A buddy system in which young CFOs get paired with experienced counterparts could greatly benefit the South African financial world. It is one of the many ideas that occupy the mind of Jo-Ann Pohl, the energetic and enthusiastic CFO of Standard Chartered Bank. On Friday Pohl met with Alex van Groningen and Melle Eijckelhoff of networking platform CFO SA to discuss the need and opportunities for more interaction between top financial professionals.
"CFOs are very protective of their own space," Pohl said. "By nature they are the keepers of the cheque book, which they will guard." However, Pohl is very positive about the CFO SA initiative, which aims to bring all South African CFOs together, creating a space for discussions about common problems, ideas for possible solutions and opportunities for relaxed networking.
Pohl did not only speak with Van Groningen and Eijckelhoff about networking. She also gave her views on the current corporate climate in South Africa,the training of young financial professionals and the push by the international business world into Africa. She also revealed how she combines her demanding job with an active role in The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), while raising four young children. The full interview will be published on this website within the next few weeks.
From left to right in the picture: Alex van Groningen (CFO SA), Jo-Ann Pohl (Standard Chartered Bank), Melle Eijckelhoff (CFO SA).
If you would like to share your ideas with the CFO community, please get in touch with us to arrange an interview with you. Please contact Jurriën Morsch on [email protected].
