BP South Africa Gets First Black Female CEO

The management of British Petroleum Southern Africa (BPSA) on Monday announced Priscillah Mabelane as its new Chief Executive Officer.

With her appointment, Mabelane becomes the first black female chief executive at BPSA. She is also become the first woman in the history of the country’s oil industry to head a multi-national company, marking a significant milestone in the organisation and industry’s transformation journey, according to the website eNCA.

Before joining BP as chief financial officer (CFO), Ms Mabelane, a chartered accountant held senior roles at Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA), international tax and assurance company Ernst & Young, and South African electricity supplier Eskom.

BPSA chairperson Thandi Orleyn said Mabelane has more than 20 years of service in a number of key leadership positions adding that she brings a “wealth of world-class experience and expertise” to her new role as chief executive.

“Given her proven track record in her previous executive roles, we are confident that Priscillah will be a strong leader for our business, especially as we continue to explore new areas of growth and development.

“Priscillah’s appointment reinforces BPSA’s pioneering role and strength of commitment to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workforce that will breed creativity and ensure we meet, even exceed customer expectations.,” Orleyn said.

Mabelane is taking over from outgoing chief executive, Daniel Odogwu who was at the helm for three and half years.

She will formally take up her new post on 1 September, six years after she joined the company as chief financial officer (CFO) in 2011.

eNCA reports that Mabelane’s appointment follows closely on the heels of BPSA’s promotion of two women to senior executive position in 2016: Kelebogile Tseladimitlwa as human resources director Southern Africa, and Prinisha Khoosal as commercial integration manager Southern Africa.