Head: IAM P&C, Insurance and Asset Management, Standard Bank Group

Pumeza Ntombomnumzana Bam is a seasoned people and culture leader with over 27 years of experience shaping talent, leadership, and organisational culture across consulting, technology, and financial services. Currently serving as Head of People and Culture for Insurance and Asset Management at Standard Bank Group, she brings a distinctive blend of scientific curiosity, leadership expertise, and human-centred strategy to her work.

Her academic foundation includes a BSc in Biochemistry from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, further enriched by executive development through the Programme for Management Development (PMD) and Board Leadership programmes at GIBS. She is a Chartered HR Professional with the South African Board for People Practices, a Certified Director with the Institute of Directors South Africa, and a proud Fellow of both the African Leadership Initiative SA (ALI) and the Aspen Global Leadership Network (AGLN).

Pumeza began her career at EY in consulting before moving into technology and financial services, where she built a reputation for driving people-centred transformation. In recognition of her impact, she was honoured with the Strategy and Leadership Award at the 2022 CHRO Awards.

Beyond her corporate role, Pumeza is deeply committed to advancing women’s leadership and education. She has been actively involved in the South African chapter of the International Women’s Forum, serving both on its board and as Chair of the Leadership Development Committee. She has also lent her expertise as a board member of the Align-Ed Foundation, an NPC advocating for transformative learning in under-resourced schools and communities.

At her core, Pumeza is passionate about enabling people to thrive — particularly women — and believes that authentic leadership and inclusive opportunity can reshape not just organisations, but society itself.