Michelle Ogbonnia
Lagos,Nigeria
Summary
Strategic Partnerships and alliances, commercial growth and enterprise sales leader.
Michelle is a commercially driven Partnerships and Business Development Leader with ten years of progressive experience driving strategic partnerships, enterprise sales and revenue growth across FinTech, Banking, Insurance and Automotive sectors. Proven ability to identify, negotiate and execute high-value commercial partnerships that generate measurable business outcomes. Experienced in building executive relationships, expanding market access, leading cross-functional teams and converting strategic opportunities into sustainable revenue.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
Business Development Manager
Blaaiz Innovations Technology
Lagos
02.2026 - Current
- Secured 6 strategic partnerships within 5months at Blaaiz.
- Onboarded 10+ Enterprise clients across FinTech and Financial institutions.
- Built partnerships processing average monthly transaction volumes of above USD $500,000 and generating approximately USD $2500 monthly revenue.
- Negotiated strategic partnerships including Borderless waves and Trustline Global, supporting USD $100,000+ weekly transaction volumes.
- Manage full partnership lifecycle from prospecting to implementation and account growth.
- Collaborate with Product, treasury, Engineering, Compliance and Customer Success teams to execute strategic initiatives.
- Represent the company at executive meetings, industry events and partnership engagements.
- Identify new market opportunities, customer segments and revenue channels to strengthen Blaaiz’s market position.
- Develop partnership strategy and secure high value FinTech and Enterprise partnerships
- Lead commercial negotiations, proposals, pricing models and partnership frameworks
- Drive cross border payment, Platform and remittance business opportunities, supporting clients with transaction execution and payment solutions.
- Monitor industry trends, competitor activities, regulatory developments, and emerging fintech opportunities to inform growth strategy.
- Manage enterprise accounts to improve retention, deepen wallet share and uncover upsell/cross-sell opportunities
Sales Manager/Key Account Manager
GAC Motors - CIG Motors
Lagos
03.2024 - 01.2026
- Managed 10+ strategic enterprise accounts across Banking, FMCG, Telecoms, Oil & Gas, Hospitality and Government
- Negotiated corporate fleet partnerships valued at over ₦10billion including Stanbic and Access bank
- Consistently achieved 80-90% of monthly commercial target
- Built executive relationship with C-suite leaders, procurement teams and institution stakeholders
- Fostered and strengthened strategic corporate partnerships through high-level negotiations, ensuring long-term client retention and business growth.
- Led commercial negotiations and bidding processes, securing new business opportunities and increasing product visibility.
- Developed and executed strategic account plans, driving revenue growth, market penetration, and customer expansion.
- Served as a trusted advisor to enterprise clients by understanding business challenges and delivering tailored commercial solutions.
- Managed key account relationships throughout the customer lifecycle, enhancing customer satisfaction, loyalty, and retention.
- Collaborated with Sales, Finance, Marketing, Inventory, and Logistics teams to ensure seamless project execution and service delivery.
- Oversaw B2G and enterprise accounts, representing the organization at strategic engagements to strengthen brand visibility and stakeholder relationships.
- Conducted market and competitor analysis to identify growth opportunities and optimize sales strategies.
- Managed demand forecasting, LPO reviews, and commercial reporting to improve operational efficiency and support business planning.
- Delivered executive presentations, product demonstrations, and strategic proposals to prospective clients and key decision-makers.
- Built and maintained strong relationships with executive stakeholders, procurement teams, and partners across multiple industries.
- Traveled extensively to cultivate strategic partnerships, strengthen client relationships, and identify new business opportunities.
Sales Manager
Enterprise Life Assurance Limited
Lagos
04.2022 - 12.2023
- Led and developed a high-performing team of 12 Sales Executives across multiple territories, consistently exceeding performance KPIs.
- Coached, mentored, and trained sales professionals, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous learning, and high performance.
- Developed and executed sales and business growth strategies aligned with organizational objectives, driving customer acquisition and revenue growth.
- Managed team performance through regular coaching, objective setting, performance reviews, and data-driven forecasting.
- Recruited, onboarded, and developed high-performing sales talent to strengthen team capability and succession planning.
- Identified new market opportunities and established strategic partnerships to expand the customer base and increase market penetration.
- Collaborated with external organizations and stakeholders to generate qualified leads and support business development initiatives.
- Improved sales processes and operational efficiency by analyzing business performance and implementing strategic improvements.
- Leveraged market research, competitor intelligence, and industry insights to inform commercial strategy and identify growth opportunities.
- Represented the business in customer engagements and strategic meetings, ensuring exceptional client experience and long-term relationship management.
- Designed incentive programs for high-performing sales personnel to motivate them to exceed goals.
- Developed strategies aligned with company goals and tracked performance through data analytics.
- Create business plans and innovative solutions to align with the company goals.
- Forecast team performance using data insights to lead strategic conversations with the team.
- Researched market trends to remain current with industry and competitor.
Life Planner
Enterprise Life Assurance Limited
Lagos
02.2021 - 03.2022
- Provided quality-based solution that adequately met clients’ needs.
- Developed and managed strong relationship and partnership with organizations.
- Onboarded clients on the company’s solution using the Mobilife Application.
- Offered excellent customer service to ensure long lasting relationships.
- Actively engaged in the company’s sales strategic sessions with the management team.
- Managed individual and company expectations on the company solutions.
- Assisted families in understanding how different aspects of a person’s life can impact overall well-being.
- Developed and implemented life plans for individuals to help them reach their personal goals.
