Edith Jiya’s ascent: Group CEO in Malawi to South Africa’s leadership

---

At a Glance

---

• Edith Jiya, Malawi’s first female Old Mutual CEO, now heads South Africa’s Retail Mass Market portfolio.
• Jiya’s leadership drove innovation and expanded financial inclusion across Malawi.
• Her cross-border appointment marks a milestone in African female financial leadership.

---

From reshaping Malawi’s financial sector to earning a seat at Old Mutual’s South African helm, Edith Jiya’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, strategy, and breaking barriers.

The first female Group CEO of Old Mutual Malawi, Jiya ascends to the rank of the Managing Director of Retail Mass Market role at Old Mutual Life Assurance Company in South Africa on November 1, 2024 — a new chapter in a career defined by firsts.

A career forged in excellence

Armed with degrees from the University of Malawi and the University of Derby, UK, and Chartered Insurer credentials, Jiya’s ascent blends academic strength with business acumen. 

She began her career at BP Malawi, managing aviation fuels, before joining Old Mutual in 2007.

By 2011, she was General Manager for Old Mutual Life Assurance, and in 2017, she shattered the glass ceiling as the company’s first female Group CEO.

Driving growth, delivering innovation

Under Jiya’s guidance, Old Mutual Malawi not only expanded its footprint but also pioneered market-shaping products like Phuka Digital Savings and Mthunzi Funeral Services, deepening financial inclusion across Malawi.

Beyond Old Mutual, her influence runs deep across the corporate landscape. She has chaired and served on the boards of institutions spanning banking, telecoms, property, and education — including FDH Bank, Mpico, and Malawi Telecommunications.

A new chapter, A wider horizon

Jiya’s appointment to Old Mutual South Africa signals both professional elevation and regional trust. She will lead the Retail Mass Market portfolio, tasked with expanding access to financial products for underserved communities across southern Africa.

As she put it: “It has been an absolute pleasure to serve the people of Malawi through a brand committed to improving financial wellbeing. The business is well-placed to keep delivering value for Malawians.”

From aviation fuels to boardrooms across industries, and now to a continental stage — Edith Jiya’s career remains a blueprint for ambitious leadership in Africa’s evolving financial landscape.