She runs Sigma Capital, which she founded in 2016, and previously spent 12 years with the Shanduka Group where she was eventually CEO.
Mahanyele also holds non-executive directorships at Blue Label, Comair and Discovery Insure and is on the advisory board of Stellenbosch University's Business School.
Gold Fields chairperson Cheryl Carolus said Mahanyele would provide the company with her strong financial, infrastructure development and commercial skills set.