From Lagos to Lobster: Damola Adamolekun’s Journey to CEO

When Damola Adamolekun stepped into the CEO seat at Red Lobster in 2024, the restaurant chain was struggling. Headlines talked about bankruptcy and endless shrimp gone wrong—but behind the scenes, something new was brewing. And it started decades earlier, thousands of miles away.

🌍 A Global Start, Rooted in Family

Damola was born in Lagos, Nigeria, to a family grounded in service and success. His dad was a neurologist, his mom a pharmacist—and both had high expectations. His childhood wasn’t limited to one place; his family moved often, living in Zimbabwe, the Netherlands, and eventually the U.S. when Damola was nine.

By high school, he was already thinking like a businessman. He won a public speaking contest and used the prize money to start investing in stocks. Yes—while other teens were saving for sneakers, Damola was building a portfolio.

🏈 Brains, Books, and the Business of Football

He earned a spot at Brown University, where he studied economics and political science while also playing on the football team. But this wasn’t just about athletics—he ran the school’s investment club and sharpened the leadership chops that would later define his career.

From there, it was off to Harvard Business School for his MBA. By then, he’d already worked at Goldman Sachs and TPG Capital, learning the ins and outs of high-stakes finance.

🍜 Breaking Barriers at P.F. Chang’s

In 2019, Damola helped lead the acquisition of P.F. Chang’s through Paulson & Co. Then, at just 31 years old, he became the first Black CEO of the company—and one of the youngest in the industry.

The pandemic hit restaurants hard, but Damola didn’t flinch. He launched P.F. Chang’s To Go, expanded into new markets, and led the brand to over $1 billion in annual revenue. Quietly and confidently, he proved that innovation and focus could carry a brand through a storm.

🦞 Red Lobster’s Big Reset

Fast forward to 2024. Red Lobster was in trouble—overextended, underwhelming, and struggling to adapt. But when the company changed hands, Damola was tapped to lead the turnaround.

And that’s exactly what he’s doing.

He’s cutting the fluff, streamlining the menu, and bringing the focus back to great food, better service, and a smart business model. The days of endless shrimp may be numbered, but the mission is clear: make Red Lobster matter again.

👨🏾‍💼 The Man Behind the Moves

Despite his impressive résumé, Damola is known for his grounded, calm leadership style. He credits his family—especially his dad—for instilling the idea that it doesn’t matter what you do, as long as you do it well. Barber, doctor, or CEO—excellence is the goal.

He now lives in Scottsdale, Arizona, and while his days are full of boardrooms and business calls, he still makes time for fitness, family, and exploring the arts with his young son.

✨ More Than a Title

Damola isn’t just reshaping restaurants—he’s also reshaping what leadership looks like. As a Nigerian-American executive in an industry where Black leadership is still rare, he’s bringing a fresh perspective, powerful example, and long-term vision to the table.

Through board work, philanthropy, and mentoring, he’s helping create space for the next generation of diverse talent. Because for Damola, success isn’t just about what he builds—it’s about making sure there’s room for others to rise, too.

Ready to see where he takes Red Lobster next?

Damola’s story is just getting started—and if his track record is any clue, we’re in for a powerful new chapter in casual dining.

 Damola introducing himself as the new CEO for Red Lobster here.