“Finance isn’t just about numbers—it’s about clarity, foresight, and the courage to make decisions today that create value for generations.” — Tunji Adejumo
Meet Tunji Adejumo; a dynamic and visionary finance professional whose career reflects a rare blend of technical depth, strategic insight, and a passion for meaningful impact. With over seven years of hands-on experience in accounting, auditing, and treasury operations at global powerhouses like KPMG and ExxonMobil, Tunji has consistently delivered excellence across multiple sectors. His journey is marked by a strong track record of optimizing financial systems, mitigating corporate risks, and being part of multimillion-dollar projects that have improved operational efficiency and unlocked strategic value.
A proud recipient of the BAT Award of Excellence 2024 (Finance Excellence Innovation Award), Tunji’s work has not only garnered corporate accolades but also national recognition. His time at ExxonMobil saw him lead treasury strategies that delivered over $250,000 in combined savings and interest income enhancements, while his early auditing career at KPMG revealed lapses in billion-dollar portfolios, earning him performance-based promotions and client trust.
Currently transitioning into a full-time Associate role, Tunji brings with him the analytical rigor and strategic clarity honed during his MBA at the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business, where he was awarded a prestigious Darden Fellowship. He spearheaded the design and launch of a groundbreaking Global Capability Center for a prominent oil and gas giant, leveraging his exceptional problem-solving skills to drive long-term cost optimization and digital transformation.
Beyond his corporate accomplishments, Tunji is deeply committed to community development and youth empowerment across Africa. As a former board member and Head of Care & Empowerment for a voluntary Christian youth development organization, he spearheaded educational initiatives that reached over 8,000 teenagers across West and Central Africa, focusing on mental health and sexual education.
He has also contributed thought leadership through publications and practical tools used by major oil companies in Nigeria, including resource allocation models and revamped financial reporting frameworks that have become industry standards.
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As he steps into the next chapter of his career , Tunji aspires to be a catalyst for innovation across Africa’s financial landscape—bridging global consulting best practices with local insights to create inclusive, scalable, and sustainable business solutions. With a rare mix of analytical expertise, cross-sector experience, and a heart for service, Tunji Adejumo is not just navigating his career path—he’s redefining what excellence in finance and consulting looks like for a new generation.
Interview with Tunji Adejumo — Innovating for a Sustainable Future
1. Tunji, can you walk us through your professional journey—from your early days in Nigeria to joining top U.S. companies? What shaped your path?
Tunji: Absolutely. My journey began in Lagos, Nigeria, where I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Lagos. That foundation was instrumental—it shaped my mindset around structure, discipline, and the power of financial information. I started out at KPMG, one of the Big Four, where I had the privilege of auditing major financial institutions. It wasn’t just about compliance—it was about understanding how businesses operate at a granular level.
After three years at KPMG, I joined ExxonMobil, where I transitioned from audits to strategic finance roles within the Controllers and Treasurers departments. It was there I truly began to understand global finance—from hydrocarbon accounting to corporate treasury, foreign exchange risk management, and strategic liquidity planning. I had the opportunity to work on projects that impacted billions in asset value and savings. That experience laid the groundwork for my MBA at the Darden School of Business, University of Virginia.
At Darden, I honed my strategic thinking and problem-solving toolkit, which eventually led to a summer role—at McKinsey & Company in Houston. So, it’s been a journey of evolving skill sets, but the constant has been a desire to solve complex problems and add value wherever I am.
2. You’ve worked at global giants like KPMG and ExxonMobil and now McKinsey. What key skills or philosophies have been consistent across these roles?
Tunji: That’s a great question. Across all these institutions, the consistent thread has been rigor and impact. At KPMG, attention to detail was everything. You learned that the smallest oversight could lead to massive implications. That sharpened my analytical thinking and my respect for accuracy.
At ExxonMobil, I built on that foundation with strategic exposure. I was responsible for high-stakes financial decisions, managing liquidity, foreign exchange risk, and optimizing working capital for a multinational business. I learned to always think five steps ahead—what impact a treasury decision today might have on operations six months down the line.
McKinsey has introduced another layer: structured problem-solving, speed, and client collaboration. One thing I’ve taken from all three environments is the importance of combining data-driven decision-making with emotional intelligence. It’s not just about solving the problem—it’s about how you communicate the solution and mobilize people to act.
3. Let’s talk about the BAT Award of Excellence 2024. What did receiving that recognition mean to you, and what do you believe made your contributions stand out?
Tunji: Receiving the BAT Award of Excellence in 2024, particularly in the Finance Excellence Innovation category, was an incredibly humbling experience. It affirmed that the work I was doing—behind the scenes, in spreadsheets, in strategy rooms—was making a visible and measurable impact.
I believe what stood out was not just the technical strength of my work, but its sustainability and innovation. At ExxonMobil, for instance, I negotiated with banks to give favourable credit interests that saved hundreds of thousands of dollars annually. I also led volumetric data improvement initiatives that increased the accuracy of reporting across multiple business entities. Beyond the numbers, I think the award recognized my ability to bridge technical expertise with innovative thinking.
The BAT Award also meant a lot because it came from an African platform. As a Nigerian working abroad, I am incredibly proud to represent the kind of excellence that exists back home. It motivates me to keep pushing boundaries and mentoring others to do the same.
