Mpumi Madisa, who grew up in Mohlakeng, Gauteng, a predominantly Black community in South Africa, has emerged as a prominent business leader. In 2020, she made history as the first Black woman to lead a top-40 company listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange JSE, solidifying her position as a pioneer in South Africa's corporate sector.
As the CEO of Bidvest Group, a leading services, trading, and distribution conglomerate, the 44-year-old oversees nearly 130,000 employees, driving operational excellence, transformative changes, and generating significant shareholder value. Her journey to the top at Bidvest reflects her resilience, ambition, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Madisa holds degrees in economics, mathematics, and finance from Wits University. She began her career at Hollard Insurance before joining Bidvest in 2003. Her rise within the company was rapid, driven by her strong leadership skills and dedication.
She first gained recognition at Prestige, a Bidvest subsidiary focused on cleaning services, where she served as client relations manager and later corporate affairs director. Her passion for transformation was also evident during her time as Chief Director of Transformation at the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, where she worked to create more opportunities for women in executive roles.
