Maria Ramos

• Group Chief Executive, Absa Group, South Africa

1983, diploma, Institute of Bankers; 1987, BCom (Hons) and 1992, MSc, Economics, University of London. Former: Director-General, National Treasury; Group Chief Executive, Transnet. Since March 2009, Group Chief Executive, Absa Group and Chief Executive, Barclays Africa. Member, Executive Committee, Barclays; Member, Executive Committee, International Business Council. Recipient, awards and honours, including: honorary doctorates, Stellenbosch and Free State Universities; ranked 7th of 50 Most Powerful Women in Business, Fortune magazine (2011); CNBC Africa Business Women of the Year (2011); Mgmt Excellence Award, Wits Business School (2010).