Profile: Olayemi Michael Cardoso is a Nigerian banker, chartered stockbroker and public policy expert. Over the course of his illustrious career, he has served for over four decades in the public, private and development sectors as a leader and innovator.

Among his most impactful roles are: Commissioner in the Lagos State Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget; Chairman of the board of the African Venture Philanthropy Alliance and, most recently, Chairman of Citibank Nigeria Ltd for 12 years, until his resignation in 2022.

Early life and education

Cardoso, a Lagosian, grew up and attended Corona School Ikoyi and St. Gregory’s College in Lagos for his primary and secondary education, respectively. He completed his undergraduate studies upon obtaining a Bachelor’s degree (B.Sc.) in Managerial and Administrative Studies from Aston University in 1980. He later furthered his education at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government (HKS), earning a Master’s degree in Public Administration in 2005 as a Mason Fellow.

In recognition of his outstanding achievements in the private and public sector, Cardoso was granted a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) (honoris causa) by Aston University in 2017. He is also esteemed as a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers.

His dedication to lifelong learning has garnered recognition from various educational institutions, including as:

Trustee of the Harvard club of Nigeria from 2022 till present

Trustee of the Harvard Kennedy School Nigeria Alumni from 2020 till present

Board advisor of the Lagos Business School from 2019 till present

Trustee of St. Augustine University from 2018 till present

Global Alumni-elected Board member of Harvard Kennedy School from 2006 – 2010.