Mpumi Madisa will become the first black female CEO in the JSE top 40 companies in South Africa.
In a notice to shareholders, Bidvest said Madisa would work closely with current CEO Lindsay Ralphs “to ensure a smooth transition.” into her role as CEO of Bidvest in 2021. Madisa, who joined Bidvest in 2003 has held positions in “several key and strategic leadership roles at subsidiary, divisional and group level”. She is an executive director on the Bidvest group board and holds other external non-executive director roles, including at Adcock Ingram and Business Leadership SA.
Ralphs, 64, said in a statement that one of the group’s key priorities was “developing the next generation of leaders” and that “[Madisa’s] exceptional leadership skills and depth of experience will ensure continuity for all Bidvest stakeholders and the Bidvest family.”
Madisa has even earned praise from SA President Cyril Ramaphosa, hailing her accomplishment as a victory for women in the business world:
“The emergence of Mpumi Madisa as Chief Executive of a major corporation in our economy is a significant personal achievement that also signifies a new advance in gender transformation in business.”
“Ms Madisa’s appointment is, therefore, an occasion for celebration and for the renewed commitment to accelerated change and progress in the highest echelons of our economy.”
She spoke to CNBC Africa for more on her future at Bidvest. Watch the full story below.
