Standard Chartered PLC has announced the appointment of Maria Ramos as its new Group Chair, effective after the company’s Annual General Meeting (AGM). She will succeed José Viñals, who is retiring after serving for nine years at the helm.
Maria’s appointment follows her tenure as an Independent Non-Executive Director since January 2021, where she quickly earned a reputation as a seasoned leader. In 2022, she was appointed Chair of the Board Risk Committee and Senior Independent Director, further cementing her leadership role within the bank. Prior to her current role, Maria built a distinguished career in both the public and private sectors, including a decade as CEO of Absa Group Limited (formerly Barclays Africa Group). She has also gained extensive international experience, particularly in emerging markets, which makes her well-suited to lead Standard Chartered during its next phase of growth.
Maria Ramos shared her excitement about taking on the new position, saying: “I am honoured to take on the role of Chair at Standard Chartered at an important time in its continued transformation. In my four years on the Board, I have experienced the degree to which the organisation is trusted and valued by so many clients and stakeholders across many of the world’s most dynamic markets. I look forward to working closely with the Board, Bill, the Management Team and our global colleagues to deliver the next phase of the Group’s strategy and unlock the enormous opportunities and growth potential of our business. Finally, I wish to express my deepest thanks to José for his remarkable leadership, contribution, and dedication to Standard Chartered. He leaves an outstanding legacy. It has been a privilege to have worked alongside José on the Board and I thank him for his generosity, guidance and friendship.”
The process to find Maria’s successor involved a global search led by Phil Rivett, Chair of the Selection Panel. In a statement, Rivett expressed confidence in Maria’s selection, noting, “Maria is an experienced Chair who benefits from a successful career across the private and public sectors. Her knowledge of the banking sector, as well as a deep understanding of the Group’s unique footprint, stood out.”
On behalf of the board, Rivett also took the opportunity to thank José Viñals for his nearly nine years of exceptional leadership, remarking on the significant role he has played in shaping the international finance sector.
CEO Bill Winters also welcomed Maria to her new role, saying, “I am delighted to welcome Maria as the Group’s new Chair. Maria is a proven leader with deep industry experience and strategic vision. I very much look forward to working with her as we deliver the next phase of our growth. There is significant momentum in the business, and I am confident that Maria will help lead us as we innovate and execute for greater value for our clients and other stakeholders. I would also like to thank José for his outstanding leadership through a time of extraordinary challenge and renewal for our Company. He has been an excellent leader, manager and partner.”
In his own comments, José Viñals expressed confidence in Maria’s leadership, saying, “I am very pleased by the choice the Board has made to appoint Maria as Group Chair. I have full confidence that she will continue to drive the Bank’s progress and I look forward to working with Maria in the next few months to ensure a smooth handover.”
Maria’s wealth of experience extends beyond her work at Standard Chartered. She is currently a non-executive director at Compagnie Financière Richemont SA, a position she will step down from in March 2025 after 13 years of service. Maria is also a member of the Group of Thirty and serves on the International Advisory Board at the Blavatnik School of Government at Oxford University, along with the Wits Foundation Board of Governors.
Her career includes notable roles such as CEO of Absa Group Limited, where she led the financial services group across 12 African markets from 2009 to 2019. Before joining Absa, Maria was the group CEO of Transnet Ltd, South Africa’s state-owned freight transport provider, and served as the country’s Director-General of National Treasury, where she played a pivotal role in shaping the post-apartheid administration’s financial policies.
Maria’s international experience extends to numerous high-profile boards, including Sanlam Ltd, Remgro Ltd, and SABMiller plc. She has also served as a non-executive director for The Saudi British Bank, the Public Investment Corporation, and as Chair of AngloGold Ashanti Limited, among other positions.
Her diverse and impressive track record makes Maria Ramos an ideal candidate to lead Standard Chartered as it embarks on the next chapter of its transformation.