Parmi Natesan is one of South Africa’s most respected voices in ethical leadership, corporate governance, and boardroom transformation. As Chief Executive Officer of the Institute of Directors in South Africa (IoDSA), she leads the country’s foremost authority on directorship, professionalising governance and amplifying the impact of ethical leadership in both public and private sectors.
History: Humble Beginnings to National Impact
Parmi’s remarkable journey is deeply rooted in her upbringing in a close-knit community in the Eastern Cape. Growing up in a modest home, she was surrounded by the quiet strength and unshakable work ethic of her parents.
Her interest in accountancy was sparked by a desire to help businesses operate more ethically and efficiently, but also to bring credibility and professionalism to the way resources were managed. Determined to be the first in her family to attend university, she applied herself relentlessly to her studies.
At Nelson Mandela University, Parmi continued to break boundaries. She graduated cum laude with a BCom degree, and later an Honours degree in Accounting. Her dedication earned her numerous academic awards and scholarships, but what truly set her apart was her unwavering commitment to giving back. She often tutored fellow students and served on leadership committees, even while managing the intense demands of her coursework and her part-time job.
Upon qualifying as a Chartered Accountant, Parmi joined the corporate world—where she quickly distinguished herself for her strong analytical skills, work ethic, and integrity. However, she also encountered the stark underrepresentation of women and people of colour in senior leadership roles. Rather than being discouraged, this only galvanised her mission. She began speaking out about the need for transformation and actively mentoring junior professionals, particularly women and people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Her transition into governance came at a critical juncture in South Africa’s history, where public trust in both private and public institutions was under intense scrutiny. Recognising the transformative power of effective governance, she joined the IoDSA, initially in a technical specialist role. Her grasp of governance frameworks and financial literacy, combined with a deep understanding of both corporate structures and social justice, made her a natural leader. Within a few years, she was appointed CEO—the youngest person ever to hold the role, and the first person of colour.
Under her leadership, the IoDSA was revitalised. She led the organisation into a new era of innovation, inclusion and impact. She supported the Certified DirectorⓇ and Chartered Director SAⓇ designations, reinforcing the idea that governance is not just about compliance, but about character and competence. She also restructured the IoDSA to become financially sustainable and globally recognised, positioning it as a thought leader on the continent.
Parmi’s story—from a determined student in the Eastern Cape to a nationally and globally recognised governance leader—is a testament to the power of vision, grit and heart-led leadership. Her journey continues to inspire a generation of leaders to rise, lead and transform with purpose.
A Governance Trailblazer and Policy Influencer
Parmi is a leading advocate for the professionalisation of directorship, positioning governance as a strategic enabler of sustainable success. In 2023, she led the IoDSA’s submission to Parliament on the Companies Amendment Bill, ensuring the legislative environment supports ethical and effective leadership. She plays an active role in shaping national policy through her involvement in the drafting process of King V, the next evolution of South Africa’s globally respected corporate governance Code.
Her board involvement reflects her deep commitment to governance excellence. She serves as an executive director on the IoDSA Board, as well as first-female Chairperson of the Council of St Peter’s College. She formerly served as non-executive director of PPS Holdings Trust and Alviva Holdings, where she also served as Lead Independent Director and Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee.
More recently, she was appointed Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of the Free State’s School of Economic and Management Sciences – highlighting her dedication to knowledge-sharing and shaping the next generation of ethical leaders.
Voice of a Nation: Thought Leadership and Advocacy
Recognised widely as a governance thought leader, Parmi is a sought-after speaker at high-profile local and international conferences. She contributes regularly to public discourse through media interviews, expert commentary, podcasts, and published articles. Her thought leadership is anchored in practical impact—translating high-level governance principles into real-world strategies that drive organisational performance and integrity.
She also serves on several of the country’s most influential governance bodies, including the King Committee of South Africa, Integrated Reporting Committee, and the Global Network of Director Institutes—amplifying her role in setting standards for governance excellence, not just in South Africa, but globally.
Parmi is also a passionate advocate for women in leadership. Her active participation in IWFSA (International Women’s Forum South Africa), the 30% Club, and various gender-empowerment networks reflect her deep commitment to breaking barriers and building inclusive boardrooms.
Recognition, Integrity, and Impact
Her accolades are vast and reflect her national and global influence. In 2024, she was named Business Leader of the Year at the Top Empowerment Awards, a recognition of her unmatched contribution to ethical leadership. She was honoured as a Global Woman Achiever in 2022 and received the SAICA Difference Maker Award for Ethical Leadership in the same year. Her consistent impact over time is evident in her being a finalist and highly commended for Businesswoman of the Year across three consecutive years—2021, 2022 and 2023. In 2023, she was also presented with the Women of Wonder Award and named a finalist for CEO of the Year at the prestigious Global Women in GRC Awards. These accolades celebrate not only her professional success but also her embodiment of values-driven leadership.
Yet, what truly sets Parmi apart is her ability to blend high-impact leadership with authenticity and heart. As a mother to two teenage straight-A students, she is proudly hands-on in raising her children while leading a major national institution. Whether helping with school projects or exam preparation, Parmi models what it means to be both a present parent and a powerhouse professional. Her journey inspires a new paradigm of leadership where success is defined not only by career accolades, but by the lives positively touched along the way.
Inside the IoDSA, Parmi is deeply admired. Staff describe her as “approachable,” “visionary,” “grounded,” and “an inspirational example of excellence.” They speak of a leader who is as comfortable driving digital transformation and high-level strategy as she is pulling up her sleeves to help with hands-on projects. Her “grace under pressure,” “integrity,” and “humility” are frequently cited, with one team member writing: “We’re all lucky to be part of IoDSA under your leadership. You lead with both firmness and warmth—it’s truly inspiring.”
Parmi Natesan is not just a CEO. She is a mentor, a movement builder and a modern-day icon for women in leadership. Through her work, she is reshaping governance, championing equity and proving—by example—that empowered leadership starts at home and scales all the way to the boardroom.
Article Received By the Institute of Directors in South Africa (IoDSA)
