Benjamin Akande Net Worth

Benjamin Akande: A Distinguished Economist and Transformative Business Leader

Benjamin Akande is a highly accomplished Nigerian-American economist, academic, and corporate executive whose career spans higher education leadership, global economic development, and corporate responsibility. Born in Nigeria in 1962, Dr. Akande has built a remarkable reputation as a leading voice in Business & Economics, with a particular focus on entrepreneurship, global economic policy, and institutional transformation. He is notably recognized for his pioneering work in bridging African economic development with Western business practices, and for his executive leadership roles at major U.S. academic institutions and financial corporations. In May 2021, Dr. Akande joined Stifel Financial, a prestigious wealth management and investment-banking firm founded in 1890 and headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, where he serves as Senior Vice President and Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer (CCRO). His appointment at Stifel—a firm with R 76.1 Billion in annual revenue, R 631.5 Billion in wealth management custodial assets, and R 582.9 Billion in asset management—underscores his standing as a trusted leader at the intersection of economics, corporate governance, and social impact. Dr. Akande previously served as the ninth President of Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont, and as the 21st president of Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri, making him one of the most influential Nigerian-born economists in American higher education and corporate leadership.

Early Life & Education

Benjamin Ola Akande was born in 1962 in Nigeria, where he spent his formative years immersed in a culture that valued education, community, and resilience. Growing up in Nigeria during a period of significant economic and political change, Dr. Akande developed a deep curiosity about the forces that shape economies, societies, and individual opportunity. His early exposure to the challenges of economic development in Africa ignited a lifelong passion for understanding how policy, entrepreneurship, and education can drive sustainable growth.

Dr. Akande pursued his undergraduate education in Business & Economics, earning a Bachelor of Science degree with honors. He went on to complete a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a specialization in finance and international business, further sharpening his expertise in economic analysis and corporate strategy. His academic journey culminated in a doctoral degree in economics and business administration, where his research focused on the intersection of economic policy, organizational leadership, and global market dynamics.

Throughout his education, Dr. Akande was deeply influenced by the works of prominent economists and development theorists, and he sought to apply these frameworks to real-world challenges. His academic training provided him with a rigorous foundation in economic theory, quantitative analysis, and strategic management—skills that would later define his career as both an academic leader and a corporate executive. His formative experiences also included early exposure to the disparities in economic opportunity between developed and developing nations, which shaped his commitment to fostering inclusive economic growth and cross-cultural collaboration.

Career & Major Achievements

Dr. Benjamin Akande's career is a masterclass in institutional leadership, economic innovation, and corporate responsibility. He began his professional journey in academia, where he quickly distinguished himself as a scholar and administrator with a rare ability to translate complex economic concepts into actionable strategies for businesses and governments alike.

Academic Leadership

Dr. Akande's first major leadership role came at Wayland Baptist University, where he was appointed Chief Academic Officer and Chair of the Division of Business Administration. In this capacity, he reimagined the business curriculum, integrating real-world economic analysis with classroom instruction and establishing partnerships with industry leaders to provide students with hands-on experience. His tenure at Wayland Baptist laid the groundwork for his reputation as a transformative educator.

He then served for 15 years as the Dean of the George Herbert Walker School of Business & Technology at Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri. Under his leadership, the school expanded its global footprint, launched innovative programs in entrepreneurship and international business, and strengthened its ties with the corporate community. Dr. Akande's deanship was marked by a commitment to making business education accessible to underserved populations and to fostering economic literacy across borders.

In 2018, Dr. Akande was appointed as the 21st President of Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri, making history as one of the few Nigerian-born economists to lead an American liberal arts college. During his presidency, he focused on academic innovation, financial sustainability, and community engagement, positioning Westminster College for long-term growth in a rapidly changing higher education landscape.

Global Health and International Development

From April 2018 to April 2020, Dr. Akande served as Assistant Vice Chancellor of International Programs-Africa, Director of the Africa Initiative, and Associate Director of the Global Health Center at Washington University in St. Louis. In this role, he led efforts to expand the university's research and educational partnerships across Africa, focusing on economic development, public health, and entrepreneurship. His work at Washington University exemplified his commitment to using economic insights to address global challenges, particularly in the areas of health policy and sustainable development.

College Presidency and Corporate Leadership

In April 2020, Dr. Akande became the ninth President of Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont. Although his tenure was brief—concluding in May 2021—he made a lasting impact by advancing the college's strategic priorities, strengthening its financial position, and championing initiatives that bridged the gap between academic programs and workforce needs. His leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated his crisis management skills and his ability to guide institutions through periods of profound uncertainty.

In May 2021, Dr. Akande transitioned to the corporate sector, joining Stifel Financial as Senior Vice President and Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer (CCRO). At Stifel—a firm with R 76.1 Billion in annual revenue, R 631.5 Billion in wealth management custodial assets, and R 582.9 Billion in asset management—he is responsible for shaping the company's corporate responsibility strategy, including environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives, community engagement, and economic inclusion programs. His role at Stifel positions him as a key figure in the movement to align corporate strategy with broader social and economic goals.

Consulting and Media Presence

Throughout his career, Dr. Akande has consulted with numerous Fortune 500 companies and private enterprises, providing strategic counsel on economic forecasting, market entry, and leadership development. He is also a recognized media spokesperson on topics related to leadership, economics, and entrepreneurship, and he is a sought-after national speaker at conferences, corporate events, and academic symposia. His ability to communicate complex economic ideas to diverse audiences has made him a trusted voice in both business and policy circles.

Personal Life & Legacy

Dr. Benjamin Akande is deeply committed to philanthropy, mentorship, and community service. He has been a vocal advocate for increasing access to education and economic opportunity for underrepresented communities, both in the United States and across Africa. Through his work with the Africa Initiative at Washington University, he helped establish partnerships that support entrepreneurship, public health, and education in several African nations. He also serves on the boards of several nonprofit organizations and advisory councils focused on economic development, leadership, and social justice.

Dr. Akande's legacy is one of breaking barriers and building bridges. As a Nigerian-American economist who has led some of America's most respected academic institutions and now serves as a senior executive at a major financial firm, he exemplifies the power of education, perseverance, and vision. He is widely recognized for his ability to bring together diverse stakeholders—students, educators, business leaders, and policymakers—to address some of the most pressing economic and social challenges of our time.

Throughout his career, Dr. Akande has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to education, economic development, and corporate leadership. He is frequently invited to speak at international forums on topics ranging from the future of work to the role of business in promoting social equity. His work has been featured in major media outlets, and he continues to be a leading voice in the global conversation about the intersection of economics, leadership, and social responsibility.

Net Worth & Business

As a senior executive at Stifel Financial and a former college president with decades of experience in academic and corporate leadership, Dr. Benjamin Akande has built a substantial and diversified financial portfolio. While exact figures are not publicly disclosed, his compensation as Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer at a firm with R 76.1 Billion in annual revenue, combined with his prior roles as president of two colleges and his consulting work with Fortune 500 companies, positions him among the more financially accomplished figures in the intersection of economics and higher education. His business holdings are believed to include investments in wealth management, real estate, and private equity, reflecting his deep expertise in financial strategy and economic forecasting. Beyond his personal wealth, Dr. Akande is a strong advocate for financial literacy and economic empowerment, and he regularly speaks on the importance of building sustainable wealth through informed investment and strategic planning. His financial acumen, combined with his commitment to corporate responsibility, makes him a trusted advisor to both institutions and individuals seeking to navigate the complexities of the global economy.