Theo Motha

Independent Non-Executive Director

Theo Motha has held various pivotal roles at Absa Group Limited. In May 2017 she was the Chief of Staff for Marketing and Corporate Relations (MCR) and by November 2017, she took on the additional responsibility of Head of Brand and Corporate Relations for the Wealth Investment Management and Insurance (WIMI) business. In April 2022, she was serving as the Acting Group Head: Marketing and Corporate Relations and Director of the Absa Africa Foundation and is currently the Acting Executive Director of Rise Mzansi.

Her extensive experience in leading marketing functions and founding a marketing consultancy have equipped her with the strategic insight needed to drive business growth and innovation. Her career began at the Unilever Group in South Africa as part of the Management Trainee Programme, and from there, she expanded her marketing expertise across diverse industries, including South African Breweries (alcoholic beverages), Kimberly Clark SA (FMCG), Novo Nordisk SA (pharmaceuticals), Vodacom (telecoms), and Tiger Brands (FMCG).

In 2006, she embraced her entrepreneurial spirit and co-founded I² Brand Consultants. Despite the financial challenges that led her back to the corporate world in 2007, this experience was a crucial part of her professional journey.

Her academic background includes a BA in Law and Psychology from the University of the Witwatersrand and a Postgraduate Diploma in Management from Wits Business School. She also completed an Executive Development Programme through the University of Stellenbosch and a Commercial Acumen Course through GIBS.

On a personal note, she is a proud parent of two children and grandparent to two wonderful grandchildren. Her interests are as diverse as her career, encompassing travel, reading, and music. Her journey is a testament to her belief in making a positive impact, whether in the corporate arena or the realm of social change.