Women Corporate Directors adds Maria Azua Himmel to board

Women Corporate Directors Foundation named Dr. Maria Azua Himmel to its Board of Directors, effective Aug. 17, 2026. The appointment adds a technology executive with experience in data, AI, cybersecurity and corporate governance as WCD expands its global network.

Why it matters: - Dr. Maria Azua Himmel brings Fortune 50 technology leadership and board experience to Women Corporate Directors Foundation as the group looks to strengthen its global governance network. - The appointment adds expertise in enterprise transformation, data and AI strategy, cybersecurity oversight, audit and risk governance, and technology modernization. - WCD has spent more than 25 years building a global community for women directors, and new board leadership can shape how the organization expands that mission.

What happened: - Women Corporate Directors Foundation announced Dr. Maria Azua Himmel as a new member of its Board of Directors. - Her appointment takes effect Aug. 17, 2026. - WCD is the global membership organization for female corporate directors. - Dr. Himmel said she is honored to join the WCD Global Board and wants to strengthen connections among women directors.

The details: - Dr. Himmel is an independent director of Pan-American Life Insurance Group. - She serves on Pan-American Life’s Audit Committee and Finance Committee. - She sits on the Technology Advisory Committee of Capri Ventures. - She is a Senior Executive Fellow of The Digital Economist. - She previously served as managing director and global head of Data Platforms & Services at Bank of America. - Her earlier roles include senior executive positions at Fidelity Investments and Barclays. - Dr. Himmel also served as CIO and CTO of IBM’s Global Process Outsourcing division. - She is the author of The Social Factor. - She holds an MBA and a doctorate in computer science. - WCD says Dr. Himmel will use her technology background to help elevate the organization’s capabilities and strategic vision. - Cathy Gonzales, WCD lead director and a partner at KPMG LLP, said Dr. Himmel’s background makes her well-positioned to help move WCD forward. - WCD says it has 56 chapters and 2,600 members across five continents. - Members include CEOs, board chairs, lead directors, C-suite executives, board members and heads of global divisions at companies in major indices including the S&P 500, FTSE 250, DAX and Nikkei.

Between the lines: - The appointment signals that WCD is prioritizing technology, AI and risk oversight as boardrooms face faster digital change. - Dr. Himmel’s mix of corporate board service and executive leadership fits WCD’s focus on director development and peer learning. - WCD’s recent relaunch of its France chapter suggests continued international expansion. - The organization’s emphasis on mentoring and elevating women directors points to a broader push for boardroom influence, not just networking.

What's next: - Dr. Himmel will join the WCD Board on Aug. 17, 2026. - WCD said future programs will continue supporting educational programming, peer exchanges and board opportunities for members. - The group plans to keep expanding its global footprint through chapter growth and new initiatives.

The bottom line: - WCD is adding a director with deep technology and governance experience as the organization pushes to strengthen its global reach and influence in corporate boardrooms.