Africans rising
South Africa’s Wendy Luhabe appointed onto the World Rugby Executive Committee
World Rugby last week appointed South African entrepreneur Wendy Luhabe as a member of its executive committee. The appointment has been hailed by many across the world as a positive step and social media has been awash with congratulatory messages. A hearty congratulations to Luhabe on the historic appointment as a World Rugby ExCo director.
World Rugby last week appointed South African entrepreneur Wendy Luhabe as a member of its executive committee in a historic appointment, which is being widely celebrated.
With the appointment, Luhabe (with fellow appointee, Mervyn Davies) are the first independent directors of the new World Rugby Executive Committee.
Speaking on her appointment, Luhabe said in a statement: “It is an honour to be joining the World Rugby Executive Committee at such an exciting time for the sport”.
Wendy Luhabe (L) and Mervyn Davies (R) are the first independents elected to the World Rugby Executive Committee. Photo: World Rugby
“I am looking forward to combining my broad business and education skills to play a full role in supporting my fellow executive committee members in shaping decisions for the betterment of the game”.
Extensive experience:
Luhabe has extensive experience as a non-executive director in diverse industries and public sector companies. She has worked in consumer, telecommunications, industrial development, private equity, country brand development and education.
Luhabe is currently chair and founder of the Women Private Equity Fund, South Africa’s first private equity fund for women, and has held governance roles with Vodacom, the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), the International Marketing Council (IMC) and the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.
The new committee is expected to officially take office from 1 July under the leadership of incoming World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont.
Commenting on the new Executive Committee, Beaumont said in a statement: “I would like to congratulate the newly-elected Executive Committee members and welcome our first independent directors. I look forward to chairing this important group and collaborating with my new colleagues on this dynamic and agile decision-making body to strengthen and advance the game”.
Social media messages:
@WendyLuhabe
Proud of you Fatma at helm of FiFA Wendy Luhabe board World Rugby Sindy Koyana FIFA Vice Auditor— Sima Bahous (@unwomenchief) May 16, 2016
A big congratulations to Wendy Luhabe on her appointment as an independent director to the executive committee of World Rugby.
— Vusi Pikoli (@VusiPikoli) May 15, 2016
Congratulations are in order for #SA Businesswoman Wendy Luhabe…appointed to the World Rugby Executive Council.
— Clayson Monyela (@ClaysonMonyela) May 15, 2016
https://twitter.com/Sentletse/status/731164192477224961
Source: World Rugby
