/ 8 October 2007

Ramos ranked 14th most powerful businesswoman

Transnet group chief executive Maria Ramos has moved up two places to become the world’s 14th most powerful woman in business this year, according to Fortune magazine’s latest rankings.

Ramos was 16th on the American leading business magazine’s list last year.

This year is the fourth time she has appeared on the annual list and on all four occasions her ranking has progressively improved.

The former National Treasury director general’s entry in Fortune reads: ”Ramos (48) led Transnet through a restructuring, including disposing of national airline South African Airways. Her focus is on freight transport, using FedEx as a model. Profits rose 15% last year, to $1,5-billion.”

Speaking through Transnet spokesperson John Dludlu on Monday, Ramos said she was pleased by the recognition, which she thought should be proudly shared by all Transnet colleagues and its various stakeholders who had contributed to the company’s success.

This was worthy recognition for all women, South Africa and the continent.

She also believed it was timely recognition for the progress made in transforming Transnet into a world-class freight transport and logistics business, and to position the company as the promoter of economic growth in South Africa. — Sapa