Deloitte Africa has appointed Ruwayda Redfearn as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO). 
 
Redfearn, who was announced in November last year, succeeds Lwazi Bam, who had been the firm’s CEO since 2012.
 
As part of Deloitte’s transformation journey, Redfearn is the first female CEO of Deloitte Africa and its fourth consecutive black CEO. 
 
Redfearn started her career at Deloitte in 1997 and made partner in 2004 after having a two-year secondment in New York. 
 
Apart from a three-year period when she worked outside of Deloitte, she has been with the firm throughout her career. 
 
She served as the Office Managing Partner for the KZN region and managed the risk advisory business for the Eastern Seaboard. 
 
She was appointed to the Deloitte Africa Board in 2016 and has chaired the firm’s remuneration committee. She also serves on the Deloitte Global Board of Directors.
 
Redfearn said Deloitte seeks to realise its purpose and meaningful role in enhancing the competitiveness of its clients, creating fulfilling opportunities for its people and being a socially accountable business.
 
“Taking into account the macro-economic volatility of the past decade; the global financial crisis of 2008, the recent pandemic economy and now the war on Ukraine, it is apparent that companies cannot rely on profitability alone to survive.

They need to be purpose-led,” says Redfearn.
 
She continued: “My vision is for Deloitte Africa to be a trusted global partner in Africa, an employer of choice for top talent across the continent and continue to make an impact that matters to our people, clients, and society.

“I am excited and energised to work alongside this leadership team which brings a wealth of experience and talent. I look forward to helping shape Deloitte in the years ahead.”