Mrs. Iyadunni Atinuke Gbadebo is the Director of Sales and Marketing at Eko Hotels & Suites, Nigeria’s premier corporate hospitality brand. Since 2011, she has pioneered revenue models like the successful Tropical Christmas Wonderland, generating over 5.6 billion naira. Leading a team of 30, she excels in budgeting, promotions, branding, and event management for the hotel’s 825 rooms and 11 restaurants. With over 21 years of experience, Mrs. Gbadebo embodies business acumen and strategic prowess. She began her career as a Business Development Manager at OJ&T Limited, marketing advertising space on CNN to West African and Middle Eastern markets, significantly increasing revenue.
"I am a living proof that our beginnings do not define our destinations."report
–Dr. Iyadunni Gbadebo
Dr. Iyadunni Atinuke Gbadebo is the Director of Sales and Marketing at Eko Hotels & Suites, Nigeria’s flagship corporate hospitality brand. Since coming into this role in 2011, she has pioneered strategic revenue generation models, including the soaraway success known as the Tropical Christmas Wonderland, which has generated billions since inception. Leading a team of over 30 staff, she has excelled in sales, marketing budgeting, promotions, branding, ideation, curation and event management for the hotel’s 825 rooms, 11 restaurants and other facilities. With over 21 years of professional experience, Dr. Iyadunni Gbadebo epitomizes business acumen and strategic prowess. She has excelled in roles demanding a blend of creativity, strategic planning, and leadership, showcasing her ability to navigate and thrive in complex business environments. Dr. Gbadebo's career commenced as a Business Development Manager at OJ&T Limited, where she marketed advertising space on CNN to African markets. Her innovative strategies and client relationship management significantly increased advertising revenues, setting a robust foundation for her future achievements. As the National Sales Manager for North American Airlines, Dr. Gbadebo managed the sales team and its executives, developed strategies to boost ticket sales, and established key relationships with multinationals, oil and gas, embassies and other sectors. Her expertise in sales and customer relationship management was pivotal in expanding the airline's market presence. In her role as Commercial Director at Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, she led business development and revenue generation initiatives for Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2. She managed aeronautic and non-aeronautic revenue streams, developed marketing strategies, and implemented brand communication, driving significant revenue growth and enhancing brand positioning.
Her entrepreneurial spirit is evident as the CEO and Owner of BGV Limited and Tirta Ayu Spa Nigeria. At BGV Limited, a sales and marketing consultancy company, she has driven business development, managed marketing franchises, and organized high-profile events like the Making Nigeria Your Goal event in the UK and the UKTI Britain Nigeria Business Awards. Her efforts in securing corporate sponsorships and orchestrating these events have garnered significant attention and participation. As the CEO and Owner of Tirta Ayu Spa Nigeria, Dr. Gbadebo introduced the franchise to West Africa, opening four branches in Nigeria within five years. Under her leadership, the spa has grown in staff strength to over 100, blending local expertise with international standards to provide a unique traditional Javanese wellness experience. Dr. Iyadunni Atinuke Gbadebo's academic credentials are as impressive as her professional accomplishments. She holds a PhD in Business Management from MSBM UK, a Master of Science in international Marketing from the University of Salford Manchester and Robert Kennedy College, Zurich, Switzerland, and a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre/Performing Arts from the University of Lagos. Her commitment to continuous learning is reflected in her participation in numerous professional development courses and workshops, including persuasive selling and negotiation skills training and the World Retail Congress, Barcelona, Spain. In addition to being a widely travelled executive, Dr. Gbadebo possesses an extensive and diverse skill set, encompassing sales, cross-cultural awareness, marketing, corporate communication, business development, PR, and media management. Her expertise in strategic business planning, budgeting, market research, competitor analysis, and advertising campaigns has been crucial to her success and enabled her to build lasting, productive relationships with colleagues and clients.
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2024
Vertiline Synergy
Appreciation Award
In Appreciation of your contribution towards the hospitality Business summit
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2023
ARCON
Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria
Having met the stipulated criteria for membership of the advertising profession is hereby formally registered as an
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2008
NORTH AMERICAN AIRLINES
Appreciation Award
In Appreciation Of Your Dedication And Professionalism As Part Of The North American Airlines Scheduled Service Team
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2024
Maverick Business Academy
Successful Doctoral Graduation
Hearty Congratulations! DR. IYADUNNI ATINUKE GBADEBO On Your Successful Doctoral Graduation
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2024
GSDC Global Skill Development Council
Certificate Of Successful Completion
Iyadunni Gbadebo Has Participated & Succeeded In The Training Module On Stress Management & Mastering Assertiveness
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2024
HOTEL EXPO NIGERIA
Appreciation Award
In Appreciation For Your Outstanding Support In Developing Hospitality In Nigeria