Standard Chartered PLC has announced the appointment of Maria Ramos as its new Group Chair, succeeding José Viñals. This change comes as Viñals approaches the end of his nine-year term with the company. Subject to regulatory approvals, Ramos will officially take on her new role following the company's Annual General Meeting on May 8, 2025.
Maria Ramos joined Standard Chartered's Board in January 2021 as an Independent Non-Executive Director and later became Chair of the Board Risk Committee and Senior Independent Director in 2022. She brings a wealth of experience from her leadership roles in both private and public sectors, including a decade as CEO of Absa Group Limited.
Ramos expressed her gratitude for the opportunity: "I am honoured to take on the role of Chair at Standard Chartered at an important time in its continued transformation... I look forward to working closely with the Board, Bill, the Management Team and our global colleagues."
Phil Rivett, who chaired the Selection Panel for this appointment, stated: "Today’s announcement of Maria’s appointment concludes a rigorous and wide-ranging search process for José’s successor... Her knowledge of the banking sector stood out."
Bill Winters welcomed Ramos by saying: "Maria is a proven leader with deep industry experience and strategic vision. I very much look forward to working with her..."
José Viñals also supported the decision: "I am very pleased by the choice... I have full confidence that she will continue to drive the Bank’s progress."
Ramos currently serves on several international boards but plans to retire from Compagnie Financière Richemont SA after 13 years by March 31, 2025.
For more details or inquiries regarding this announcement, Shaun Gamble from Group Media Relations can be contacted at +44 (0) 7766 443662.