Learning as a Leadership Discipline
March 10, 2026Learning as a Leadership Discipline
March 10, 2026After Forbes Communication Council,
Suneeta Motala now joins Forbes Business Development Council as the first Mauritian
20 April 2026
Stewards Investment Capital is proud to announce that Deputy CEO Suneeta Motala, has been admitted to the Forbes Business Development Council, becoming the first Mauritian professional to join this prestigious global network.
“Being part of the Forbes Communications Council over the past two years has been an incredible experience that allowed me to exchange ideas with global leaders and contribute to meaningful conversations on leadership and branding,” said Suneeta Motala, Deputy CEO of Stewards Investment Capital. “Joining the Forbes Business Development Council is an exciting next step. It provides a powerful platform to continue learning from industry peers while sharing perspectives on building businesses internationally.”
This milestone builds on another key achievement in 2024, when Suneeta became the first Mauritian to join the Forbes Communications Council. In 2026, she now becomes the first person from Mauritius to be admitted to the Forbes Business Development Council, marking another important step for Mauritian representation within global executive leadership communities.
Suneeta’s appointment follows a highly successful two-year tenure with the Forbes Communications Council, where she contributed actively to global industry discussions. During her time in the council, she participated in more than 20 expert panel interactions that were published across Forbes platforms and authored two widely read Forbes articles: “The Silent Slap of Success” and “How to Use Your Foundations to Take Your Brand International.”
Forbes Councils are invitation-only professional communities operated in collaboration with Forbes. They bring together accomplished executives and entrepreneurs across industries to share insights, publish thought leadership, and collaborate with peers from around the world.
The Forbes Business Development Council is a highly selective organization for senior-level executives responsible for driving business growth. Members are vetted and admitted based on their professional achievements, leadership experience, and demonstrated success in business development and strategy. The council provides a platform for executives to exchange best practices, publish expert insights on Forbes.com, and engage with an international network of leaders.
“We are honored to welcome Suneeta Motala to Forbes Business Development Council”, said Ryan Paugh, president & co-founder of Forbes Councils. “Our philosophy is that by curating the very best entrepreneurial minds around and providing them with a space to build meaningful relationships and access more opportunity, our members can further their success and the success of the entire entrepreneurial ecosystem.”
Stewards Investment Capital believes Suneeta’s appointment will strengthen the firm’s global engagement and open new opportunities for collaboration.
Bilal Adam, CEO of Stewards Investment Capital, added:
“We are extremely proud of Suneeta’s achievement. Being the first Mauritian admitted to the Forbes Business Development Council reflects not only her leadership and global perspective but also the growing international footprint of Stewards. With our offices in the United States, Mauritius and South Africa, this platform will be instrumental in supporting our continued business development and strengthening relationships with global partners.”
Stewards Investment Capital continues to expand its international presence, and Suneeta’s participation in the Forbes Business Development Council is expected to further enhance the company’s ability to engage with global leaders, share insights, and drive strategic growth.
About Suneeta Motala
Suneeta is a highly accomplished executive with over 30 years of experience in the financial sector. She brings deep expertise in strategic marketing, communications, business development, customer experience and building high-performing teams across both local and international stages. Her career began at HSBC, where she spearheaded various roles including sales, marketing, credit risk management, and branch operations. In July 2007, Suneeta embarked on a transformative journey with AfrAsia Bank, playing an instrumental role in establishing its unique identity as a key player in the financial services industry through unified branding, marketing, and communications strategies.
Suneeta currently serves as Deputy CEO of Stewards Investment Capital, overseeing the global brand strategy, driving commercial growth and shaping go-to-market strategies across Mauritius, South Africa, and USA.
She holds an MSC in Marketing, a certification from International Financial Advisers, a General Management certification from ESSEC Business School, and a Pre-Associateship from the Chartered Institute of Bankers.
Suneeta is a member of the Forbes Council, where she regularly contributes her thought leadership insights alongside other experts on Forbes. She holds a Board Directorship with the South African Chamber of Commerce and sits on the Chaine des Rôtisseurs Committee in Mauritius. She is also a member of Boardroom Africa.
About Stewards Investment Capital
Stewards Investment Capital is an award-winning boutique investment advisory firm with a track record of over 27 years under the Stewards Group of Financial Companies. Strategically positioned in Mauritius, South Africa, and the USA, the firm tailors niche investment solutions to high-net-worth individuals, pension funds, and institutional investors. Guided by a high-alpha approach and fueled by a passion to be a catalyst for growth, Stewards is committed to growing and nurturing investor wealth, building lasting fortunes, and creating enduring legacies to achieve real freedom.
