By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A Nigerian, Dr Ademola Bamgbose, has made the list of EMpower Top 100 Ethnic Minority Future Leader Role Models 2020.
The list was compiled by Yahoo Finance and it is to celebrate the achievements of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) business leaders in Europe, the United States and Canada.
Dr Bamgbose is the International Arbitration Associate at Hogan Lovells, an American-British law firm co-headquartered in London and Washington.
The organisation was formed on May 1, 2010, by the merger of the American law firm of Hogan & Hartson and the British law firm Lovells.
The EMpower 100 Ethnic Minority Future Leaders list recognises the contributions and impact of inspirational individuals for their business achievements and for making a significant contribution to the inclusion of ethnic minority employees.
All the executives listed were nominated by peers and employees and reviewed by EMpower’s judging panel, which included the head of Yahoo Finance UK, Lianna Brinded.
As an international arbitration lawyer admitted to practice in Nigeria, England and Wales, Dr Bamgbose sits on the steering committee of both the BAME and Multicultural Networks at Hogan Lovells.
He mentors BAME lawyers and students and plays a leading role in Hogan Lovells’ diversity and inclusion agenda.
The legal practitioner co-founded Africa Arbitration, a platform designed to promote black practitioners across the globe. He is also Regional Representative (Africa) at the London Court of International Arbitration – Young International Arbitration Group, director of the Africa Arbitration Academy and Honorary Lecturer (international arbitration) at Nigeria’s premier university, University of Ibadan.
Commenting on this feat, he said, “I am very honoured and proud to be recognized on the EMpower Role Model Lists as an Ethnic Minority Future Leader for 2020 among other business leaders in Europe, the United States and Canada for our business achievements and contribution to the inclusion of ethnic minority employees.
“I am thankful for the recognition and also grateful for the opportunity to take a front seat in driving Hogan Lovell’s diversity and inclusion agenda.
“As a co-founder of Africa Arbitration, a platform designed to promote black practitioners across the globe, we are keen on highlighting the tremendous talents and depth of experience that Africa has to offer to the international arbitration community.
“Although we have had some great achievements so far, there is still a lot more to do. Now, more than ever, I’m proud to be part of the conversations we are having at Hogan Lovells, a firm that believes in creating a thriving, inclusive environment, about the change we need to effect and the work that still needs to be done.”
London-based banking associate at Hogan Lovells, Sengova Kailondo a member of the Steering Committee of the firm’s Multicultural Network, as well as the newly established employee network, Race and Ethnicity at Hogan Lovells (REAHL), was also named alongside Ademola in the list for his work in increasing the recruitment of employees from BAME and lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
As a global law firm, Hogan Lovells is committed to becoming a leader in diversity and inclusion (D&I), where all of its people can be themselves and feel empowered to succeed.
Adedapo Adesanya 
Aduragbemi Omiyale