The South African Breweries Limited has appointed Yolanda Cuba to its board as Executive Director: Development and Decision Support.

Ms Cuba is the immediate past Group CEO of Mvelaphanda Group Limited, one of South Africa’s leading black-owned investment companies.

In her position at SAB, Ms Cuba will work closely with the company’s Chairman and Managing Director, Norman Adami and other executive directors, in giving impetus to selected aspects of the business strategy.

Mr Adami says: “In the past two years we have radically increased the rate at which SAB transforms to become a model competitor, delivering a step change in virtually every area of our business. Yolanda joining the business is part of this transition into the next phase.”

Ms Cuba brings with her a wealth of management and leadership experience rooted in her strong investment and financial background.

“During her tenure with the Mvelaphanda Group, Yolanda has proven her ability to facilitate dramatic results and deliver innovative solutions to complex issues,” says Mr Adami.

Ms Cuba says: “This is an exciting next step for me after the successful restructuring of Mvela Group. It’s indeed an honor and a privilege to be asked to contribute to the continuing growth and development of such an impressive business. I look forward to working with Norman and the team”.

Ms Cuba is a chartered accountant by profession and holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Statistics) from the University of Cape Town and a Bachelor of Commerce Honours degree in Accounting from the University of Natal.

In 2006, she was recognised as the Top Empowered Business Women of the Year by Top Companies and was awarded a Youth Excellence Award by the Black Management Forum in 2007. The World Economic Forum selected her as one of the Young Global Leaders.

Ms Cuba joined Mvelaphanda’s Corporate Finance Division in 2003 and was appointed deputy CEO later that year. At the age of 29, she became one of the youngest CEO’s of a JSE-listed company.