SOUTH AFRICA– Danone Southern Africa, a leading global food and beverage company, has announced the appointment of two female directors, marking a significant step in the company’s ongoing commitment to gender balance and leadership diversity.
The appointments of Jessica Munsami as Quality and Food Safety Director and Nosiseko (Nosi) Biko as Cycles & Procurement Director underscore Danone’s dedication to promoting equality within its ranks.
Jessica Munsami will be taking on the newly created role of Quality and Food Safety Director, where she will oversee product excellence across all countries in sub-Saharan Africa.
With extensive experience in functional leadership and people development, Munsami’s role is pivotal in ensuring that Danone’s products meet the highest standards across a diverse and expanding market.
Nosiseko Biko, who has been with Danone for 13 years, steps into the role of Cycles & Procurement Director for Sub-Saharan Africa.
She will be responsible for sourcing and supplier development across raw materials, packaging, milk procurement, and indirect spending, including co-manufacturing. Biko’s leadership will be crucial in optimizing the supply chain and driving sustainable growth within the region.
Hercules Duvenage, HR Director at Danone Southern Africa, emphasized the importance of these appointments in the company’s broader strategy to achieve gender parity in leadership roles by 2030.
“As part of our impact journey, we are dedicated to fostering equality and creating growth opportunities. Both Jessica and Nosi have demonstrated remarkable commitment and have made a lasting impact through their day-to-day operations,” Duvenage stated.
“Their leadership will be instrumental as we continue to push forward in our mission to promote gender equity.”
The appointment of Munsami and Biko is part of Danone Southern Africa’s broader efforts to align with the Employment Equity Act and to ensure equal opportunity and fair treatment in employment.
The company has made significant strides toward gender equity, with women now occupying 59% of leadership roles within the organization. This progress shows a broader trend in South Africa, where the number of female CEOs has increased by 9% in 2024, rising from 30% to 39%.
Biko expressed her enthusiasm for the new role, stating, “This role marks an exciting chapter for me, as it allows me to collaborate with incredible people both locally and in Nigeria and Ghana, driving the growth of Danone in Africa.”
“I am ecstatic about the opportunity to make a lasting change, investing in our people and growing our iconic brands. Being part of a Sub-Saharan role offers a great opportunity to drive growth and development in people and learn new cultures,” Munsami added.
Danone Southern Africa’s commitment to gender diversity is not just about meeting targets but creating a culture where all employees can drive their career journeys with support from various development and training resources.
“We are very proud of both appointments, which is a testament to their worth and expertise as individuals. We are excited to see where their roles take them and the changes and impact they will bring,” Duvenage concluded.
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