In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, one leader stands out for her relentless drive to innovate and lead. Mary Mahuma, Chief Information Officer (CIO) for Southern Africa at Philip Morris International (PMI), is a seasoned technology executive with a career spanning multiple sectors, including banking, finance, telecommunications, insurance, security, FMCG, and education. Known for her strategic leadership and unwavering commitment to diversity, equality, and inclusion, Mahuma has become a trailblazer in the field of information technology (IT) across the Southern African region.
A Career Built on Transformation
Mahuma’s career trajectory has been anything but conventional. With a deep-rooted passion for technology and leadership, she has consistently proven herself as a transformative force in every organization she has worked for. Her current role as CIO at Philip Morris International, which she has held since 2022, sees her driving the company’s digital transformation strategy across Southern Africa. Here, Mahuma is responsible for shaping the regional IT portfolio, fostering strategic partnerships, and leading a high-performing team dedicated to advancing PMI’s technological capabilities.
Before joining PMI, Mahuma served as the Head of Information Technology: Brand & Marketing at Standard Bank Group from 2019 to 2022. In this capacity, she not only managed IT infrastructure but also led digital initiatives that supported the bank’s marketing and customer engagement strategies. Prior to that, she held a variety of IT leadership roles, including Business Service Lead for Marketing IT and Business Service Manager at Standard Bank, as well as Infrastructure and Operations Lead at the Financial Services Board.
Her diverse career spans several industries, showcasing her ability to adapt and drive value in a variety of business contexts. From her tenure as Service Delivery Practitioner at the South African Reserve Bank to her role as Service Manager at Liberty Group South Africa, Mahuma has built a reputation for delivering high-quality IT services and solutions that address complex business challenges.
