Q1. Why are you nominating this person?  What contribution(s) and achievement(s) qualify the nominee for this award? Was their contribution(s)/achievement(s) for their organization, business, or client?

May is an adaptive CIO who Old Mutual’s technology business. She is an ambassador for technology and a champion of people, with a critical eye for business outcomes. With qualities such as capability, ambition and a direct nature, May is a powerful woman who is going places within the industry. Not only does she advocate for women in the technology sector, but she learns from them as she goes.

Q2. What metrics, if any, coincide with this nomination (e.g., financial, business growth, or client satisfaction impact)?

May is a frequent speaker, thought-leadership contributor and podcast guest. Some of her engagements include: https://europeanwomenintech.com/speakers/ and https://www.facebook.com/SeamlessAfrica/photos/a.1416558258420255/2757659474310120/?type=3

May has been a nominee and finalist in other awards that celebrate women in technology, including: 

• Finalist - Top Women Awards (Category: Top Women in Stem) 2023
• Nominee - Women in Tech Awards Africa (Category: CIO/CTO of the Year) 2021

From a previous nomination: "I have learnt many lessons along the way all of which has made me grow in some way and form I have learnt that failures teach you more than successes ever would.. be the writer of your own story and never give your pen away to someone else… My personal goal in any role was to be a leader that I would want to follow. As in Mahatma Gandhi’s words it is not how many followers you have but how many leaders you have created. Thank you to all the phenomenal people that has been part of my journey thus far."

Q3. Please describe their influence. Is it internal via leadership roles, chairing groups, etc. or external via social media, speaking engagements, thought leadership, etc.?

Key Statekolder: Old Mutual IT held our first cross continent technology conference. The aim was to get every individual in Group IT to come together to align on our strategic direction. Our theme “connecting people through technology” was brought to life by live streaming across 8 countries in Africa and 3 sites in South Africa. I am really proud of the engagement and the excitement from the tech team. The support that we received from our vendors on our IT EXPO was phenomenal! Here’s to Old Mutual once again doing great things.

Q4. What personal qualities have they demonstrated that would qualify them for this nomination (e.g., promotes collaboration, great communicator, supports other women, leads by example)?

• Inclusive - in the broader sense of the word
• Approachable
• Personable

Her colleagues are universal in their knowledge of May being right person to work for and the women who will get things done.

Q5. Is there any other information you would like us to consider?

May is an ambitious, dynamic leader that has the ability to gather people on a journey to a common goal and objective. She’s had a number of achievements in her career some include being chosen as one of 16 individuals in Standard Bank IT to partake in the 2013 Accelerated Leadership Initiative which is a programme aimed at growing senior managers to leaders in the bank. Another achievement was being chosen as one of the 5 finalists within the banking and finance sector in the “2014 Rising Star Award”. The award looks at rewarding young professionals that have ability to become future leaders in their respective sectors. With over 19 years of working experience within the IT industry across the Financial, Telecommunications and Retail Sector, 

May has managed different areas within IT ranging from project management, infrastructure to operations; this experience has provided her with the capability to be an effective CIO. She prides herself in being a people's person that has the ability to create networks and relationships with ease. May believes in always learning to ensure that she stays relevant and in touch with the market needs and prides herself as an individual that thinks out of the box, and comes up with creative ways of resolving issues and problematic situations.

In which of the following years did the nominee demonstrate these qualities/achieve these results? Select all that apply.

2021, 2022, 2023