Newsletter: Reeza Isaacs, Finance Director Woolworths | What makes the perfect CFO | The CFO as IT evangelist

CFO South Africa Newsletter | Thursday 23 April Dear CFO South Africa Member, Read Exclusive CFO South Africa Articles Reeza Isaacs, Finance Director Woolworths: enjoying the fast paced ... When the Woolworths CEO Ian Moir suggested that they have dinner, Reeza Isaacs didn’t think much of it. He was Managing Partner at services firm EY that audited the Woolworths account and there was a long standing relationship between the organisations. Then came the job offer and Isaacs hasn’t looked back. From closely being involved in the spectacular acquisition of Australian retailer David Jones to getting used to receiving daily updates about trading results, it has been a real roller coaster ride for the FD of Woolworths. We spoke to Isaacs about the importance of mentoring, his proudest moments at EY and his successful shift to the fast pace of retail. “It has been a phenomenal experience.” The CFO as IT evangelist? Top CFOs share their thoughts at CFO SA d... How are CFOs and their departments dealing with the digital winds of change inspired by technological advancement and disruptive start-ups? How is the role of the modern CFO adapting to this new environment and what skills are necessary to make these adjustments? These were some of the questions posed at the CFO South Africa dinner and round table event at the Four Seasons Westcliff hotel in Johannesburg on 15 April 2015. What makes the perfect CFO? Platinum Member lunch and VIP Tour Business partner, strategist, change agent, IT evangelist, operational genius … who is today’s successful CFO? This question was the starting point of an enlightening discussion attended by the CFOs Antionio Agostinello, Valsir Uneeq, Nichola Dewar, Postbank, Molly Gallant, Ryden International, Jo-Ann Pohl, Standard Chartered Bank, Richard Somanje, Mvula Trust, Heleen Wright, Moonwater and Aarti Takoordeen, JSE at the Platinum Member lunch at KPMG’s elegant Wanooka House dining room on Friday, 17 April 2015. Join the annual CFO Awards South Africa Thursday May 14th at the Summer Place, Johannesburg 15.30 - 23.00 The annual CFO Awards will be held at the beautiful Summer Place in Johannesburg. This prestigious event recognises CFOs of listed companies, large corporations, parastatals and government institutions and awards them for outstanding performance and leadership. The gala dinner brings together South Africa’s top finance professionals. It is an opportunity to celebrate excellence and engage in conversations about the culture, pitfalls and possibilities of continuously exceeding expectations. Among the speakers are the Doyen of Corporate Governance, in South Africa and internationally Professor Mervyn King, CFO of the Year winner 2014 and Group CFO of Standard Bank, Simon Ridley, the internationally renowned Martijn Aslander from the Netherlands, the Auditor General, Kimi Makwetu, the new CEO of KPMG South Africa, Trevor Hoole and one of the best motivational speakers and keynote speakers alive today, Vusi Thembekwayo. Designed to demonstrate thought leadership, extend professional networks and help businesses to grow, this event sets the bar for financial leadership on the African continent. It is open to all CFOs and Financial Directors. Program: 15.30 Opening CFO Awards 2015 & Reception 16:30 Exclusive executive sessions discussing business issues that are high on the CFO agenda - Round Table Strategy Execution - Round Table High Performance Team - Round Table Finance Transformation - Round Table Public Finance - Round Table Moving into Africa - Master Class "The exponential organisation" 18.00 Pre Dinner drinks 18.30 CFO Dinner & Awards - CFO of the Year Award - Public CFO of the Year Award - Young CFO of the Year Award - Moving into Africa Award - Finance & Technology Award - Transformation & Empowerment Award - Finance Transformation Award - Strategy Execution Award - Compliance & Governance Award - High Performance Team Award 22.00 After Drinks CFO South Africa invites you to buy a table at the CFO Awards, attend the CFO Conference or become our partner. Places are limited, so book now to avoid disappointment. Register now here. Principal Sponsor CFO Awards: Continuous Professional Development Points Did you know all events of CFO South Africa are eligible for SAICA CPD points? By attending CFO South Africa's events and training courses you will stay compliant. CFO Awards 2015 - Reserve your table now Buy a table for the CFO Awards and meet South Africa's leading CFOs, demonstrate thought leadership, extend your network and develop business. You are seated with CFOs and finance directors from among others Advtech, Allianz, Aveng, Barclays, Cashbuild, City of Johannesburg, Eskom, EOH, FNB, G4S, Gauteng Treasury, Hollard, Liberty, Nedbank, Nissan, Novartis, Old Mutual, Sasol, Standard Bank, Telkom, Transnet and Woolworths. You are also more than welcome to join the CFO Conference preceding the CFO Awards dinner with your colleagues. Don't wait too long, first come, first served. Become a partner or attend with your finance team and RSVP here. For more information check out CFOAwards.co.za. Upcoming CFO South Africa Events Join the CFO Events with inspiring hosts and experts who will share their insights and experiences with you. Register now for these events and boost your company, network, career and knowledge. CFO South Africa Events in 2015 May 14 Johannesburg | CFO Awards 2015 June 25 Johannesburg | Corporate Finance July 30 Johannesburg | Corporate Growth Sept 17 Johannesburg | Digital Transformation Nov 19 Johannesburg | Risk, Compliance & Control Register now for one of the upcoming CFO South Africa Events. Please note that all our CFO South Africa events are for senior financial executives. CFO South Africa offers Platinum memberships to CFOs and finance directors. For more information please have a look here and contact Jurrien Morsch at [email protected]. Stay connected with CFO South Africa Follow CFO South Africa on Twitter and LinkedIn Stay up to date on what is happening in the world of finance by following us on Twitter @CFOSouthAfrica and LinkedIn. Next to that you can keep track of newly published interviews with CFOs and CEOs. Feel free to contact us Any suggestions or comments are welcome. Kind Regards, Melle Eijckelhoff Director CFO South Africa | [email protected] To control which emails you receive from CFO South Africa, please change your email preferences at cfo.co.za by selecting under settings "I do not want to receive emails from CFO South Africa | Finance Professionals South Africa"