Ajayi took over the helm at Heineken Hungária last September, arriving from Nigeria where he worked as sales director over the last five years. Ajayi is the first African manager to lead any of Heineken’s Central European companies. He joined the Heineken Group as a trainee brewer in 1989 and then took on increasingly senior positions, from assistant shift brewer through technological controller and new product development manager up to the position of brand manger. In 1998 he worked as business consultant for the Heineken Group in Amsterdam and between 2001 and 2004, he was area export manager for Heineken’s export division in Spain. Ajayi was born in London, graduated in chemical engineering in 1984 and received a doctorate in mechanical engineering in 1988. He is married with two daughters. He speaks Yoruba, English and Spanish.
Which talent would you most like to have?
The ability to play the piano.
What is the trait you most disapprove of in others?
Negativity and dishonesty. Does not help in business!
What historical person do you most identify with?
For persistence of purpose, Nelson Mandela, and for a clear vision, Mahatma Gandhi.
Who is your favorite fictional hero?
The character Wilt, in the Tom Sharpe series. I like his belief in the way he sees his world.
What kind of job did you dream of when you were a child?
Architect. Can’t understand why now.
What is your greatest regret?
None really . . . maybe that my mother did not live a bit longer.
What is your greatest fear?
Waking up in the morning with nothing to do or learn.
When and where were you the happiest?
Immediately after my postgraduate studies when I returned to Nigeria and before I started work. Nine months of bliss. No responsibility. Plenty of time to rediscover my country. It was great!
What was the most extravagant thing you’ve done in your life?
The purchase of my wife’s engagement and wedding rings. A few hundred US dollars, but it was all I had.
What is your most treasured possession?
A work of art by Bruce Onabrakpeya called Multiple Images IV.
What is your favorite Hungarian dish?
Goulash.
What is your favorite Hungarian word?
Egesegedre. Is that how you spell it?
What is the weirdest thing you have experienced in Hungary?
Nothing. Maybe I do not go out enough.
What activities help you to cope with stress?
Running, keeping to time and prioritizing.
Which Hungarian habit did you get accustomed to most easily?
Love for pork – the pork meat here is the best I have ever tasted.
Which word do you tend to overuse?
Can’t think of one.
What would you do with €1 million?
Educate as many Nigerian children as possible after I have bought another watch and six bottles of wine.
What is your favorite gadget?
The wristwatch.
What is your dream to live to see?
My children getting married and having their own children.
What three things would you take with you to a deserted island?
Food, Heineken and my wife.
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