Thabile will take on an entirely new business and industry as the new CFO of Bidvest Prestige.
Thabile Ngidi is the brand-new CFO excited to head up Bidvest Prestige’s finance department.
She joins Bidvest from Toyota, where she was a franchise finance manager at NMI-DSM. “I am moving from a relatively expensive business selling Toyota cars, to selling cleaning labour, an affordable commodity. Barrier to entry is low, so competition is fierce, and the employee headcount has astronomically multiplied compared to my previous role,” Thabile explains.
Thabile has previously worked in manufacturing, construction, logistics, and the motor industry environment majority in blue-chip companies.
She adds that the new role comes with increased responsibility and accountability, and while she is a bit nervous, she looks forward to growing as a finance professional. “It is a complex business and a new industry that is out of my comfort zone. It will be a rewarding experience.”
Bidvest has always been on Thabile’s career bucket list, though, and she is ready to take on the opportunity to optimise the business. “I am cognisant that at least 70 percent of Bidvest Prestige is made up of black African women keeping hospitals, as well as the hospitality and manufacturing sectors clean and functioning daily. The company also provides entrance to the job market for many South Africans that lack education and skills. This gives me a purpose to make a difference in my role,” she says.
Thabile also looks forward to bringing her own unique leadership approach to the new role. “I have a very hands-on leadership approach and enjoy engaging and collaborating with my teams. I listen and pay attention, and I am always open to learning.”
Her first course of action as CFO will be to familiarise herself with and understand the organisation’s balance sheet and business strategy, as well as getting to know all the key stakeholders of Bidvest Prestige.
