In a world where the rules of business are being rewritten, two formidable women are not just keeping pace – they are setting the course.
On Thursday, 6 June 2025, the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber will present an event that promises to ignite conversation, inspire ambition and challenge convention. Themed “Redefining Leadership: Women at the Helm of Industry and Innovation,” this gathering celebrates the trailblazers steering Africa’s business future with courage, clarity and conviction.
At the centre of this powerful narrative is Martina Biene, a name synonymous with visionary leadership in Africa’s automotive industry. From the global boardrooms of Volkswagen to the factory floors driving the growth of their business here and on the continent, Biene’s career is a masterclass in strategy and transformation. Now serving as Chairperson and Managing Director of Volkswagen Group Africa, President of the Association of African Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM), Board Member of the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber, and Chair of its CEOs Forum, she’s reshaping not only how we move, but how we lead.
Alongside her, Annaline van Asperen, Chief Operating Officer of FNB Commercial Banking, brings a different but equally compelling story. With over 20 years at the FirstRand Group, her journey spans the complex architecture of banking – from operations to national strategy. Today, she leads one of South Africa’s most ambitious AI transformation initiatives, all while championing a model of leadership that’s both technologically forward and deeply human.
Together, these women represent the cutting edge of industry and they’re bringing their stories, lessons and lived experiences to the forefront.
“This event represents far more than a moment on the calendar, it is part of a wider movement to reshape how we define leadership in the 21st century. By spotlighting women who are driving innovation, transformation and growth at the highest levels of industry, we aim to challenge outdated paradigms and inspire a more inclusive and dynamic leadership culture across our metro, nationally and beyond,” says Denise van Huyssteen, the chief executive officer of the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber.
“These conversations are critical, not only for empowering the next generation of women leaders but for catalysing sustainable economic development through diversity and collaboration. At the Chamber, we believe that when we amplify diverse voices, we unlock new possibilities for business, for communities and for Africa’s future.”
The event will feature a high-level dialogue diving into:
- What it truly means to lead in traditionally male dominated industries
- How to build a legacy grounded in innovation, reinvention and resilience
- The personal and professional metamorphosis that leadership demands
- And the imperative to drive inclusive, sustainable growth
But this is more than just a conversation. It’s a rallying cry, an invitation to reimagine leadership not as a title, but as a force for transformation.
Whether you’re an established leader, rising professional or entrepreneur, this event will challenge you, inspire you and equip you.
