REFLECTIONS FROM OUR CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

A corner stone in the successful execution of AYO’s value-creating strategy is to provide the appropriate level of support to its underlying investments. This can be challenging at times, given the diversity of our Group companies in terms of size, lifecycle stages, inherent resources and capabilities as well as strategies and objectives. Thus, a key development during the reporting period was the establishment of a senior team of Group executives – handpicked experts in their respective fields, whose mandate is to work closely with the investee companies to promote Group cohesion, identify collaboration opportunities and facilitate the achievement of our strategic objectives.

The team works closely together, as well as with our Executive Committee and the investee companies’ teams, to maximise the Group’s resources, promote common goals and unlock shared value, which is much greater than just the sum of its parts. They have already proven to be a valuable link in the Group’s operating chain, in the short space of time since assuming their respective portfolios, and share the following focus points for their roles in the upcoming year:

INVESTMENTS

[inv-vest-muhnt]

the investing of money or capital in order to gain profitable returns, as interest, income, or appreciation of assets.

WAKEEL MCLAHLAN

Group Executive – Investments

“My role focuses on building value for the AYO Group through aggressive acquisitive growth. In the short term, I am looking at enhancing our current portfolio of investments, as well as creating synergistic value for these investments, while boosting the overall Group’s offering by introducing complimentary products and services promoting the advancement of the 4iR.”

TECHNOLOGY

[tek-nol–uh-jee]

the branch of knowledge that deals with the creation and use of technical means and their interrelation with life, society, and economics.

MAHOMMED DOOLA

Group Executive – Technology

“My portfolio is centred around directing and leading collaborative projects within the AYO Group to maximise the inherent technology know-how within our diverse subsidiaries, unlock shared opportunities and create valuable solutions for our collective clients. In the next six to twelve months I look forward to enhancing the Company’s IT controls and processes and actively participating in the delivery of key technology projects across the Group.”

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

[di-vel–uhp-muhnt]

the act or process of developing; growth; progress: business development.

XOLO MOTSWASELE

Group Executive – Business Development

“My focus as the GE: Business Development is to provide meaningful support to our subsidiary businesses, ensure the strategic alignment within the Group and identify and develop opportunities for collaboration and innovative applications of current products. I also work with the GE: Marketing on strengthening AYO’s positioning as an industry leader and engaging with industry peers at prominent ICT platforms, such as Africa Com and SA Innovation Summit. These are powerful stages that will begin to shape the African agenda through technology and position AYO as a valuable contributor.”

MARKETING

[mahr-ki-ting]

the activities involved in the creating, communicating, delivering and exchanging offerings that have value for customers, clients, partners and society at large.

JENI KOSTOVA

Group Executive – Marketing

“As the GE: Marketing, my portfolio focuses on the articulation and delivery of our Company’s and investments’ brand and communications strategies. I aim to enhance the image and positioning of each one of our subsidiaries as an undisputed leader in their respective niche markets and promote AYO as a trustworthy, inspiring and knowledgeable player in the technology field. Going forward I also plan to work closely with our investee companies to assist them into diversifying the application of their proprietary technologies into new industries and develop a collaborative platform for engagement and cross-pollination amongst our brands.”

PEOPLE

[pee-puhl]

the division of business that is charged with finding, screening, recruiting and training talent and all things people related.

SNOW MOKGALABONE

Group Executive – People 

“The GE: People, as the name implies, handles the human factor within the organisation and I look forward to making my mark on this important portfolio. AYO has historically been committed to being an employer of choice and supporting the development of our employees. My top priorities in the upcoming period focus on driving the Group’s succession management plan to ensure long-term sustainable value creation, employee engagement and integrated performance management. We have an abundance of great talent within our stable and I am truly passionate about motivating and encouraging them to reach their full potential.”

FINANCIAL CONTROLS AND SYSTEMS

[kuhn-trohl] [sis-tuhm]

the procedures policies and means, by which an organisation monitors and controls the direction, allocation and usage of its financial resources.

NOMVUYO DUBE

Group Executive – Financial Controls and Systems

“My role as the GE: Financial Controls and Systems is challenging and diverse. The AYO Group comprises of a number of subsidiary companies of various sizes, lifecycle stages and levels of sophistication of their internal financial control systems. The teams within the different operating units are also of various levels of experience and confidence. My job, therefore, in the upcoming year will be to maximise efficiencies through implementing a unified financial controls system across the Group, supporting the subsidiary teams during the roll out and ensuring the consistency, accuracy and integrity of financial reporting throughout the organisation.”