From a modest upbringing on a smallholding on the Vaal River, southwest of Johannesburg, to becoming a chartered accountant leading financial strategy across an entire continent, Lynette Biddulph’s journey reflects the power of education and perseverance.

As Regional Head of Finance, or CFO, for OneAfrica – one of four major regions within Cipla Limited, a global pharmaceutical powerhouse listed on the Indian Stock Exchange – she oversees the financial strategy and execution for one of Cipla’s most dynamic markets.

“Africa represents roughly 14% of Cipla’s global revenues,” she explains, “and is highly regarded for its strategic importance for the group. My responsibilities include not only managing financial plans and execution in Africa but also being an enabler of growth and expansion of the business on the continent.”

Having assumed the role in September 2025, Lynette is steering Cipla’s African operations through a period of transformation, innovation, and growth. “A successful transformation against a challenging environment in Africa ensured that the continent was included in getting access to innovative medicines,” she says. “In my previous role, transformation followed changes in patient needs – but this becomes even more critical as disease and treatment profiles evolve around the world.”

Born and raised on a plot in rural Vanderbijlpark, Lynette matriculated at Hoërskool Overvaal but could not afford to go directly to university. “I wanted to become a doctor but did not have the funds and had to start working immediately after school,” she recalls.

While working on an SAP implementation project during her first year in the workplace, she developed a keen interest in accounting. “In those years, UJ had evening classes, which allowed me to study seriously, albeit in accounting. Today, I’m in the healthcare industry – just with a different skill set that’s just as important.”

After completing her BCom (Accounting) Honours at UJ in 2003, she went on to complete her Chartered Accountancy articles with a Big Four firm. “I still don’t know how I managed to become a CA while working full-time,” she laughs. “But that certainly equipped me with skills beyond the modules of that time.”

Reflecting on her time at UJ, Lynette recalls both challenges and turning points. “The low points were getting bad marks even when I studied hard,” she admits. “Later I realised that UJ wasn’t preparing me to become an academic, but to really apply my mind to problems that might look different by the time I walk out of that building. Kudos to Prof Ben Marx!”

Her highlight? “Realising that I actually had a shot at passing the qualifying exams!”

She attributes her success to personal growth and risk-taking: “Personal growth is paramount to where I’ve landed. Taking risks to learn resulted in many successes.”

Lynette is grounded by her close-knit support network. “My supportive family keeps me balanced – my husband, who shares the load, and my daughter, who’s inspired by my successes.”

She also treasures the enduring friendships she formed early in her career. “Like-minded friends and old colleagues – CAs who started with me at Deloitte – are still mentors and give valuable advice from their experiences elsewhere.”