South Africa’s top supply chain and marketing professionals gathered for the IMM Institute Excellence Awards Gala Dinner at The Venue, Melrose Arch on 8 May 2026. The awards, drawn from a competitive field spanning students, entrepreneurs, corporate teams and emerging talent, were adjudicated by an independent panel of senior industry professionals.
“This year’s Excellence Awards once again affirmed the calibre of talent, leadership and innovation shaping Africa’s marketing and supply chain professions,” says Irene Gregory, CEO of the IMM Institute.
Prof. Douglas Boateng was awarded the Supply Chain Lifetime Achievement Award. “His exceptional thought leadership has left an indelible mark on the profession,” Gregory notes.
The winners in the supply chain category were:
Supply Chain Student of the Year: Kay Whitehead
The Stellenbosch-based professional graduated top of her class and achieved a 97% overall score in the judging process.
Emerging Supply Chain Practitioner of the Year: Jarett Lynch
At 25, Lynch has three years’ experience across international shipping, customs clearance, logistics, warehousing and distribution.
Supply Chain Professional of the Year: Malle Mabelane
With over 15 years of cross-sector experience, Mabelane leads procurement across Legal and IP at Sasol.
Corporate Supply Chain Team of the Year: National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA)
NTCSA was recognised for its strategic approach to supply chain excellence within a critical national infrastructure context (in pic).
Reflecting on the evening, Gregory points to a broader shift under way across the continent. “The overall quality of this year’s winners and finalists reflects a growing depth of strategic thinking, innovation and professional maturity across our industries,” she says. “Collectively, this year’s awards signal an exciting shift toward more integrated, future-focused leadership across Africa’s professional ecosystem.”
