Karika Ogheneyonreme is an accomplished Senior Product Manager whose career spans more than a decade of leading transformative initiatives across product management, Program Portfolios, cross-border operations, business development, and supply chain optimization. Her track record includes driving large-scale operational efficiencies, spearheading automation, and shaping data-driven strategies that have improved delivery accuracy, reduced costs, and expanded global market reach. In 2024, she earned the BAT International Innovation Award in the Business Development Excellence category, a recognition that celebrates African talents redefining the global technology and innovation landscape.
Her career journey has taken her through some of the world’s most competitive industries and markets. At Amazon, she led transportation configuration optimizations that cut downtime by 22% and enhanced last-mile delivery performance by 18%, while also developing go-to-market strategies that opened new revenue streams in the US Private Equity sector. During her tenure as Vice President at Softcom, she oversaw the development and rollout of financial solutions products that brought over one million unbanked Nigerians into the financial system, a milestone that reflects her ability to align innovation with measurable social impact.
Karika has been a key figure in projects that demanded both strategic foresight and operational precision. At Tenaris, she managed logistics for Egypt’s largest energy project, valued at $11 billion, ensuring flawless execution across complex supply chains and saving $3.5 million through process improvements. As a founding member of KR Ventures, she built and led a global professional community of over 50,000 members, hosted executive leadership programs in Dubai, and delivered cross-border leadership training to multinational executives. These experiences not only underline her skill in mobilizing diverse teams but also her commitment to building platforms for growth and collaboration.
Her work has been featured through industry recognition and professional engagements, complemented by publications that reflect her thought leadership on operational excellence and global market expansion. Guided by a belief in the power of technology and data to drive meaningful change, Karika continues to shape initiatives that merge business growth with societal progress, making her a sought-after leader for global partnerships, research collaborations, and strategic projects.
Exclusive Interview with Karika Ogheneyonreme – Accomplished Senior Product Manager and Business Development Expert
1. You have built a career that spans Product management, AI & Technology cross-border operations, and business development in some of the most competitive industries in the world. Can you take us back to the beginning and share how your background shaped the leader you are today?
I was born and raised in Nigeria, where resourcefulness and ambition are part of daily life. Growing up, I was surrounded by people who had to be innovative to solve everyday challenges, and that instilled in me a deep respect for problem-solving. I chose to study Electrical and Electronics Engineering at Covenant University because I wanted to understand how things work and how technology could be applied to real-world issues.
My early career took me into the oil and gas sector, working across Nigeria, Ghana, Angola, and later in the Middle East and South America. Those roles demanded adaptability and taught me how to navigate complex, multicultural environments. By the time I transitioned into the technology sector, I had already built a foundation in strategic planning, supply chain optimization, and stakeholder management. My MBA at Columbia Business School gave me the tools to refine those skills and broaden my perspective on global markets. Every step in my journey has been about blending technical expertise with strategic leadership to create meaningful impact.
2. Winning the BAT International Innovation Award for Business Development Excellence 2024 edition is a remarkable achievement. What did that recognition mean to you, and what work led to it?
That award was very personal to me because it recognized not just my work in corporate strategy, but my commitment to building opportunities that go beyond the boardroom. The BAT International Innovation Award celebrates Africans who are making transformative contributions to technology, science, and business, so to be honored in that way felt like a validation of years of effort.
Specifically, it recognized my work in creating and leading initiatives that bridge markets and expand access. At Amazon, I had the privilege of leading a go-to-market strategy for a major business expansion into the US Private Equity sector. The project required understanding market nuances, building strategic alliances, and ensuring operational readiness across multiple teams. Alongside that, I have been running Karika Republic, a global community that connects professionals to mentorship and resources, which has grown into a platform for real business development across borders. The award reinforced my belief that when you combine strategic vision with community impact, you can achieve results that resonate globally.
3. You have led high-value projects, from managing logistics for Egypt’s largest energy project to improving Amazon’s transportation efficiency. Which projects stand out most to you, and why?
Two projects immediately come to mind. The first was during my time at Tenaris, where I managed logistics for Egypt’s largest energy project, valued at $11 billion. Coordinating across multiple countries, suppliers, and timelines taught me the importance of precision, foresight, and stakeholder trust. We not only met our deadlines but also identified efficiencies that saved $3.5 million in costs, which, in a project of that scale, is a significant achievement.
The second was at Amazon, where I managed transportation configuration optimizations that reduced downtime by 22 percent and last-mile delivery delays by 18 percent. That project was about leveraging data to solve operational bottlenecks, but it was also about building cross-functional buy-in to make the changes stick. Both projects reaffirmed my belief that execution excellence comes from balancing analytical thinking with strong collaboration.
4. As a Nigerian professional making an impact on a global scale, how do you see your role in shaping opportunities for others from Africa in your field?
I see my role as both a contributor and a connector. As Africans, we have incredible talent, but too often, opportunities are limited by geography or network access. My work is about creating pathways that help others bypass those limitations. Through Karika Republic and programs like LIFT, I have mentored entrepreneurs across Africa, equipping them with leadership skills, market knowledge, and access to partnerships that can transform their businesses.
I also believe representation matters. When young professionals from Nigeria or other African countries see someone with a similar background leading projects in global corporations, it expands their sense of what is possible. My responsibility is not only to excel in my own career but to actively pull others into spaces where they can thrive.
5. You have combined corporate leadership, entrepreneurship, and community building in your career. How do you balance these roles, and what drives your ongoing commitment to all three?
Balancing these roles comes down to clarity of purpose. At the core, all three corporate leadership, entrepreneurship, and community building serve the same goal for me: creating value that is sustainable and scalable. In my corporate role, I focus on operational excellence and market growth. In my entrepreneurial work, I experiment with ideas and platforms that address unmet needs, often in ways that large organizations cannot move as quickly on. Through community initiatives, I invest in people, knowing that long-term impact is only possible when others are equipped to carry the work forward.
The driving force is a mix of gratitude and responsibility. I have had mentors, opportunities, and platforms that changed the trajectory of my life. I want to be that turning point for others. Every success I have had reinforces the idea that leadership is not just about achievement; it is about multiplying impact.
Conclusion
As our conversation draws to a close, it is clear that Ms. Karika Ogheneyonreme’s story is one of vision, discipline, and a deep commitment to impact. From managing billion-dollar energy projects across continents to driving operational innovations at Amazon that improved efficiency and customer satisfaction, her career reflects both technical mastery and strategic foresight. Her role in expanding global markets, mentoring entrepreneurs, and building communities like Karika Republic underscores her belief that leadership is measured not just by personal success but by how many others you can empower along the way.
Her recognition as the 2024 recipient of the BAT International Innovation Award in the Business Development Excellence category is a testament to this philosophy. Organized by Bridge Africa Technologies, the award honors Africans shaping the future of science, technology, and business. In Ms. Karika’s case, highlights her achievements as a Nigerian excelling abroad while remaining deeply connected to the continent’s growth.
For young Nigerians looking to carve their place in the world, her journey offers a roadmap: build expertise, pursue excellence relentlessly, and use your platform to open doors for others. Her work proves that with skill, determination, and a commitment to shared progress, one can bridge local and global opportunities, leaving a legacy that inspires generations to come.
