Aneshree Naidoo joins Bowmans as group CFO

As artificial intelligence, automation and cloud technologies transform the finance function, today’s CFOs are expected to do far more than oversee the numbers. Joy Malete, regional finance director for Africa, Middle East and Asia Emerging at Sage, explains why finance leaders must balance innovation with governance, invest in strong data foundations and embrace technology as a strategic driver of resilience, insight and long-term business growth.

Inspired by a Martin Luther King Jr quote about excellence in every task, Water Utilities Corporation CFO Thabang Mogodi is focused on developing people, modernising finance and helping build institutions that can thrive long after individual leaders have moved on.

Tightening AI policies can create the very risks they are designed to prevent, as employees turn to unapproved tools when approved options fall short. Dheren Singh argues that CFOs need fit-for-purpose AI, stronger controls and clear accountability rather than blanket restrictions.

Motlalepula Ratlhagane, financial director at Manitou South Africa since 2022, has been nominated for the 2026 CFO Awards, following finance leadership roles at Master Plastics, Astrapak and MultiChoice Africa.

Tevin Govender has taken on the role of regional CFO for South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa at Estée Lauder, following almost four years in finance leadership roles at Coca-Cola.

Bridgestone CFO Mikaeel Tayob challenged leaders to move beyond gender stereotypes, listen to employees’ needs and create workplaces where people can perform at their best.