Professor Olayinka David-West is an esteemed academic and thought leader with expertise in the intersection of business management and technology. With an illustrious career spanning several decades in IT and financial services, she has made significant contributions to academia, research, and the advancement of business practices and policies through her insightful analyses and strategic thinking.
As the Dean of Lagos Business School, Professor David-West brings visionary leadership to one of Africa’s premier business institutions. She is passionate about digital transformation and inclusive finance and has held critical positions at prestigious institutions. At LBS, she has served as a faculty member, faculty director, academic director, associate dean and accreditation lead, propelling the school to attain international accreditations and global rankings.
Her research and practice engagements focus on the transformative impact of technology on business and operating models, strategy, and organisational dynamics alongside policy interventions toward digitally transformed businesses, enterprises, and society.
Professor David-West’s thought leadership is exemplified by her numerous publications in renowned journals and frequent contributions to conferences and seminars. Her work has significantly influenced the discourse surrounding inclusive finance, digital transformation, innovation adoption, and technology-driven disruption in various industries. She is often sought after as a keynote speaker, panellist, and consultant by organisations looking to navigate the complexities of modern business environments.
Since 2015, she has led the Sustainable and Inclusive Digital and Financial Services (SIDFS) initiative, a research and advocacy initiative dedicated to enhancing financial inclusion and deepening digital transformation in Nigeria. Under her leadership, SIDFS has become the leading capacity-building platform for operators and regulators within the financial services and digital ecosystems. She maintains strong connections with industry practitioners and policymakers.
Her collaborations with businesses, startups, and governmental bodies have led to pragmatic solutions that bridge the gap between theory and practice. Her advisory roles have enabled organisations to navigate disruptions and embrace technological innovation with a strategic outlook.
Professor David-West’s contributions have been recognised with numerous awards and accolades, highlighting her impact on academia, policy and the business community. Her ability to translate complex concepts into actionable insights has garnered respect and admiration from peers, professionals, and students.
Professor David-West holds advanced business administration and technology management qualifications from renowned institutions. Her academic journey has been marked by a commitment to continuous learning and a passion for exploring the ever-evolving dynamics of business and technology. She has expert certifications in financial inclusion policy and digital money, is a member of the Fintech Association of Nigeria, and is a member of the African Women in Finance and Payments. She is Certified in Cyber Risk Governance, Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT), and a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA). She is an academic advocate for the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA), and a Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA) practitioner.
Professor David-West is dedicated to mentoring young women in STEM. She was featured in the Tech Women of Lagos exhibition, listed among the Leading Women in Nigeria’s Financial Technology Industry, and profiled in Fintech Times as a leading financial inclusion expert in Africa.