DATE:
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2026
TIME:
5:00 p.m. Reception 6:00 p.m. Dinner
VENUE:
ROSEN CENTRE HOTEL
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 a bold and visionary executive whose leadership is helping redefine the future of one of America’s most beloved restaurant brands. As Chief Executive Officer of Red Lobster...
Damola Adamolekun is a bold and visionary executive whose leadership is helping redefine the future of one of America’s most beloved restaurant brands. As Chief Executive Officer of Red Lobster, Adamolekun is leading the iconic seafood company into a new era—strengthening operations, renewing the guest experience, and honoring the brand’s long-standing legacy of accessible, high-quality seafood and memorable hospitality.
A proven strategist with deep experience across restaurants, finance, private equity, and corporate transformation, Adamolekun brings uncommon discipline, clarity, and energy to complex business challenges. Before taking the helm at Red Lobster, he served as Chief Executive Officer and Director of P.F. Chang’s, where he helped guide strategic growth for one of the world’s most recognized Asian dining brands. His career also includes leadership and investment roles with Paulson & Co., TPG Capital, and Goldman Sachs, giving him a distinctive command of both operational excellence and financial stewardship.
At Red Lobster, Adamolekun has focused on reinvigorating the company from the inside out—championing team members, improving the dining experience, modernizing the brand, and advancing a long-term investment plan designed to make the company stronger for employees, guests, and communities across North America. His rise reflects the power of preparation, resilience, and people-centered leadership.
Recognized by Fortune among the 100 Most Powerful People in Business, Adamolekun represents a new generation of executive excellence: ambitious yet grounded, innovative yet disciplined, and deeply committed to building institutions that endure. For his extraordinary impact in business, hospitality, and cultural leadership, ONYX Magazine proudly honors Damola Adamolekun as the 2026 Men of Honor Man of the Year.
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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.