Jacques Rossouw, Managing Director and Group Chief Executive at ASTUTE.
Back left to right: Ovadia Keampf, Duncan Bussio, Darryl Smith. Front left to right: Jacques Rossouw, Nivashni Naguran, Charl Theron.
The Financial Services Exchange (Pty) Ltd – T/A ASTUTE, South Africa’s leading provider of electronic financial data switching and exchange has announced immediate changes to its Board of Directors and Executive Committee, in tandem with appointing a new Chief Operating Officer.
Jacques Rossouw, Managing Director and Group Chief Executive at ASTUTE explains, “Over the past 2 years we have been committed to instilling structures and processes to best deliver on the ASTUTE core values, not only from a customer perspective, but for our staff, our most valuable asset. I’m pleased to announce the various changes which I have no doubt will assist in taking our business to the next level.”
New Chief Operating Officer
Charl Theron has been appointed Chief Operating Officer at ASTUTE, responsible for overseeing the operational and IT delivery of the business. Charl founded his career in software development prior moving to PwC Technology Advisory where he managed client services and later management of outsourced business and key accounts, focusing on FinTech companies. He also consulted as advisory CIO to major private equity owned companies and smaller start-up companies. “Charl is exactly what we need right now as we enter the next phase of our strategic vision ‘Single view of the Person,” says Jacques.
Jacques outlines that ASTUTE is currently on an accelerated growth path, with the team expanding organically with the addition of new offerings for the financial services industry, empowering it through economies of scale and industry owned initiatives. “Charl will play a vital role in delivering on the execution of our current and future products and services,” he says.
New Board of Directors
Eugene Jooste, Chief Operating Officer at ASISA (The Association for Savings and Investments of South Africa) has been appointed to replace Peter Dempsey (Deputy CEO at ASISA) as independent non-executive director. Kroshelan Chetty (Divisional Director: Risk Product Operations at Liberty Life) replaces Yugesh Naidoo as Alternative Director as well as to serve on the Astute HR Board Committee.
ASTUTE expressed enthusiasm in welcoming Eugene to its board of directors, based on the fact that ASISA plays a vital industry role in the financial services sector. “Having someone of Eugene’s calibre on our board will undoubtedly add immense value. “A massive thank you to Peter Dempsey for the pivotal role he played during his tenure at ASTUTE and a warm welcome to Kroshelan, who again will contribute additional value to the business.”
Executive Committee
Changes to the ASTUTE Executive Committee include Ovadia Kaempf, Head of Finance being appointed to Chief Financial Officer, while Darryl Smith will drive Executive Business Development, Nivashni Naguran becomes the Executive Human Resources and Duncan Bussio assumes his new role as Executive Special Projects.
The Executive Committee comprises of the chair, Jacques Rossouw (MD, Group CE), Ovadia Keampf (CFO), Charl Theron (COO), Nivashni Naguran (Executive HR), Darryl Smith (Executive Business Development) and Duncan Bussio (Executive Special Projects).
While ASTUTE esteemed colleague Willie Snyman retired at the end of March 2016, he will continue assisting the business on a part time basis as General Manager. “We are incredibly grateful for Willie’s continued positive contribution to the business over the years and similarly extend our gratitude to Marsha Koekemoer who supported the executive team the past 2 years. She is a wealth of knowledge and we are confident in her ability to exceed expectations in her new role spanning Business Development, Innovation and Customer Liaison,” concludes Jacques.
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