Bob Head will replace Phumeza Nhantsi as CFO of SAA, albeit in an interim capacity.
Bob Head, the former head of Old Mutual’s southern Africa operations, has been announced as South African Airways’ (SAA) interim CFO, effective 11 April. Head fills the gap left by Phumeza Nhantsi, who is currently awaiting a disciplinary hearing.
Head has extensive management experience in different senior management roles both locally and internationally, and is a specialist in turning businesses around. His career includes positions as CEO, finance and HR director.
Head’s appointment was one of seven announced by the airline this week. Among the other appointments is that of African Bank Ltd’s Hendus Venter as chief information officer, while Pumla Luhabe joined the airline in February as chief commercial officer. Heads of legal affairs and procurement have also been drafted.
SAA has failed to make a profit since 2011. The carrier, now under the stewardship of CEO Vuyani Jarana, has a three-year recovery plan in place, which includes cutting routes, flights and planes. Jarana says the urgency to bring skills into SAA to stabilise leadership cannot be over-emphasised. "Filling the critical skills gap is top priority, especially in the financial, business and commercial specialist areas of the airline," he has said.
