Chris Sickle will be taking over from exiting CEO Bernard Fick as Prudential Portfolio Managers rebrands.
M&G Investments South Africa (newly renamed from Prudential Portfolio Managers) has announced the appointment of its CFO Chris Sickle as its new CEO. “It is with great pride and excitement that I accept the appointment,” Chris says.
He adds that he is very optimistic about the group’s prospects going forward. “We are now M&G, not only in name, but also in our ability to provide new global solutions to our local market, and vice versa.”
Chris explains that, with the additional expertise offered by M&G’s global parent group, “and the excellence of our existing teams”, clients should continue to expect only the highest standards of investment performance and service going forward.
His appointment follows CEO Bernard Fick’s decision to take a break from formal employment, and while Chris will step into the role immediately, Bernard will only officially leave the company at the end of February 2022 to ensure a thorough handover of his responsibilities.
“I would like to thank Bernard for leading the business for the past decade,” Chris says. “During this time, M&G has experienced exponential growth, as well as successfully navigated tough conditions as a result of Covid-19 these past 18 months.”
Chris has been the CFO of the group for the past two and a half years and has worked closely with Bernard during this time.
M&G said in a statement that it has come to know and respect Chris’ strengths, talent and leadership over the two years that he has been CFO. “Chris has the board’s complete support to lead M&G Investments Southern Africa as we go forwards, and we have full confidence that he will continue to grow the company for the benefit of our clients, shareholders and staff.”
Bernard also congratulated Chris on his appointment and wished him the “very best” in the role. “I am certain he will be an excellent leader of our strong team.”
Prior to joining the company, he was with EY for 17 years, the majority of which he served as a partner and asset management leader for Africa. In addition, for the last six years at EY, he was the managing partner for the Cape region.
