Ziaad Suleman is the Chief Executive Officer of Cassava Technologies operations for South Africa and Botswana, where he leads strategy, business growth, and operations across a diverse portfolio of companies, including Liquid Intelligent Technologies, Africa Data Centres, Sasai Fintech, Liquid Cloud and Security, and CassavaAI.
With over 25 years of experience in the technology industry, Ziaad is an accomplished C-suite leader recognised for driving business success through innovation, strategic transformation, and the enablement of technology-driven solutions. Before joining Cassava Technologies, he served as Group Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) and Executive Committee member at iOCO Technologies, and prior to that, spent 13 years at IBM, where he advanced from Director and Head General Counsel for IBM Africa to Chief Operating Officer for IBM Southern Africa.
Beyond his corporate leadership roles, Ziaad is deeply engaged in shaping the future of Africa’s digital economy. He serves as South Africa’s Chair for 4IR and the Digital Economy on BRICS+, and as a Non-Executive Director for CollectiveX, the Southern Africa Philanthropy Foundation, and Geeks 4 Learning, championing skills development and inclusion in the digital sector.
A graduate of St John’s College, Johannesburg, Ziaad holds an Honours degree in Law (with distinction) from the University of Natal and an MDP in Business Management (with distinction) from GIBS Business School. Known for his strategic vision, people-first leadership, and commitment to advancing Africa’s digital transformation, Ziaad continues to inspire innovation and progress across the continent.