4. From being part of the team that led lease renewal negotiations to building resource allocation models used across the Nigerian oil and gas industry, your work has had significant local impact. How do you see your role as a Nigerian professional contributing to the continent?
Tunji: That’s very close to my heart. Even though I work globally, I see myself as an African ambassador in every boardroom I step into. My work on lease renewals in Nigeria—valued at over $12 billion—wasn’t just about business; it was about ensuring the country’s natural resources were leveraged responsibly and sustainably.
The models I helped build are still being used by major oil companies in Nigeria, and I consider that one of my proudest contributions. It’s my way of giving back to the ecosystem that raised me. I want to continue being a bridge—taking the knowledge and frameworks I gain abroad and applying them meaningfully back home, whether through consulting, mentorship, or policy influence.
5. What motivated your transition into management consulting at McKinsey, and what excites you the most about this new chapter?
Tunji: Transitioning into consulting was a natural evolution for me. I’ve always been drawn to complexity—problems that don’t have straightforward answers. At ExxonMobil, I was exposed to a variety of challenges—financial, operational, strategic—and that gave me a thirst for a broader problem-solving platform.
McKinsey represents exactly that. During my summer associate internship, I worked on setting up a Global Capability Center for a major oil company. We weren’t just optimizing operations—we were reimagining what the business could look like in five years. That kind of thinking, that level of impact, really excites me.
What I love most is the cross-functional exposure. Every project is a new industry, a new challenge, a new learning curve. It’s high pressure, but that’s where I thrive.
6. Let’s talk about leadership. You’ve held significant leadership roles both professionally and in voluntary organizations. What’s your leadership philosophy?
Tunji: For me, leadership is service. Whether I’m leading audit projects at KPMG or mentoring youth in West Africa, my goal is always the same: empower others to do their best work.
I’ve had the honor of serving as the Head of Care & Empowerment for a Christian youth organization across 11 Francophone countries. We led programs that educated over 8,000 teenagers on sensitive topics like depression and sexual health. That experience taught me that leadership is less about authority and more about empathy, influence, and intentional impact.
Professionally, I apply the same principles—listen actively, lead by example, and create an environment where people feel seen and valued.
7. Looking ahead, what are your long-term professional goals? Where do you hope to make the most impact in the next 5–10 years?
Tunji: In the next 5 to 10 years, I envision myself playing a key role in reshaping financial strategy and innovation across Africa—either through consulting, investment advisory, or public-private partnerships. I want to be a thought leader and operator at the intersection of finance, innovation, and sustainable development.
I’m also passionate about knowledge transfer—mentoring young professionals, collaborating with African institutions, and hopefully creating platforms that accelerate innovation on the continent. Ultimately, I want to be remembered not just for the positions I held, but for the opportunities I created for others.
8. Finally, what advice would you give to young African professionals aspiring to follow in your footsteps?
Tunji: The first thing I’d say is: your roots are not a limitation—they are your strength. Coming from Nigeria gave me resilience, creativity, and a hunger to succeed. Hold on to that.
Secondly, stay curious and never stop learning. Every role I’ve taken—from audit to treasury to consulting—required me to stretch beyond my comfort zone. Be intentional about growth.
Lastly, give back. Success is sweeter when it lifts others. Whether through mentorship, volunteering, or simply being a good example, always look for ways to light the path for someone else.
Closing Statement – Interview with Tunji Adejumo
As we draw the curtain on this enlightening conversation with Tunji Adejumo, it becomes undeniably clear that we’ve had the privilege of speaking with not just a finance professional, but a visionary—a purpose-driven leader whose journey is as inspiring as it is impactful.
From his humble beginnings in Lagos, Nigeria, to earning an MBA from the prestigious Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia, and now stepping into the global arena with McKinsey & Company, Tunji has consistently exemplified excellence, grit, and strategic brilliance. His career, spanning KPMG, ExxonMobil, and now McKinsey, is a testament to his versatility, technical acumen, and enduring commitment to driving sustainable transformation through finance and consulting.
Throughout this interview, Tunji shared compelling insights into how he’s used every opportunity—whether being part of the team that led the high-stakes lease negotiations worth $12 billion by doing the financial analysis or implementing treasury strategies that saved hundreds of thousands of dollars—to deliver real, measurable impact. But what stands out even more is his dedication to giving back. His leadership in youth empowerment initiatives across West and Central Africa, educating thousands on mental health and personal development, speaks volumes of his character and sense of purpose.
Recognized with the BAT Award of Excellence 2024 in Finance Innovation, Tunji represents the kind of transformative leadership that Bridge Africa Technologies was created to spotlight. He is one of the many Nigerians excelling on the world stage, yet never forgetting where he comes from. His story is a bridge—between continents, between sectors, and between generations.
To the young minds across Africa watching his journey unfold: let Tunji Adejumo’s path remind you that global impact starts with local purpose. That discipline, lifelong learning, and service to others are not just ideals, but powerful tools that can elevate your career and change communities. You don’t have to choose between excelling abroad and serving at home—you can do both, and Tunji is living proof.
From all of us at Bridge Africa Technologies, we celebrate Tunji not only for what he has achieved, but for what he represents: a new era of African excellence on the global stage. His voice, values, and vision are shaping industries today and will no doubt shape nations tomorrow.
Tunji, thank you for your time, your wisdom, and most importantly, your example. The future looks incredibly bright—with leaders like you lighting the way.
