ABSA Group Chief Executive named Outstanding Businesswoman of the Year

(1888PressRelease) July 08, 2009 - The awards ceremony was held in conjunction with the G8 Africa Business Forum currently underway in London, and prior to the G8 Heads of State meeting to be held in the city of L'Aquila, Italy later this week.



Organised by the Commonwealth Business Council (CBC) and African Business magazine, the African Business Awards highlight the achievements Africa is making in the world of business. It also celebrates entrepreneurial excellence, promotes world-class best practices in the accelerating African business landscape and creates global visibility for successful African brands, African business leaders and companies alike. “Over the last decade, Africa’s rapid economic growth has propelled the continent centre stage in the world of business and investment. It is the hardworking individuals behind leading African companies who have carried out this substantial transformation and the African Business Awards highlight their outstanding achievement to Africa and the world at large,” says Omar Ben Yedder, Associate Publisher of African Business magazine.



This year’s awards comprised twelve categories and the award for ‘Outstanding Businesswoman’ brought together high achievers from across the continent.



The panel of independent judges all recognised that entrepreneurship and the continued growth and success of African businesses are critical to Africa's development. By celebrating the achievements of African companies and business leaders these awards provide an opportunity for Africa to share with the rest of the world some of its success stories.



“Maria is an inspiration and outstanding role model to many in and outside our organization and country - as a business leader, and as a woman. We are confident that she will not only continue to inspire women to achieve their full potential, but also motivate each of us to achieve the levels of dedication and professionalism that our millions of clients, and all our stakeholders, expect of us” says Gill Marcus, Absa Group Chairperson.

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