Priscillah Mabelane is making history as the first black female CEO of BP

desmond frimpong

July 4, 2018 1:37 PM

BP appoints the first female in the country's oil industry to head a multi-national company as CEO, marking a milestone in the company.

BP Southern Africa (BPSA) appointed Priscillah Mabelane a chartered accountant as its new Chief executive on Monday.

Mabelane is the first woman of the country’s oil industry to head a multi-national company in history, marking a significant milestone in the organization and industry’s transformation journey.

She will take the helm on 1 September, exactly six years after joining the organisation in 2011 as the chief financial officer (CFO).

Mabelane worked at Ernst & Young as a tax director, worked at Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA) as CFO, and at Eskom where she held various roles in finance, tax and general management

“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,” Orleyn added.

“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.”

Mabelane’s appointment follows closely on the heels of two recent female senior executive appointments to the BPSA leadership team: Kelebogile Tseladimitlwa as human resources director Southern Africa, and Prinisha Khoosal as commercial integration manager, Southern Africa during the latter part of 2016.

desmond frimpong