Leader’s Angle • Leading in Africa: Guiding the continent’s narrative in a competitive global market • A conversation with Sim Tshabalala
Over many years, our Leader's Angle Series has seen us bring important stakeholders in our society into one room for robust discussions and thought leadership – but this one is special. During the week of 14 October, we're celebrating sixty years through a number of meaningful engagements, including a Leader's Angle event focusing on business leaders in Africa.
The signs are there. Africa is seen as the next frontier for economic growth and development. But is it possible for African business leaders to stay in control of their businesses, especially through decision-making? How can they avoid being swayed by the global powers? How can our continent’s business leaders optimally position themselves for sustainable success, leaving a legacy of long-term prosperity for Africa?
Book now to become part of our 60th celebration story, with Prof Anita Bosch, Head: Research Chair for Women at Work, for an in-depth conversation with Sim Tshabalala, CEO: Standard Bank Group, about what it truly means to be a business leader in Africa - one of the most attractive markets in the world’s economy.
SPEAKER
Sim Tshabalala
CEO: Standard Bank Group
Simpiwe “Sim” Tshabalala became a Fellow of the Institute of Bankers of South Africa in 2018 and was appointed as an Honorary Professor at Stellenbosch Business School for 2021 – 2023.
His illustrious career began in Real Africa Durolink Investment Bank in 1994, then he joined Standard Corporate and Merchant Bank as head of structured finance in 2000, becoming a Director in 2000 and Managing Director of Stanbic Africa in 2001. In 2006, he was appointed Chief Executive of Personal and Business Banking, South Africa. In March 2008, Sim was appointed as Chief Executive of Standard Bank South Africa. In June 2012, Sim took on the additional responsibility of leading Corporate and Investment Banking’s client franchise in South Africa.
In March 2013, Sim was appointed joint Chief Executive of the Standard Bank Group, extending his responsibilities to the banking businesses on the African continent outside South Africa and to the bank’s Wealth business, including Liberty Holdings. In September 2017, Sim was appointed as the sole Chief Executive of the Standard Bank Group. Sim serves on the Board of the Liberty Group, the International Monetary Conference (IMC), and the Institute of International Finance. (IIF). In January 2021 he was elected Vice Chairman and Treasurer of the IIF.
HOST
Prof Anita Bosch
Research Chair: Women at Work, Stellenbosch Business School
Anita Bosch is a Professor at the Stellenbosch Business School, where she holds a research chair dedicated to the study of women at work. She believes that gender — a master identity of every person — provides a relatable gateway to grasping the complexities of workplace diversity, inclusion and, ultimately, belonging. She teaches in the Leadership and Organisational Behaviour tracks.
She is the author and editor of a number of public reports, including the Womensreport.africa, Women on South African boards: Facts, fiction and forward thinking; Gender pay gap guide for the already converted; and Winds of change: Trade as a catalyst for board gender diversity. Her publications also feature in academic books and journals, such as the special issue about Women in Business in Africa of the SA Journal of Business Management; the Journal of Managerial Psychology; the Journal of Personality Assessment; the International Journal of HRM; and the Journal of Business Ethics.
Anita regularly featured in the media. She has been invited twice to present her work to the South African parliament. She is a gender equality facilitator for the United Nations Global Compact, a non-executive director of the National Business Initiative, and a Research Fellow at Vlerick Business School, Belgium.
Prior to joining Stellenbosch, Anita was the lead convenor of the Women in the Workplace research programme at the University of Johannesburg, where she also taught and also held a number of leadership roles. Before her university career, Anita worked and held leadership positions in accountancy, human resource development, and pay systems in the private sector.