AWARDS-The South African Chamber of Commerce

DE&I Leader Award

Sponsored by: Awarded to: Someone who has achieved a significant impact in the field of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, transforming their business structure and / or the market in which they operate.		The candidate has: A clear vision of their objectives Transformational leadership skills An ability to inspire others The judges will be looking for evidence of: Quantifiable cultural / systemic transformation Tangible benefits to the business, customers and employees Creativity in overcoming challenges
The candidate has: A clear vision of their objectives Transformational leadership skills An ability to inspire others The judges will be looking for evidence of: Quantifiable cultural / systemic transformation Tangible benefits to the business, customers and employees Creativity in overcoming challenges

❮❮ ESG Leader Award

Business Leader Award ❯❯

DE&I Leader Award

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Ruth Leas

As one of only 17 female CEOs in the FTSE 250 index, Ruth Leas is responsible for the progress of belonging, diversity and inclusion initiatives at Investec Bank plc (IBP) and in the financial services industry.

Under her leadership and tenure, the percentage of senior female managers and Board members has significantly increased, more committees are now chaired by women and the gender pay gap has been reduced. People of colour are also better represented.

Alongside a focus on diversity within the application and hiring process at IBP, Ruth actively supports industry diversity initiatives including facilitating networking among senior women in finance. Investec is also an active participant in the 30% Club mentoring programme.

She is passionate about education and mentoring people from all backgrounds and is involved with NGOs, including The Women's Association (CEO Executive Challenge), Arrival Education and Morpeth School that support students gaining skills, confidence and insights into a career in finance. She also sits on the Cambridge Judge Business School Advisory Board.

In 2023, she was nominated by Financial News as one of the top 100 most influential women in finance.

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Dr Arthie Moore-Robberts

Dr. Arthie Moore-Robberts is an Entrepreneur and Leadership Strategist with a career spanning 26 years. As the Founder of Celebrating Humanity International Pty Ltd since 2005 and the KI Leadership Institute Pty Ltd in 2015, she has left an indelible impact both nationally and internationally.

Her trailblazing leadership approach spans continents, transforming lives in Lebanon, Ireland, UK, USA, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. A dedicated Philanthropist, she envisions a global movement of compassionate Leaders of Influence inspiring positive change.

She has earned recognition at the highest levels of Government, Boards of Directors, Universities, and Youth and Women Empowerment programs. With a Doctorate in Leadership, Diversity & Inclusion, she is a Board Member of SAIMC in South Africa, a host on an International Business Growth Radio Show on IBGR Network (USA), a certified John Maxwell Leadership Coach, and has been acknowledged by Mrs Graca Machel Mandela for empowering women.

In 2021, she authored 'The Value of Compassion'. Dr. Moore-Robberts' stellar achievements include the Distinguished Fellow Award from Oxbridge OIPD (2022) and the title of Influential Women of the Year in Gauteng, South Africa (2020). She is a Global Women Awards Finalist in 2023.

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Arlene Wilson-Max

Arlene Wilson-Max is the managing director of Pan Africa Exchange (Pty) Ltd where she promotes Africa as an investment destination through country focus seminars, trade missions, and bi-lateral meetings that highlight the opportunities available to potential investors. Arlene is passionate about bringing like-minded captains of industry, government representatives and civil society together to look at various ways to promote the implementation of sustainable and meaningful socio-economic development.

She was previously the Stakeholder Relations Executive at the BEE Chamber. She is equipped to steer organisations in line with best practice on all aspects of the YES4Youth initiative, bursary management, internships, apprenticeships, learnerships and absorption claims.

Arlene established a non-profit organisation called Sustainable Supply Chain Transformation Africa and worked with the Skills Village where she was responsible for the implementation of meaningful initiatives for the private sector to contribute their skills development, enterprise and supplier development and socio-economic development spend towards. She is an EXCO member of the Women's Economic Assembly, an initiative in the Office of the President of the Republic of SA, mandated to ensure the inclusion of women in South Africa's mainstream economy.

❮ ❯

❮❮ ESG Leader Award

Business Leader Award ❯❯

DE&I Leader Award

Arlene Wilson-Max

Arlene Wilson-Max is the managing director of Pan Africa Exchange (Pty) Ltd where she promotes Africa as an investment destination through country focus seminars, trade missions, and bi-lateral meetings that highlight the opportunities available to potential investors. Arlene is passionate about bringing like-minded captains of industry, government representatives and civil society together to look at various ways to promote the implementation of sustainable and meaningful socio-economic development.

She was previously the Stakeholder Relations Executive at the BEE Chamber. She is equipped to steer organisations in line with best practice on all aspects of the YES4Youth initiative, bursary management, internships, apprenticeships, learnerships and absorption claims.

Arlene established a non-profit organisation called Sustainable Supply Chain Transformation Africa and worked with the Skills Village where she was responsible for the implementation of meaningful initiatives for the private sector to contribute their skills development, enterprise and supplier development and socio-economic development spend towards. She is an EXCO member of the Women's Economic Assembly, an initiative in the Office of the President of the Republic of SA, mandated to ensure the inclusion of women in South Africa's mainstream economy.