Woolworth's chief executive Zyda Rylands this week won the inaugural Woman of the Year award at the World Retail Congress' International Women in Retail Reception.
The company said Rylands was given the special award as recognition of her inspirational work both as an international leader philanthropist and for her outstanding commercial success.
Rylands on Friday said she was honoured to be the inaugural recipient of the award.
According to Woolworths, Rylands joined the company in 1996. The company says she was appointed director of people and transformation in 2005, before becoming a chief operations officer a year later.
In 2015, Rylands was appointed to her current position.
"I love retail. It's in my blood. I, like everyone at the World Retail Congress, continue to be inspired and excited by the constantly changing retail landscape, the amazing variety of trends and innovation in our industry and the passion and dedication of the people who work tirelessly to keep giving our customers the best. I feel privileged to be part of Woolworths, and lead the people who work there – our people keep making a difference and are what really makes it such an incredible place to work and shop." Rylands said.
Woolworths is listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.
In February, Woolworth reported its group sales had increased 6.7 percent to R37.8 billion despite a subdued consumer climate that has been characterised by low spending.
Profit before tax increased 37.9 percent while clothing and general merchandise sales grew by 3.5 percent.
