This year has seen groundbreaking appointments reshaping leadership across sectors, with women breaking barriers in corporate, media, and government roles. Notable achievements include Kim Kyung-Ah becoming Samsung Bioepis’ first female CEO, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s election as Namibia’s first female president, Maria Conti’s appointment as Maserati’s first female CEO of Corse Motorsport, and Sherry House’s historic appointment as Ford’s CFO. Terry Tang made history as the first female executive editor of the Los Angeles Times, and Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim became Nigeria’s first female Minister of Women’s Affairs. Additionally, Nigeria launched its first Women Radio Intelligent Virtual Assistant, “NIMI,” highlighting the growing influence of women in leadership.
Nigeria welcomes its first virtual assistant for women radio
Women Radio 91.7 has launched “NIMI,” Nigeria’s first Women Radio Intelligent Virtual Assistant, in collaboration with CJID and the Voice of Women Empowerment Foundation. The AI tool improves content production and accessibility, especially for underrepresented communities. Led by CEO Toun Okewale Sonaiya, NIMI provides news and resources both on-air and online, with the launch featuring discussions on AI in broadcasting and journalism ethics.
Maserati appoints its first female CEO, Maria Conti
Maserati has appointed Maria Conti as the first female CEO of its Corse Motorsport division, effective October 1, 2024. With extensive experience in premium and luxury brands, Conti is set to boost Maserati’s competitiveness in Formula E and GT racing. She succeeds Giovanni Sgro, who helped re-establish Maserati’s motorsport presence, including the development of the MCXtrema halo car.
HSBC considers Pam Kaur for historic first female CFO appointment
HSBC is considering appointing Pam Kaur as its first female finance director in its 159-year history. Currently the chief risk and compliance officer, Kaur, with senior roles at Citigroup and Deutsche Bank, is competing for the position alongside other executives following Georges Elhedery’s appointment as CEO. Her experience in risk management makes her a strong contender for the role.
Tan Su Shan named first female CEO of DBS, set to succeed Piyush Gupta
DBS Bank’s CEO Piyush Gupta will retire, and Tan Su Shan, the Group Head of Institutional Banking, will succeed him on March 28, 2025. With over 35 years of experience, Tan, DBS’s first female CEO, will be only the second woman to lead a major Singaporean bank. She aims to address the bank’s tech challenges while maintaining its legacy, focusing on culture and customer collaboration.
South Africa has appointed its first female chief justice
President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Mandisa Maya as South Africa’s first female Chief Justice, effective September 1. Maya, the current deputy chief justice, succeeds Raymond Zondo and has had a distinguished career, including being the first Black woman to lead the Supreme Court of Appeal. Her appointment marks a historic milestone in South Africa’s judiciary.
Sherry House to be the first women CFO at Ford Motors
Ford has appointed Sherry House as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in early 2025, making her the first woman to hold this role at the company. House expressed excitement about returning to Michigan and contributing to Ford’s future. With extensive experience in the automotive industry, she is well-equipped to help Ford navigate the challenges and opportunities in the global auto sector.
L.A. Times appoints first female executive editor in its 142-Year history
Terry Tang has made history as the first female executive editor of the Los Angeles Times. With over 20 years of experience, including at The New York Times, Tang takes on the role amid financial challenges, including $100 million in losses, while guiding the paper through operational and financial difficulties.
A new wave of women empowerment comes along with Nigeria’s new Women’s Affairs Minister
Nigeria has appointed Mrs. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim as Minister of Women’s Affairs in October 2024. Previously Minister of State for Police Affairs, she committed to closing the gender gap, empowering women, and addressing violence. While recognizing progress in the 2024 Global Gender Gap Report, she called for continued efforts and collaboration, urging Nigerian women to assert their rights with the rallying cry, “It is indeed women o’clock in Nigeria.”
Samsung breaks tradition with appointment of their first female CEO in 86 Years
Kim Kyung-Ah has made history as the new CEO of Samsung Bioepis, becoming the second woman to lead a Samsung affiliate. With over 20 years of experience and a doctorate in neurotoxicology, she will oversee new product development. Her appointment marks a significant step in increasing female representation in South Korea’s corporate leadership.
Nandi-Ndaitwah becomes first woman president of Namibia
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has made history as Namibia’s first female president, winning 57% of the vote and continuing her SWAPO party’s 34-year leadership. Her victory highlights the growing influence of women in leadership roles, inspiring others to break barriers in government and beyond.
