Honorees’ & Sponsors’ Reception
Black-Tie Awards Dinner
Dinner: 6:00 PM
Presenting... ONYX MAGAZINE SEVENTH ANNUAL MEN OF HONOR
Being a leader is not without its challenges. It often requires that you beat impossible odds, stand alone, face adversity head-on, make unpopular decisions, and be strong when others are not. ONYX Magazine recognizes the fastidious care each stalwart takes in his quest to improve the world around him. That is why we celebrate outstanding men who are relentless and successful in their efforts to do so. The seventh annual ONYX Magazine Men of Honor presents “The Tallest Trees in the Forest,” men who excel in their professions and community work and inspire others to follow their lead. Encouraged by a quote from Dr. Mary McLeod-Bethune, “The Tallest Trees” stands for strength, resilience, and humble power. ONYX Magazine and Founding Partner Orlando Health introduce "tall trees" who exceed this notion. Join us as we celebrate them on a night that will motivate you to do more and incline you to stand tall.
ONYX MAN OF THE YEAR 2026
DAMOLA ADAMOLEKUN
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
RED LOBSTER
BUSINESS VISIONARY | HOSPITALITY TRANSFORMATION LEADER
Damola Adamolekun is the chief executive officer of Red Lobster, where he is leading one of America's most iconic restaurant brands through a historic turnaround. Appointed in 2024 to guide the company out of bankruptcy, he has become one of the most closely watched executives in the industry, and, at 37, one of the youngest to lead a restaurant company of its scale.
His path to the role was anything but ordinary. Born in Nigeria, Damola spent his early childhood in Zimbabwe and the Netherlands before his family settled in Springfield, Ill., when he was 9 years old. Raised in a household that prized education and held high expectations, he came to believe early that there were no ceilings on what he could achieve, a conviction that has shaped every chapter since.
He earned a bachelor's degree from Brown University and an MBA from Harvard Business School. His career began in finance, with roles at Goldman Sachs, TPG, and Paulson & Company, where he learned to see the value in businesses others overlooked. That skill would define his career. He led the acquisition of PF Chang's and, at just 31, became its chief executive officer, stepping in during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and guiding the company through one of the most turbulent periods in restaurant history.
At Red Lobster, Damola has focused on restoring belief inside the organization, reconnecting the brand with the guests who love it, and positioning the company as a forward-looking leader in areas ranging from hospitality to technology. His leadership philosophy is grounded in a simple idea: excellence is the great equalizer, and it creates opportunity, freedom and lasting legacy.
Beyond his professional work, Damola is a passionate advocate for the idea that ambition should know no limits, particularly for young people from immigrant and underrepresented communities. He believes deeply in expanding the examples of success available to the next generation of leaders.
For his extraordinary impact in business, hospitality and cultural leadership, ONYX Magazine proudly honors Damola Adamolekun as the 2026 ONYX Magazine Men of Honor Man of the Year.
"Excellence is not an act, but a habit." – Aristotle
JOIN US!
ONYX Magazine Men of Honor celebrates distinguished men whose leadership, service and professional excellence create lasting impact in their communities and beyond.
distinguished
By acknowledging their intellectual prowess, we pave the way for a future where intelligence is celebrated irrespective of the color of one's skin. Their stories serve as a powerful reminder that intelligence is is a universal gift.
intelligent
Intelligence knows no bounds, and across every race and ethnicity, there are individuals who exemplify extraordinary intellect and achieve remarkable feats. In this event, we shine a light on the intellectual prowess and accomplishments of our intelligent men.
Confident
The brilliance of intelligent men transcends boundaries and stands as a testament to the extraordinary potential that exists within every individual, regardless of their race or background. These individuals have made immense contributions in various fields.