Mark Lamberti quits Business Leadership SA

Cape Town - Imperial Holdings CEO Mark Lamberti has resigned from the Board of Business Leadership South Africa (BLSA).

This follows his resignation from the board of Eskom last week after a high court on March 23 ruled against him in a case where former employee Adila Chowan accused Associated Motor Holdings, and Lamberti, of race and gender discrimination.

She left the company's employ before she brought the case in 2015.

Among others, Lamberti was said to have referred to Chowan as "female employment-equity" in front of fellow managers, and said she would need as many as four more years to develop her leadership skills.

Lamberti has since apologised unreservedly for the remarks.

• READ: Imperial CEO apologises for remarks to employee after ruling

The BLSA Board said in a statement on Monday evening that it appreciates Lamberti’s apology.

BLSA also said it appreciates the commitment provided by Lamberti and the Imperial board to accelerate the Imperial Group’s transformation initiatives of recent years.

The business grouping said its members are committed to playing their part in creating a South Africa of increasing prosperity for all and to delivering economic growth, transformation and inclusion, among others, by encouraging and empowering senior black leadership.

Lamberti is the BLSA’s longest serving director.

BLSA said he has a strong track record of contribution both to the various businesses he has led and to the country. "The BLSA board thanks Mr Lamberti for the years of guidance and his service to BLSA,"it said in the statement.