- Evaluated effectiveness of life plans regularly and made adjustments accordingly.
- Monitored progress of life plan implementation through regular check-ins with clients.
- Utilized problem solving skills to create strategies to overcome challenges during policy life cycle.
Data Analyst/Team Lead Customer Management
Café One, Sterling Bank Plc
Lagos
10.2018 - 03.2020
- Utilized Microsoft Excel to generate reports and graphs based on complex datasets.
- Analyzed data trends and created visualizations for management review.
- Collaborated with other departments to ensure data accuracy and integrity.
- Implemented visualizations and dashboards to help senior management make informed decisions.
- Created performance reports and insights for HR and team management.
- Analyzed customer data using Info Source and Power BI.
- Managed CAV/KYC compliance and documentation processes.
- Acted as Customer Relationship Manager for high-net-worth clients.
- Contributed to the Café One transformation project and championed innovative sales approaches.
- Customer and account relationship manager including problem solving and providing solutions, based on optimal knowledge of the bank’s product.
- Managed high net worth clients of the bank with investments and liability well above 50million; investment banking, onboarding and cross selling of all products and services.
Customer Experience Management Personnel
Sterling Bank Plc
Lagos
02.2017 - 09.2018
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks while remaining adaptable and flexible.
- Responded quickly to meet customer needs and resolve problems.
- Proffered solutions that best suit customer’s enquiries, strategic ideas, and business solutions.
- Maintained relationships with teams for quick resolution of customers’ requests.
- Onboarded customers on various platforms of the bank.
- Issued debit cards, credit cards, cheque booklets and other accessories for ease of banking, and mandate set up for transactions on individual and company accounts.
- Focused on learning new skills and staying updated with industry changes.
- Committed to delivering excellent customer service while working in a fast-paced environment.
- Participated in ongoing training to enhance own job skills and knowledge.
- Met deadlines while maintaining high-quality deliverables.
- Skilled in using various software applications and programs including Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite.
- Provided efficient and courteous service to customers at all times.
Administrative Assistant
Bemas Technologies Ltd
Lagos
11.2016 - 01.2017
- Scheduled meetings for the clients, teams, and director.
- Received documentations from vendors and processing of payments.
- Booked appointments for clients and respective teams.
- Handled cash expenses.
Assistant Data Analyst
Ministry of Health (NYSC)
Uyo, Akwa Ibom
07.2015 - 04.2016
- Worked collaboratively with teams across the organization to develop solutions for complex problems.
- Identified opportunities where advanced analytics could be applied effectively within the organization.
- Maintained accuracy of data by validating inputs through various techniques like cross checks and reconciliations.
- Assisted in data analysis and visualization of large datasets to identify trends, anomalies, correlations, and patterns.
- Created visual representations of data with charts, graphs or infographics.
- Dispensed drugs to various health centers in different local government.
- Lectured on neglected tropical diseases Additional Responsibilities (To Akwa Ibom State).
- Mass Deworming Exercise: Administered and dispensed drugs to 3 local governments.
- Immunization Days: Supervised different wards and settlements in 17 local governments.
- MTN Eye Restoration Intervention Scheme: Collated data of individual patients.
- Red Cross Volunteer
Education
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) - Microbiology
University of Port Harcourt
Port Harcourt, Rivers StateSkills
- Strategic partnership
- Commercial leadership
- Enterprise sales
- Revenue growth
- Business development
- Cross-functional leadership
- Market expansion
- Stakeholder engagement
- Executive relationship management
- Channel development
- Ecosystem partnership
- Contract negotiation
- Proposal development
- Pipeline management
Certification
- Certificate, IT, Chartered Institute of IT, British Computer Society
- Certificate, UI/UX, Udemy
- Certificate, Effective Business Communication, Stern&Kay
- Certificate, High Impact Business Writing, University of California
- Diploma, Customer Service, Alison Academy
- Diploma, Applied Psychology, Alison Academy
- Project Management Certificate, Institute of Professional Studies
- Certificate, Introduction to Time Management, Alison Academy
- Certificate, Excellent Customer Service, Saylor Academy
- Diploma, Digital Marketing, Shaw Academy
LANGUAGES
English Native
REFERENCES
References available upon request
AWARDS
Recognition for Best Customer Service by the MD, Abubakar Suleiman, Sterling Bank Plc, 2018., Recommendation for Excellent Customer Service by the Chief Client Engagement and Digital Banking Division, Sterling Bank Plc, 2018.
Accomplishments
Recognition for Best Customer Service by the MD, Abubakar Sulieman, Sterling Bank Plc, 2018.
Recommendation for Excellent Customer Service by the Chief Client Engagement and Digital Banking Division, Sterling Bank Plc, 2018
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Business Development Manager
Blaaiz Innovations Technology
02.2026 - Current
Sales Manager/Key Account Manager
GAC Motors - CIG Motors
03.2024 - 01.2026
Sales Manager
Enterprise Life Assurance Limited
04.2022 - 12.2023
Life Planner
Enterprise Life Assurance Limited
02.2021 - 03.2022
Data Analyst/Team Lead Customer Management
Café One, Sterling Bank Plc
10.2018 - 03.2020
Customer Experience Management Personnel
Sterling Bank Plc
02.2017 - 09.2018
Administrative Assistant
Bemas Technologies Ltd
11.2016 - 01.2017
Assistant Data Analyst
Ministry of Health (NYSC)
07.2015 - 04.2016
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) - Microbiology
University of Port Harcourt