Standard Chartered PLC has announced the appointment of Maria Ramos as an independent non-executive director to its Board of Directors with effect from 1 January 2021.
Maria will join the Company’s Audit and Board Risk Committees and will also become an independent non-executive director of Standard Chartered Bank on appointment.
Maria brings a wealth of CEO, banking, commercial, financial and international experience to the Board. Based in South Africa, she served as chief executive officer of ABSA Group Limited, a diversified financial services group serving 12 African markets from 2009 to 2019.
Before joining ABSA, Maria was the group chief executive of Transnet Ltd, the state-owned freight transport and logistics service provider for five years. Prior to her CEO career, Maria served for seven years as director-general of South Africa’s National Treasury where she played a key role in transforming the National Treasury into one of the most effective and efficient state departments in the post-apartheid administration.
Maria also brings considerable non-executive experience, having served on international boards, including Sanlam Ltd, Remgro Ltd, and SABMiller plc. She currently serves as a non-executive director on the Board of Richemont SA and AngloGold Ashanti Limited, as well as Saudi British Bank and Public Investment Corporation Limited. She is also a member of the Group of Thirty and an accomplished academic, having taught at various universities and institutions.
The Company also announces that David Tang (aged 65), independent non-executive director who was appointed in June 2019, and is a member of the Brand, Values and Conduct Committee is to be appointed to the Board Risk Committee from 1 October 2020. David has a deep understanding and substantial experience in a number of our key markets, most notably Greater China, and will make a valuable contribution to the Committee’s discussions, especially in relation to emerging technologies, digital and associated risks.
José Viñals, Group Chairman said: “We are delighted to welcome Maria to Standard Chartered. She brings considerable experience as a CEO, significant understanding of the global financial services industry, an in-depth understanding of the regulatory landscape, as well as experience of operating across many of our markets, especially the Africa region. We look forward to her contribution at our Board and Committee discussions.
“We also welcome David Tang’s appointment to the Board Risk Committee where he is well placed to provide significant insight into the discussion on information and cyber security and the broad range of risks associated with the emerging technologies sector.”
The independent non-executive directors do not participate in any of the Company’s incentive arrangements. Maria Ramos will receive a fee of GBP105,000 per annum for her services as an independent non-executive director, with additional fees of GBP35,000 per annum, as a member of the Audit Committee and GBP35,000 per annum, as a member of the Board Risk Committee. This is disclosed in accordance with the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited.
Maria Ramos has no relationship with any other Director, member of senior management or substantial or controlling shareholder of Standard Chartered PLC.
Save as disclosed above, there is no other information to be disclosed under the requirements of UK Listing Rule 9.6.13 (1-6) and Rule 13.51(2) of the Hong Kong Listing Rules in relation to Maria Ramos’s appointment which has been notified as necessary to the Regulator.
