribution channels has enabled him to champion more efficient and scalable insurance models. These efforts have contributed to improved industry standards and enhanced competitiveness within the Nigerian insurance market.
Through his leadership and contributions, he continues to support the evolution of the insurance industry into a more resilient, innovative, and customer-focused sector, positioning it as a key enabler of economic growth and financial inclusion.
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