Former KPMG chairman Ahmed Jaffer, who resigned amidst the Gupta-linked upheaval at the firm, has been appointed as group CFO of Crestar Printers and Publishers, a Centurion-based business run by his children Ikraam and Salahhuddeen.
According to Ahmed, the two siblings are already challenging his "conventional" thinking, adding that while numbers are a familiar game, the printing industry is all new to him. "I am thoroughly enjoying working with them and am looking forward to seeing CPP develop into a major player within the flexible packaging market."
Says Ahmed:
"It is sometimes easier to take the path of the familiar than to sign up for a challenge. I was at KPMG for over 35 years. When I left the professional services firm three months ago, I could have joined another firm or started my own, but I am a fighter and I prefer tough assignments, solving problems and succeeding against the odds."
CPP was founded in 2008 and has mostly been a player in the lithography printing market. Now, the company is looking to expand its operations into rotogravure printing on high barrier laminates, especially flexible packaging for snack, confectionery, home and personal care products.
"I see this as a great opportunity for me to re-evaluate my strategy, priorities and goals," says Ahmed. "I have had incredible support from stakeholders, clients, suppliers, industry contacts, family and friends - and the team at CPP has been nothing less than inspiring."
