Standard Bank Namibia Holdings Chief Executive Mercia Geises, features in the 17th position on the list of 50 women CEOs leading corporate Africa. Africa.com undertook a rigorous research project to identify the women who run the largest, and most complex businesses on the continent, and the result of this extensive research undertaking is The Africa.com Definitive List of Women CEOs.
The list was compiled through a deep research effort to identify big businesses listed on one of Africa’s stock exchanges and has a market capitalization of over $150 million USD, or a global publicly listed company with a market capitalization of over $50 billion USD and significant operations in Africa.
“I am forever grateful to the male and female leaders that nurtured me throughout my professional journey and recognise that we can only drive Africa’s growth if we play our part in ensuring that the girl child rises to the occasion. We are knowledge workers and there surely should not be any reason for women to doubt their capabilities based on gender. Through the work that we do at Standard Bank and initiatives like the Africa.com Definitive List of Women CEOs, we amplify the message that IT CAN BE, says Geises.
Geises joined the bank in July 2016 as Head of Personal and Business Banking. She was responsible for the retail banking franchise, the largest division of the bank for 5 years before being appointed to her current role in May 2021. Mercia is an admitted attorney who started her corporate career in impact investing, setting up and running infrastructure funds significant development impact in the country. Prior to joining Standard Bank, Ms. Geises worked at Old Mutual for 12 years, rising to the position of Chief Executive Officer of Old Mutual Investment Group (Namibia), an investment manager with N$30bn in assets under management.