Interview

Bruce Bydawell has spent the last five years as the CFO of AlexForbes, implementing a new strategy for the company and transforming its finance function.

Sasfin Bank CFO Harriet Heymans’s leadership style has helped the company through some challenging times over the last year, and she’s empowering others to do the same.

Bestmed CFO Jessogan Chetty has spent the bulk of his career working in the education and health sectors, where he knows he can make a difference.

Mercedes-Benz South Africa CFO Taryn Woodbridge uses her unique culture to lead with diversity and unity.

As economic outcomes in South Africa weaken, Nedbank CFO Mike Davis explains what businesses and government can do to improve the country’s GDP growth.

Paul Masson pitched up at Deloitte for his articles 15 years ago in a lime green shirt, and still ensures he leads with his unique personality today as the CFO of Float.

Tinyiko Sihlangu has always been interested in understanding the entire workings of an organisation, not just the finances, and reveals how this helps her to add greater strategic value as the FD of Royal Bafokeng Holdings.

When it comes to being CFO of BDO South Africa, Daniel Botha not only tries to build a finance team fit for the future of the business, but for the future of the country as well.

AYO Technology Solutions’ CFO Pride Guzha has spent his first year in the role restoring the company’s reputation by focusing on reporting and collaboration.

After 12 years at Sanlam Investment Group, learning from the company’s CFOs, Colleen Wagner was ready to take the next step in her career and become a CFO too.

Elisa Mkhize joined Kiara Health in January 2021 to help the company implement new governance, processes and systems to help the business grow.

Prinisha Khoosal's people-centred approach as CFO at Bridgestone South Africa makes a compelling case for the importance of managing with emotional intelligence to drive excellence, and got her promoted to FD of its AME region.

African Bank’s new CFO, Anbann Chetti, explains how he changed the bank’s finance operating blueprint using three pillars of success, and most importantly, transparency with his team.

CFO Barbara Makhubedu learnt the value of support, determination and relationships from a very young age, and uses those same values as she leads finance at Liberty Two Degrees.

CFO Kagiso Lerutla unpacks some of the initiatives that have contributed to the City of Ekurhuleni recently achieving its third consecutive clean audit.

CFO Raisibe Morathi, CFO of the Year 2023 and winner of the Strategy Execution Award as well as the High-Performance Team Award, reveals how she balances technology and people to foster the ultimate digital, financial and cultural inclusion, as Vodacom Group transforms to become part of the digital revolution.

CFO J’shanthan Mudely explains how his detail-oriented approach to life, and an early brush with death shaped his journey to becoming head of finance for Image Guided Therapy at Philips.

Glen Zulu, the Information Regulator CFO, says her career growth in the public sector is rooted in her passion for what she does.

When Barloworld unbundled Avis Southern Africa, it was up to CFO Thobeka Ntshiza and the rest of the executive team to take Zeda on a journey to independence. In a CFO Magazine interview, Thobeka unpacks every twist and turn she faced on the way.

Discovery Health Medical Scheme CFO Joy Malete says that her rapid career progression has been the result of “divine orchestration”. Just 34, her success is rooted in curiosity, talent, and a true passion for what she does.

Having worked hard to qualify as a CA(SA), Rupesh Govan’s career took him into the banking industry and around the world. Now Investec’s FD, he reflects on how he got to be the leader he is today.

Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa’s Walter Leonhardt will be retiring as CFO at the end of the year. During a tour of the factory, Walter recently chatted with CFO Magazine and shared what his final two years at the beverage manufacturer and distributor have been like, and what the future has in store.

CFO Mike Davis unpacks the exciting next steps in Nedbank’s evolution, which includes a unique approach to technology and a partnership with the government that might see South Africa into a better 2024, in a CFO Magazine interview.

Old Mutual CFO Casper Troskie explains how technology, trust and a lot of preparation can prepare any leader, and their organisations, for uncertainty.

With his roots and family in South Africa, Rick Martin knew he had to embark on a career back home after growing up in New Zealand. Now the CFO of Satrix, he hopes to have a positive impact on the country.

South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) CFO Innocent Gumbochuma shares how he is shaping the financial trajectory of the organisation and has ambitions of setting it on a path of innovation, resilience, and diversified revenue streams.

