Standard Chartered has named Maria Ramos as its next group chair, succeeding Jose Viñals who will step down after nearly nine years in the role.

Ramos will take up the position following the bank's annual general meeting on 8 May 2025, subject to regulatory approvals.

Ramos, aged 65, joined Standard Chartered's board as an independent non-executive director in January 2021 and was appointed chair of the board risk committee and senior independent director the following year. She brings extensive banking experience, having served as chief executive officer of Absa Group Limited for a decade.

"I am honoured to take on the role of chair at Standard Chartered at an important time in its continued transformation," said Ramos. "I look forward to working closely with the Board, Bill, the Management Team and our global colleagues to deliver the next phase of the Group's strategy."

The appointment follows what the bank described as an extensive global search process. Phil Rivett, chair of the selection panel, said: "Maria is an experienced chair who benefits from a successful career across the private and public sectors. Her knowledge of the banking sector, as well as a deep understanding of the Group's unique footprint stood out."

Standard Chartered's chief executive officer Bill Winters welcomed the appointment, describing Ramos as "a proven leader with deep industry experience and strategic vision."

In her new role, Ramos will receive a salary of £1,293,000 per annum and will relocate to the UK. She will step down from her position on the board of Compagnie Financière Richemont at the end of March 2025.

Before joining Standard Chartered, Ramos had an extensive career in both public and private sectors, including serving as chief executive officer of Transnet and director-general of South Africa's National Treasury. She currently serves on several international boards and is a member of the Group of Thirty.

Viñals, who will retire from the board in May, expressed confidence in his successor: "I am very pleased by the choice the Board has made to appoint Maria as group chair. I have full confidence that she will continue to drive the Bank's progress."

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