Prescient Investment Management Appoints Tim Terblanche as Head of Data Science

Tim Terblanche

Prescient Investment Management (Prescient), a leading systematic investment manager announced the appointment of Tim Terblanche as its new Head of Data Science.

Tim, who brings extensive experience in data science, machine learning, and cloud infrastructure, will join the team on February 1, 2025, and will be responsible for advancing the firm’s data science strategy to further enhance its competitive edge in the investment management industry.

Tim succeeds Zubair Patel, who transitions into the role of Head of Data Engineering after successfully leading Prescient’s data science team to new heights. Zubair's move into data engineering marks an exciting opportunity for Prescient to further innovate and scale its digital transformation goals in the broader business, while Tim's appointment will focus on driving data science within the investment team.

As Head of Data Science, Tim will play a critical role in shaping the firm's systematic investment process by driving cutting-edge machine learning research and predictive analytics, with a strong focus on embedding alternative data sources in our investment process. The strategic nature of this role underscores Prescient’s commitment to innovation

“We are thrilled to welcome Tim to the team. The Head of Data Science is a strategic role within the business and is one of the many positions that gives us a competitive edge in the market,” said Cheree Dyers, Chief Executive Officer of Prescient Investment Management. “The future of investing is data-driven and evidence-based. Data Science enhances investment decisions, and helps develop a proactive approach to investing, allowing us to capitalise on market trends, assess risks more comprehensively and ultimately optimising investment returns. Data Science has the potential to revolutionise investment management and we are excited to see this space evolve.”

Tim’s previous experience includes roles at Itonics GmbH and 22seven, where he drove AI and data science initiatives, including the design of machine learning solutions for customer pain points and the creation of profitable data products. He has an academic background that includes a Certificate in Quantitative Finance (CQF) from the CQF Institute and a BComm in Investment Management and Statistics (Cum Laude) from Stellenbosch University.

Tim added, “I am excited to join Prescient Investment Management at such a pivotal time in the company's growth journey. Data science is at the heart of Prescient's investment strategy, and I look forward to building on the solid foundation that Zubair and the team have established. My focus will be on fostering innovation, collaboration, and advancing machine learning applications to further enhance our investment processes.”

The Head of Data Science role will be central to Prescient’s digital transformation strategy, developing new tools and methodologies for analysing and processing large datasets. It also plays an integral part in managing and evolving the company’s data science team and supporting the continued scaling of Prescient’s systematic investment models.

Prescient remains focused on creating value through a highly data-driven investment approach, and Tim's appointment reaffirms the firm's commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology and talent to maintain its position at the forefront of systematic investment management.