Save the Children director of finance Hlobisile Nsibande shares the mission she is on to help give children a better chance of survival, protection, development and participation in society.

Scottish Gordon Traill reveals what it takes to lead an iconic South African business through tough times after a year as Clicks’ CFO.

CFO Joanne Tanner reveals how she is using her unique storytelling skills to help grow Decision Inc.

For Shabana Aboo Baker, becoming group financial director at Mustek has meant listening to her gut.

Wesgro CFO Sandiso Gcwabe's journey within the public sector is anchored in a sense of purpose.

Langeberg Municipality CFO Mava Shude on his blueprint for sustainable governance.

Head of finance Martin van der Walt hopes to change the mining industry by focusing on people and tech.

Taryn Augoustatos shares some of the challenges she’s faced as a non-techy, woman CFO in fintech.

Hitachi Energy FD Michelle Sampson talks about the advancement of women in finance.

Bryte Insurance CFO Yulandi van Dyk says it’s possible to achieve the triple bottom line.

CFO Adri Führi unpacks the two years of planning that went into e4’s recent acquisition.

Arno Daehnke unpacks what change-ready finance leadership looks like for a new world.

Nelisiwe Shiluvana has been appointed as the new group FD of Famous Brands.

Foskor’s CFO, Jubilant Speckman, maps out the technology and ESG blueprints that lead to success.

SAPRO CFO Jean Penhaligon talks about unleashing the potential of technology in auditing.

Tracker Connect CFO Clarissa Appana on stigma and re-entering the job market after a career hiatus.

Alvin Liew is sharing his experience working abroad with other CFOs who are also looking to move.

New mom and newly appointed Mars SA CFO Sasha Brown is excited about what comes next.

After almost 10 years at Investec Property Fund, CFO Jenna Sprenger has seen the business grow into its own.

Yvonne Dias is passionate about empowering women and has made sure there’s a place for them at Mint Group.

Logicalis CFO Seshnie Naidoo is living out her mom’s career aspirations, and making them her own.

Lehan le Grange reveals how he uses leverage to get the most out of his team at Ecentric Payment Systems.

African Leadership Academy CFO is building a sustainable organisation that benefits tomorrow’s leaders.

Aspen CFO Sean Capazorio unpacks how the tragedy changed his views on life and leadership.

Bidvest Financial Services CFO Tendani Sikhwivhilu shares his priorities for 2023.

After more than 12 years in a core finance role, this techie-at-heart has returned to his roots.

Johann Steyn started his first business at the age of 14. Today he is the CFO of Bridgement.

The seasoned finance exec made a public recording about his own transformation and empowerment journey.

The Bidvest Automotive CFO isn’t afraid of a challenge, and brings her fearlessness to her leadership role.

Toyota Tsusho Africa’s CFO says disasters are an unlikely catalyst for future clarity.

Nedbank Wealth CFO Nadia Schaerer believes that finance is the glue that holds business together.

Microsoft SA CFO Welela Dawit on being a mission-driven financial leader in Africa.

IPP Office’s head of finance Dzunani Makgopa on responding to South Africa’s power crisis.

An avid road runner, Grant uses his training techniques to be a strong leader at Capitec.

Grant Manicom shares how his entrepreneurial outlook has led to career success.

As CFO of a leading agro-forestry circular economy organisation, Cindy likes nothing more than solving puzzles.

Laila unpacks how Equites is using lessons from Covid-19 to navigate inflation spikes in SA and the UK.

The Bidvest Insurance CFO believes that he should be both receiving and giving value in everything he does.

During Covid-19, Christiaan learned how to keep calm and leverage relationships to overcome challenges.

The CTSE CFO first got an opportunity to learn through SAICA, and has kept on learning throughout his career.

Wonga head of finance Jody Baumgarten on navigating a crisis soon after acquiring a business.

Despite being smaller than most of its peers in the PGM industry, Siyanda is miles ahead.

The ABB South Africa CFO is passionate about fostering safer spaces for women in the workplace.

CFO Cynthia Pongweni argues that more women need to be brought to the table.

TFG recently acquired Jet and Tapestry, seeing it enter into the value and home markets.

Yvette Glass finds new purpose by shifting to the owner of Evac+Chair South Africa.

