Philile initially wanted to study fine art, but her father persuaded her to do a BCom instead. Unexpectedly, she mastered the art of numbers and has never looked back.

Nedbank CFO Mike Davis’s passion for his role is evident in his numerous achievements, including being crowned CFO of the Year at the 2024 CFO Awards – as well as awards for Compliance and Governance, and Strategy and Execution. It underscores Mike’s exceptional leadership and contributions to Nedbank’s success.

Taryn Woodbridge, CFO at Mercedes-Benz South Africa, believes it’s important for people to understand the role they play as individuals in how they contribute to an organisation’s success.

Peter Armitage, CEO at Anchor Capital, Tarryn Sankar, head of credit and investment research at Stanlib, and Christiaan Coetzee, national placement leader at Marsh, share how, while it can feel impossible to predict the future, CFOs can lead decisively by finding opportunity in risk.

As the CFO of DRDGold, Riaan Davel’s mission is to help roll back the environmental legacy of mining. For the 2024 CFO Finance & ESG Award winner it’s not about how quickly the mining giant can make money, but about how long they can mine - without compromising the environment.

CFOs Risto Ketola and Ashona Kooblall share how bold decisions, transparency and emotional intelligence helped their organisations recover from crisis. Talking at CFO Day at the Marriott in Melrose Arch, both stressed that today’s CFO must drive value, while leading with empathy and clarity.

Luke Woodford’s journey from part-time bank teller to CFO of FirstRand’s Broader Africa division is a story of purpose, grit and growth. Rooted in Johannesburg with early exposure to banking at FNB’s Cresta branch, his career has taken him across the continent – from Tanzania to Botswana – all while fuelling a lifelong commitment to financial inclusion.

DRDGOLD’s head of finance Riaan Davel believes where there is mine waste, there is an opportunity for environmental rehabilitation. For the oldest mining company listed on the JSE, it’s about encouraging mining companies around the world to be more sustainable.

Morgan believes that with the right training and support, employees can effectively deliver on their mandate and fully use the advanced tools at their disposal.

Tessa Meyer, CFO at African Group Lubricants (AG Lubricants), says 2024 has given her great stories to tell around the braai, and she hopes to add more next year.

Karly takes on the role at the retail, property, and telemedia group after the CFO steps down.

Data as a Compass empowers finance leaders to transform data into actionable insights. This South African guide combines leadership lessons, practical examples, technical know-how and ethics to help CFOs start, or enhance, their data-driven journey.

Riaan Erasmus’s new role forms part of the succession plan and aims to optimise the group’s property portfolio.

Tessa Meyer, African Group Lubricants’ CFO, has been in finance for over 12 years. Her biggest lessons from being in finance include “always ask why” and making sure plans are not too set in stone.

Nontobeko Ndimande’s new position follows the CFO role at Johannesburg Social and Housing Company.

Longstanding Exxaro FD remains in finance role, but is now also interim CEO.

Thato Moloele to officially take CFO role from 1 February 2025.

After being interim CFO, Lihle Mbele is now permanent, and also appointed executive director of the health company.

Wiehann Joubert moves from acting CFO to permanent position.

Boxer’s listing on the JSE is a first for a South African discount retailer and forms part of Pick n Pay’s turnaround, its CFO Lerena Olivier believes.

Nico Marais assumes the role of interim CFO at Naspers and Prosus group, effective 2 December 2024.

A 2024 Finance Indaba big topics session explored how "lights out" finance is here to stay.

2024 Finance Indaba attendees received expert advice on how to get comfortable with the uncomfortable.

Finance Indaba attendees heard how finance and HR can join forces to align talent strategy with business goals – all with agile tech tools.

Stefan van Heerden, CFO of Microsoft South Africa, once dreamed of Olympic glory. The discipline and drive he developed on the track and the field have helped propel him to the C-suite – and his race has just begun.

CFOs reveal how they are navigating the supply-chain disruptions brought on by crises.

CFOs reveal how they are navigating the supply-chain disruptions brought on by crises.

CFOs reveal how they are navigating the supply-chain disruptions brought on by crises.

CFOs reveal how they are navigating the supply-chain disruptions brought on by crises.

CFOs reveal how they are navigating the supply-chain disruptions brought on by crises.

Finance Indaba attendees discover how the blockchain is redefining ownership.

Conversation and collaboration are essential, said leaders at the Finance Indaba.

Today’s finance leaders want to grow beyond being business partners, says Workday’s Leslie Marie.

Finance leaders can no longer afford to do without data and analytics, says Sage’s Mohammed Mosam.

Ian Putter reveals that the blockchain swell is getting bigger, with Standard Bank and Deloitte getting involved.

Trust in blockchain will build as more use cases become available, says Standard Bank CFO Arno Daehnke.

iOCO CFO Jo-Ann Pöhl highlights how e-wallets have already formalised the concept of decentralised money.

Standard Bank’s Ian Putter reveals that blockchain could be key to inclusive trade and business growth in Africa.

Tencent Africa CFO Tramayne Monaghan explains what blockchain is and why we need to get ahead of it.

The SOLA Group CFO shares why renewable energy is important to him, and how the industry is booming.

CFOs discussed digital transformation, and the need to think beyond the numbers.

CFOs reveal that it’s no longer about what technology can do, but what finance professionals do with it.

Panellists discussed the value of being a mentor and a mentee, and how it’s a two-way street.

Carin Taylor, Workday’s chief diversity officer, talks about visibility, open dialogue, and looking at the individual.