Ryan James, Chief Data Officer, Vitality
Ryan James is the Chief Data Officer at Vitality Group Inc., where he leads the organisation’s data strategy, architecture, and innovation agenda. With more than three decades of experience across healthcare, public service, and technology sectors, Ryan is recognised for his ability to bridge technical depth with strategic vision, turning data into a catalyst for […]
Deepak Narayanam, Group Head of Data Science and Engineering (CDO), Access Bank
Deepak Narayanam is the Group Head of Data Science and Engineering (CDO) at Access Bank, where he leads the Group’s Data and AI Strategy across its Pan-African operations and fintech subsidiaries. A visionary data leader and strategic innovator, Deepak is recognised for architecting and deploying transformative data strategies that harness analytics, machine learning, and technology […]
Mandla Linda, Chief Information Officer, South African Department of Defence
Mandla Linda is the Chief Information Officer at the South African Department of Defence, where he leads the organisation’s ICT strategy, governance, and digital transformation agenda. With extensive experience across both the public and private sectors, Mandla is recognised for his ability to align technology with institutional objectives, driving efficiency, security, and innovation within complex operational environments. […]
Eon Alers, Data, Analytics and Architecture Director, ABInBev
Eon Alers is the Data, Analytics and Architecture Director at AB InBev, where he leads the development and implementation of data and technology strategies that empower smarter decision-making and sustained business growth. Passionate about innovation, Eon is dedicated to exploring how emerging technologies can reshape the way organisations operate and compete – transforming data into […]
Charl Timms, Chief Commercial Officer, Stellantis
Charl Timms is the Commercial Director at Stellantis, where he drives the organisation’s marketing and sales strategy across diverse markets. An accomplished business leader and value creator, Charl brings extensive experience spanning strategic planning, branding and communications, and performance management for leading automotive brands including Nissan, Toyota, and Suzuki across the MENA region, South Africa, […]
Ritasha Kalidas, Cyber Security Officer, Coca-Cola Beverages Africa
Ritasha Kalidas is the Group Head of Cyber Security at Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA), where she leads the organisation’s cyber security, privacy, and IT governance strategy across multiple regions and markets. With more than 21 years of experience, Ritasha has built a distinguished career at the intersection of information security, risk, compliance, and data governance, […]
Patricia Maqetuka, Chief Data Officer, Nedbank
Patricia Maqetuka is the Chief Data Officer at Nedbank, where she leads the bank’s enterprise data strategy, governance, and innovation agenda. With a distinguished career spanning technology, analytics, and financial services, she is recognised for her ability to align data and digital transformation with strategic business outcomes. An experienced executive with deep expertise in analytical […]
Menzi Sithole, Chief Data and Information Officer (Africa, Middle East and LATAM), Unilever
Menzi Sithole is the Chief Data and Information Officer for Africa, the Middle East and Latin America at Unilever, where he leads the organisation’s digital, data and technology agenda across diverse and rapidly evolving markets. With a career spanning over 15 years, Menzi brings deep experience in IT strategy, business analysis, project management, and enterprise […]
Mark Goodman, Chief Data Officer, PSG Financial Services
Mark Goodman is the Group Chief Data Officer at PSG Financial Services, where he leads the organisation’s data strategy, governance, and management initiatives. With a strong foundation in data architecture, Mark has built a career around enabling organisations to turn data into a strategic asset, balancing the right mix of people, processes, and technology to […]
Jeniffer Ramnath, Chief Digital and Information Officer, Mastercard Foundation
Jeniffer Ramnath is the Chief Digital and Information Officer (CDIO) at the Mastercard Foundation, where she leads the organisation’s digital and technology strategy to advance its mission of enabling young people in Africa and Indigenous youth in Canada to access dignified and meaningful work. She joined the Foundation in January 2024, bringing with her over […]
Ismail Rasool, Chief Data Officer, Discovery Health
Ismail Rasool is the Chief Data Officer and an Executive at Discovery Health, where he leads a multidisciplinary team of doctors, actuaries, statisticians, data scientists, developers, and business intelligence specialists. Together, they drive the analytics, intelligence, big data, and business solutions that underpin the operations of South Africa’s largest private health insurer, supporting clinical risk […]
Hartnell Ndungi, Chief Data Officer, Africa, Absa Group
Hartnell Ndungi is the Chief Data Officer for Africa Regional Operations at Absa Group, where he leads the continent’s enterprise data strategy, governance, analytics, AI, and data monetisation agenda. His remit centres on turning data into a strategic asset, ensuring its effective use across business lines to drive performance, innovation, and growth. Prior to joining […]
Ridwaan Rasool, CIO Core Banking Transformation, Investec
Ridwaan Rasool is a seasoned technology executive with more than two decades of experience in IT leadership, digital transformation, and data strategy across multiple continents. He currently serves as Chief Information Officer: Core Banking Transformation at Investec, where he leads the evolution of the bank’s core banking, card, and payments capabilities. Ridwaan began his career […]
Nollie Maoto, Chief Data and Analytics Officer, FirstRand
Nollie Maoto is the Chief Data and Analytics Officer at FirstRand. Her career has been anything but linear – a challenging yet deeply fulfilling journey that has taken her from studying to become a Chartered Accountant to establishing herself as a leader in Business Intelligence, Data Science, and Analytics. She has worked across a range […]
Werner Swanepoel, Senior Vice President – Digital, Sibanye-Stillwater
Werner Swanepoel is the Senior Vice President for Digital at Sibanye-Stillwater, where he leads the introduction and integration of digital solutions, including analytics and artificial intelligence, across the organisation. He graduated as an Electrical Engineer and went on to complete a postgraduate degree in Industrial Engineering, a combination that proved invaluable early in his career […]
Daniela Marx, Exec Data, Pepkor NexTech
Daniela Marx began her career as a developer before progressing into roles as a Database Administrator and later a Data Warehouse specialist. Her technical foundation and strategic vision eventually led to her appointment as an executive. In 2016, Daniela developed a data strategy that guided the organisation’s transition to cloud technology, transforming legacy data warehouses […]
Claire Tolmay, Product Line Head: AI and Analytics, Capitec
Claire Tolmay has built her career at the intersection of science, business, and data, driven by a deep passion for applying analytics and artificial intelligence to solve complex challenges. Holding master’s degrees in Physiology and Psychology, along with a postgraduate qualification in Data Science and Business Analytics, she brings a uniquely multidisciplinary perspective to leadership in […]
Mpho Mokoena, Senior Manager in Data analytics, Data science and CCM, MTN
Mpho Mokoena is a Senior Manager in Data Analytics, Data Science, and Continuous Control Monitoring (CCM) at MTN. With nearly a decade of experience in data science, Mpho’s career has been driven by a deep passion for mathematics and a distinctive analytical mindset. She began her professional journey in the banking sector, working at two […]
Vukosi Sambo, Group CIO and CDO, PHA, STM Healthcare & Marara Group
Vukosi Sambo is a global, multi-award-winning executive and thought leader specialising in Artificial Intelligence, Data Management, and Technology Management. With over 16 years of experience, he has led the implementation of technology and data strategies that deliver measurable return on investment from information assets, driving both digital and business transformation outcomes. He currently serves as […]
Marius Papenfus, Head: Enterprise Data Management, South African Revenue Service
Marius Papenfus has spent more than 30 years working as an information and communications technologist, using his grounding in technology enablement to shape strategy and drive transformation across both government and the private sector. His career spans multiple industries and includes roles in enterprise architecture, programme management, service management, business leadership, and strategy development. He […]