Thabiso loves working with start-ups, and finds it inspiring and motivating to be part of helping them grow.

SnapScan CFO Derick Truscott shares the right mindset for scaling a company.

Pramy started baking to manage stress, now she uses it to empower the women at Sappi Southern Africa.

As the CFO of Maserati, Nico works in a fast-paced environment, but uses his bushveld knowledge to navigate it.

Willa hopes to bring a unique flavour to the role, and help his new team grow.

Nishlan looks forward to what the future holds for Investec, and for technological advancements.

Bongi achieved excellence when she became the first public sector CFO to win the CFO of the Year Award in 2022.

The AFMS Group CFO believes learning and development is a business imperative for all finance leaders.

When Dawid Swart isn’t travelling the world, he’s trying to save it as Wetility’s CFO.

The 2022 High-Performance Team Award winner unpacks how she has created a winning team.

After several fruitful decades as JAM International, the dynamic NGO has rebranded to ForAfrika.

Yota first fell in love with Ford when she was eight years old, now she’s the motor company’s CFO.

The holding company has been acquired by Old Mutual Private Equity and will be delisting from the JSE.

The Liberty Two Degrees FD explains that the role of the CFO in challenging times is multipronged.

The AEEI CFO shares his biggest achievements, including starting his own spice and sauce business.

Jamie Louw, CFO at AFMS Group, says the company emerged from the pandemic with newfound purpose.

Charl enjoys calculating new strategies both in the Sibanye Stillwater boardroom and on the shooting range.

Outgoing CFO of Astral Foods Daan Ferreira says finance has evolved into a more rewarding field.

Asanda Myataza is a Bridgerton fan, and views mentoring in the workplace as essential.

Deon Fredericks, Group Financial Director (FD) of Famous Brands Ltd on leading through change.

Meet Andre Smith, the financial director of Afrimat Bulk Commodities, dad of two teenagers and a closet Eminem fan.

Retailability CFO Malcom Smith shares the backstory of the Edgars acquisition.

Nal’ibali CFO Saleem Mukuddem talks about his illustrious career and why his work is so rewarding.

TWK CFO unpacks the lessons he has learnt on optimising the opportunities in agriculture to attain financial success.

After navigating the Covid-19 risks, CFO Mike Davis is now focused on Nedbank's green and sustainable future.

Bringing accessible and affordable education to South Africans is Rajan’s “heritage and quest”.

George explains that the largest part of product to market costs is the cost of logistics.

Sharon Naidoo shares how she has made her role as Transunion’s CFO her own by tapping into her superpowers.

André is eager to get around to doing the things he loves, like reading and riding his motorcycle.

The new strategy will give individuals, SMEs and the planet the opportunity to thrive, he says.

In 2019, Adrian was tasked with a mission to rescue 13 Starbucks Southern Africa stores.

Arno explains that Standard Bank plans to turn its focus to the environment and new ecosystems.

The Petrocam CFO believes challenger brands across industries have an opportunity to make inroads today.

Following on from the success of the "Reset and Grow" strategy, Momentum has launched the "Reinvent and Grow" strategy.

Eazi Access CFO David Chadinha shares his tips on how to thrive during a crisis.

As the CFO of Hyundai South Africa, Thinus gets to enjoy many perks along with the challenges in his industry.

Clarissa’s ability to channel her sense of adventure within any sphere she occupies has led to new opportunities.

Liquid Intelligent Technologies CFO Sandile Ntsele on finding success in new territories.

Lucas Ndala believes that, during times of change, people have to consider what legacy they are building.

Partner at Moore Durban says big data analytics and value-add are the future of audit.

Fikile Mhlontlo found a new purpose when tasked with returning SAA to the skies as its interim CFO.

Experienced non-executive director says audit committees play a key role in demonstrating credibility to shareholders.

Having always had a passion for the medical industry, Olivia says being the CFO of Allergan is her dream job.

Having grown up on a farm in Villiersdorp, Etienne tries to take a very pragmatic approach to his work.

Mark has always had an entrepreneurial spirit, from selling caps on the beach as a child to now building a megacity.

After working abroad for many years, Ryan McDougall returned to South Africa in 2019.

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

Serisha passionately advocates for technology and its pivotal role in the success of businesses.