Nomahlubi V. Simamane

A global executive and independent board director with more than 40 years of leadership experience across Africa, Europe and the USA. Her career spans senior roles with Unilever and British American Tobacco, founding Zanusi Brand Solutions, and board service across retail, healthcare, financial services and consumer-facing businesses.

She brings strategic judgement, commercial insight, governance leadership and a strong stakeholder perspective to organisations navigating growth, transformation and complexity.

Leadership strengths

Board leadership & governance

Independent oversight, board effectiveness and strategic judgement.

Strategy & transformation

Long-term value creation, business transformation and performance.

Commercial & market leadership

Strategic positioning, commercial performance and market relevance.

Stakeholder leadership

Relationships across shareholders, management and wider stakeholders.

African markets & growth

Understanding of African businesses, consumers and operating environments.

Board & governance experience

Lenmed Health Group

Lead Independent Director · 2012–present

EnX Group

Independent Non-Executive Director · 2023–present

The Foschini Group

Independent Non-Executive Director · 2009–2024

Oceana Group

Independent Non-Executive Director · 2009–2025

Cashbuild

Independent Non-Executive Director · 2004–2019

Hollard Insurance

Independent Non-Executive Director · 2014–2026

Committee experience: Audit & Risk · Social & Ethics · ESG · Remuneration · Nominations · Compliance

Executive career

Zanusi Brand Solutions

Founder & Chief Executive Officer · 2001–2022

Founded and led a strategic consultancy serving corporate and public-sector clients in purpose-driven strategy, brand equity and market positioning.

BLGK Bates

Managing Director · 1999–2001

Led the strategic turnaround of an integrated communications agency.

British American Tobacco

Marketing Director & Executive Top Team · 1995–1999

Led national consumer strategy and strategic category initiatives across international markets.

Unilever

Senior marketing leadership · 1983–1995

Held progressive senior roles in South Africa and Kenya, leading regional teams, turnarounds and product launches.

Education & recognition

Qualifications

FSCA Regulatory Examination (RE 5) · 2026
Master’s in Transpersonal Psychology, Atlantic University · 2024
Spiritual Guidance Mentor Certificate, Atlantic University · 2023
BSc Honours in Chemistry & Biology, University of Botswana & Swaziland · 1981

Recognition & thought leadership

Enterprising Woman of the Year, USA · 2013
Businesswoman of the Year, TOPCO & BBQ · 2009
Contributor to United Nations and UNEP sustainable-development dialogues
Speaker on African consumers and informal-sector economics; guest lecturer and mentor

Contact the Ramoupi team