Ayodeji Razaq, Group CEO of RED and Co-Founder of The People Company, was named the 2025 Forty Under 40 Global Award Winner in the Marketing & Communications category at an exclusive ceremony held in Dubai. This prestigious recognition highlights Razaq’s bold leadership, transformative campaigns, and ability to connect brands to culture in ways that resonate deeply across audiences and markets.

Under the theme “Connecting Global Champions,” the Forty Under 40 Global Awards brought together 40 dynamic business leaders from around the world, celebrating those who are reshaping industries and setting new standards of excellence. Razaq’s award is a testament to his transformative impact in Africa’s creative and communications sector, solidifying his position as one of the continent’s most influential marketing voices.

"Winning on a global stage is more than a personal honor, it's a powerful testament to the outstanding, world-class work we do in Africa," said Ayodeji Razaq. "As marketing professionals, we are not just telling stories; we are shaping narratives that position Africa as a vibrant, strategic player in the global economy. This recognition reinforces the fact that African talent is not just rising, it’s leading the charge into a new era of business and marketing communications in emerging markets."

Leading Change in Africa’s Marketing Landscape

As Group CEO of RED, Ayodeji Razaq has revolutionized marketing and communications across Africa, crafting campaigns that blend creativity, culture, and strategic insight. His leadership has led to breakthrough moments for iconic brands and set new industry benchmarks for how brands can connect with diverse audiences.

Razaq’s work exemplifies the power of marketing grounded in cultural relevance, with campaigns that resonate deeply across African markets and beyond. His strategic foresight and innovative approach have elevated RED and The People Company, making them leaders in brand building, strategic communication, and business transformation.

Celebrating Global Leadership in Business and Marketing

The Forty Under 40 Global Awards spotlighted 40 outstanding leaders from various industries worldwide. Among the other distinguished winners were:

• Damilola Dania (Nigeria): A transformative leader at Unilever Nigeria, revolutionizing brand development and community engagement.

• Ahmed Mohsen Mohamed Sadek (UAE): A distinguished project management expert, driving transformative infrastructure projects.

• Reece Mennie (UK): An innovator in bridging traditional marketing with digital engagement strategies.

• Fiza Farhan (Pakistan): A trailblazer in sustainable entrepreneurship and women’s empowerment.

• Olufemi Oguntamu (Nigeria): A recognized leader in Brand & Business Strategy and Digital Media innovation.

• Darren Meltz (South Africa): Redefining the fine dining experience with sustainability-driven initiatives.

• Nicole Ansoni (Rwanda): A multinational entrepreneur with visionary leadership.

• Giorgi Astamadze (Georgia): A financier advancing creative business solutions with global capital.

• Harun Lone (Switzerland): A pioneer in sustainable water purification and social impact.

Africa’s Growing Influence on the Global Stage

Razaq’s win exemplifies the rising influence of African expertise in global marketing and business. Africa's innovation, youth-driven markets, and cultural capital continue to attract international attention, and leaders like Ayodeji Razaq are ensuring that the continent’s narratives are led from within.

The Forty Under 40 Global Awards ceremony, hosted at the Hilton Garden Inn Hotel in Business Bay, Dubai, culminated a three-day event filled with business tours, networking forums, and leadership dialogues. These awards, organized by Xodus Communications, have spotlighted over 2,000 rising leaders since their inception, building a powerful global community of disruptors and changemakers.