Mark Williams of Teba Bank has been acknowledged as a young global leader by World Economic Forum (WEF)

Mark Williams (pictured right), the Chief Executive of Teba Bank, has been acknowledged as a young global leader. He has received the honourable accolade as one of the exceptional Young Global Leaders of 2008 (YGLs).

Each year the World Economic Forum (WEF) selects leading executives, public figures and intellectuals under the age of 40 who are recognised for their professional accomplishments, commitment to society and potential to contribute to shaping the future of the world.

Only the very best of over 5,000 worthy candidates were nominated from 65 countries around the world this year. The candidates are assessed according to rigorous selection criteria by a committee of 31 eminent international media leaders, chaired by H.M. Queen Rania Al Abdullah of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The criteria include having a track record of extraordinary achievement, substantial leadership experience of at least 5 years, Demonstrated a commitment to serving society at large and having an impeccable record in the public eye and good standing in the community.

Each year, the short list is whittled down to between 200 and 300 outstanding individuals, ensuring that a truly representative body is created. This year 245 such leaders have been selected, of which 23 are from Africa, including the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Queen of Morocco.

Established in 2004 by Prof Klaus Schwab, The Forum of Young Global Leaders is a unique group of extraordinary young leaders who collectively address global challenges. Over and above their day jobs, they devote a significant portion of their time to initiate, develop and drive innovative solutions to global issues including health, education, the environment and eradication of poverty.

David Aikman, the Senior Director and current Head of the Forum of Young global Leaders says: “…this community of committed individuals can actually change the status quo. It is a privilege to work with such inspirational leaders and to bring them together in a global network…”.

A well deserved global accolade bearing testament to the commitment Mark Williams has to the upliftment and development of not only Teba Bank and the communities they serve but also South Africa and beyond.  

OTHER SOUTH AFRICAN’S LISTED AS YOUNG GLOBAL LEADERS FOR 2008:

Yolanda Cuba: Chief Executive Officer, Mvelaphanda Holdings

Kuseni Dlamini: Executive Chairman, Richards Bay Coal Terminal

Natalie Du Toit: Athlete and Ability Rights Activist

Theodore Ernest 'Ernie' Els: Founder, The Ernie Els and Fancourt Foundation

Ferial Haffajee: Editor-in-chief, Mail & Guardian

Michael Jordaan: Chief Executive, First National Bank, FirstRand Ltd

Lisa Kropman: Founder, Investec Ltd

Tumi Makgabo: Head of Communications, 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee

David Munro: Deputy Chief Executive, Corporate and Investment Banking, Standard Bank Group Ltd

Sunette Pienaar: Executive Chairperson, Heartbeat Centre for Community Development

Allon Raiz: Founder, Raizcorp

Paul van Zyl: Executive Vice-President, International Centre for Transitional Justice