Concrete steps to a bright future

Aadil Nakooda has been appointed financial director of Lafarge Gypsum SA.

Nakooda, a chartered accountant, joined Lafarge in 2004 as an accountant for the cement plant in Lichtenburg.

In 2005 he moved to Woodmead to join the central shared services finance department as a financial accountant.

In 2008 he worked for a short time in Cape Town as regional financial controller of the southern region aggregate and concrete management team. In 2009 he returned to Johannesburg where he was posted to the concrete management team as financial controller.

Mncane Mthunzi

Massmart has announced the appointment of Mncane Mthunzi - the CEO of the Consumer Goods Council of SA - as supplier development executive: he will serve on the Massmart executive committee.

Mthunzi will be responsible for leading the R100-million supplier development programme proposed by the merging parties during the Competition Tribunal hearings over Walmart's entry to South Africa.

Grant Pattison, the CEO of Massmart, said Mthunzi's focus would be on the development of local manufacturers, emerging farmers and SME suppliers.

"During his time at the CGCSA, he has developed good insights into some of the challenges that emerging, fast-moving consumer goods suppliers experience in accessing retail markets ..." he said.

Richard Tyler

Simeka Consultants and Actuaries has appointed Richard Tyler as its new MD. He will lead the investment and benefit consultancy, an affiliate of Sanlam Employee Benefits. He replaces the current MD, Gawie du Toit, who is retiring from management.

Tyler joined Simeka from Alexander Forbes and has more than 20 years' experience in the employee benefits industry. Much of his experience was gained at Alexander Forbes, where he held various senior positions in its consulting and actuarial business. He also has experience in consulting, having worked with some of the largest retirement funds in SA.

Romeo Makhubela

Vunani Fund Managers has appointed Romeo Makhubela as CEO.

He joins the company - a subsidiary of the JSE AltX-listed Vunani Limited - from MMI Holdings' asset management business, where he was head of portfolio management and a director.

He will take over the reins from Guy Fletcher, who was serving as CEO and chief investment officer of the business.

Fletcher will remain with Vunani Fund Managers as chief investment officer, concentrating his energies more directly on the fund-management and research processes.

Makhubela has served as chief investment officer at Metropolitan Asset Managers, responsible for asset allocation; portfolio construction; and directing the firm's investment strategy. Before that, he was a senior portfolio manager at Stanlib within the multi-asset and core equity franchises.

Ethan Dube, the CEO of the parent company, said Makhubela's "15 years of industry experience will complement our existing skill set".

Amanda Sevasti Whitehouse

Ogilvy Public Relations has appointed blogger, tweeter, writer and social media fundi Amanda Sevasti Whitehouse to head its digital team as social media account director.

Whitehouse has worked as a copywriter and creative head for eight years and was involved in events and digital campaigns for brands such as Momentum, Santam, Old Mutual, Savanna, Pepsi, Volkswagen, Volvo and MWEB.

However, her passion for online communications led to a career shift, when she moved into the social media sphere.

She has a degree in journalism and politics from Rhodes University, and a diploma in copywriting and marketing communications from the AAA School of Advertising.

Joanna Oosthuizen, the MD of Ogilvy Public Relations, said: "She brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in the social media space and we are delighted to have her on board."

Whitehouse will be responsible for the creation and execution of social media strategy for the firm's clients as well as managing and building the social media team.