Bankole Bernard

As the Group Managing Director of Finchglow Holdings, I oversee a dynamic portfolio of companies across the aviation, travel, and tourism value chain. While my official title is GMD/CEO, I prefer to be identified as the Chief Servant Officer, reflecting my leadership philosophy centred on service, empowerment, legacy and creating lasting impact. My career started in banking, with stints at Ecobank, Metropolitan Bank, and the defunct First Inland Bank (fka First Atlantic Bank), where I last served as the branch manager. In 2006, I took a bold step away from banking to pursue my entrepreneurial vision, and Finchglow Travels Limited was born. What started as a travel agency has since grown into Finchglow Holdings, a group with six thriving subsidiaries: Finchglow Travels, FCM Nigeria, Travelden Nigeria Limited, Finchglow Holidays, Lagos Aviation Academy, and Finchglobal Cargo Services. From 2016 to 2020, I had the privilege of serving as President of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA). One of the most meaningful legacies from that time was the introduction of the NANTA Membership Identification Card, a bold initiative I spearheaded as president to promote structure, accountability, and professional pride in our industry. In 2025, witnessing this initiative come to life at NANTA’s 49th AGM was deeply fulfilling, a true milestone for the travel industry. I was appointed Chairman of the Airline Passengers Joint Committee (APJC), the highest policy-making body in Nigeria’s travel sector. I am President of the Association of African Aviation Training Organisations Nigeria (AATON). I continue championing collaboration, capacity-building, and excellence across the continent’s aviation training ecosystem. Over the years, I’ve been honoured with numerous awards, including: Travel and Tourism Award – SKAL International Lagos (2019) Role Model Leaders’ Award – Aeroport College of Aviation & Travel Management (2017) Exemplary Leadership Award – Rotary Club of Ikorodu Golden (2017) Appreciation Award from the Nigeria–South Africa Chamber of Commerce (2017) I’ve been privileged to share insights and perspectives on key industry issues through various media platforms, including Arise News, Channels Television, The Guardian Nigeria, ThisDayLive, Plus TV, and Africa Business Travel. At the heart of my leadership philosophy is a simple belief: Leadership is about impact. I focus on building platforms that outlast me, empowering people to reach their full potential, and strengthening the travel and aviation ecosystem for future generations.