At just 36, Damola Adamolekun sits at the helm of Red Lobster, the world’s largest seafood restaurant chain—a position that has tested both his strategic acumen and resilience.

In May 2024, the Florida-based brand, burdened by over $1 billion in debt, filed for bankruptcy, closing numerous locations across the United States. Many industry watchers saw it as the end of an era. But by September 2024, Red Lobster emerged from bankruptcy under new ownership, with Adamolekun leading its revival.

It wasn’t his first turnaround challenge. Before Red Lobster, Adamolekun successfully drove growth at P.F. Chang’s, reenergizing the Asian-themed dining chain. Now, he’s applying that same bold vision to Red Lobster—focusing on menu innovation, warmer customer experiences, and modernized restaurant spaces to recapture both loyal diners and new audiences.

Adamolekun’s journey is one of grit and self-determination. Born to Nigerian parents, he charted his path in the competitive world of finance and hospitality. Starting as an intern at Goldman Sachs in 2008, he earned a degree in Economics from Brown University and later attended Harvard Business School. Reflecting on his rise, he once said:

“There are people who are born and raised to do this, and they’re taught at a young age. I didn’t come from that world. I was teaching myself in high school and college… You have to become the person you need to be.”

From navigating billion-dollar debts to reimagining a global brand, Damola Adamolekun is proving that leadership is not just about keeping a business afloat—it’s about steering it towards a brighter, more sustainable future.

📸 Photo: Damola Adamolekun / Fortress Investment Group