Free yourself to make your greatest impact.

Fay joined Alexforbes on 1 May 2023, initially as a Senior Technical Marketing Specialist before transitioning to her current role as a Senior Discretionary Fund Management Specialist with Investment Solutions by Alexforbes.

With over 16 years of experience, Fay has honed her expertise primarily within the Asset Management industry. Her career journey includes roles as an equity analyst, multi-manager research analyst, and DFM portfolio manager at institutions such as Sanlam Investments, Glacier by Sanlam, and PPS Investments. Notably, she played a pivotal role in refining investment-related processes and launching a DFM at PPS Investments from 2017 to 2020.

Before joining Alexforbes, Fay served as an Investment Specialist at Allan Gray for nearly two years, focusing on client servicing within the retail intermediary advice sector. Her latest appointment at Alexforbes is the culmination of her diverse skill set acquired over 16 years in the retirement and savings industry in South Africa.

Passionate about translating propositions into impactful enhancements for intermediary practices, Fay is committed to delivering prosperous outcomes for compulsory and discretionary savings clients.

Fay holds a Bachelor of Business Science (B Bus Sci) Finance Honours degree from the University of Cape Town. She has completed Level 1 of the Certificate in Investment Performance Measurement (CIPM) through the CFA Institute and the Executive Development Program (EDP) at Wits Business School in 2023.

Nadir Thokan, Senior Discretionary Fund Management (DFM) Specialist, was appointed to this role in March 2024. Previously, he served as the Head of Investment Consulting Strategy at Alexforbes starting in October 2022, overseeing the research and best practice division. His expertise spans various areas, including formulating default investment strategies and adapting to legislative changes affecting investment tactics. Nadir's insights assist advisers in optimising the use of different investment products for both mandatory and optional investments. As an integral member of the Investment Solutions Discretionary Fund Management team at Alexforbes, Nadir plays a key role in integrating best investment practices into advisory services.

Before joining Alexforbes, Nadir spent two years at SEI Investments, advising South African clients on investment allocations across regional and global multi-managed portfolios. He led client presentations, pitched to new clients, and specialised in managing investment strategies for SEI's global factor allocation equity funds. Nadir also developed the first dedicated South African retail market strategy for SEI and engaged with various financial entities.

Nadir's journey in the investment industry began at 27four Investment Managers, where he excelled over nine years. Starting as an investment analyst, he progressed to become an investment strategist and eventually Chief Investment Officer, managing domestic and global portfolios worth approximately R30 billion. His leadership led to the recognition of multiple unit trust portfolios with prestigious awards for risk-adjusted performance, including the Raging Bull and Morningstar awards. During his tenure at 27four, Nadir immersed himself in the DFM and independent financial advisor value chain. He played a critical role in driving the retail business strategy and participated in the acquisition of Pioneer Financial Planning. As a board member of the acquired entity, Nadir was responsible for developing investment strategies and solutions for advisors at Pioneer Financial Planning.

Nadir holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) degree from the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits).

Gyongyi has enjoyed a remarkable career spanning over 25 years in the investment industry. She currently serves as the Chief Investment Officer of Alexforbes Investments, where she leads the largest multi-manager investment team in South Africa, comprising 27 dedicated investment professionals. Her team covers a broad spectrum of investment activities, including manager research, portfolio management, private markets, investment research and trends, and risk analysis.

Before joining Alexforbes, Gyongyi spent seven years at Henderson Global Investors and five years at EFG Asset Management, part of a Swiss-based private bank.

In 2009, Gyongyi made a significant career move from the UK to South Africa. She was appointed as the CIO of Caveo in April 2009, where she continued to make a significant impact in the investment industry. Her exceptional leadership and strategic insight led to her appointment as the CIO of Alexforbes Investments in August 2017.

Gyongyi holds a degree in Economics from University College London and is a CFA charter holder, credentials that testify to her deep understanding of economics and financial analysis.

Her extensive strategic insight and decisive leadership have fortified the success of the business.

Senzo, the Joint Deputy Chief Investment Officer at Alexforbes since February 2023, is a distinguished figure in the investments and retirements sectors. With his expertise in traditional asset classes, he plays a pivotal role in shaping the company’s strategy to deliver impactful investment solutions.

Boasting over 17 years of industry experience, Senzo has spent a significant portion of his career, 12 years, with Alexforbes. His leadership in key roles of portfolio management has been instrumental in expanding Alexforbes’s retail business. His strategic vision and operational acumen have helped the company to grow and thrive in a competitive market.

Senzo’s contributions extend beyond portfolio management. He has been leading the charge in responsible investing, a testament to his commitment to sustainable and ethical financial practices. His efforts in this area have not only contributed to the company’s financial success but also its reputation as a socially responsible corporate entity.

Senzo holds a Masters in Finance from the University of the Witwatersrand and is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). These academic qualifications, combined with his extensive practical experience, provide him with a solid foundation in financial analysis and investment strategy.

Nkosinathi is a highly experienced Portfolio Manager at Alexforbes Investments, where he has been a key team member since January 2020. With an impressive 14 years of investment experience, Nkosinathi is a key contributor within the team.

As portfolio manager, Nkosinathi is responsible for overseeing the retail solutions within the business. This includes managing the retail solutions and unit trust portfolios across various asset classes, as well as the Discretionary Fund Management (DFM) portfolios. His role requires a deep understanding of financial markets, strategic portfolio construction and risk management.

Nkosinathi’s is also a valuable member of both the macro-economic and asset allocation committees at Alexforbes. In these roles, he contributes to the development of the firm’s macroeconomic outlook and the strategic allocation of assets across portfolios. His insights and analyses are instrumental in shaping the firm’s investment strategies and decisions.

Bahle is a seasoned Investment Analyst with a specialised focus on retail solutions and unit trust strategies within Alexforbes Investments. His 6 years of investment experience have equipped him with a wealth of knowledge that he brings to his role. He has a proven track record of delivering robust financial analysis and insightful investment research, contributing significantly to the outcomes of our clients.

Bahle’s primary responsibilities include manager research and portfolio management where he conducts comprehensive research on asset managers, evaluating their performance, investment styles and risk management strategies.

Bahle holds a BComm degree in Economics and a BComm Honours degree in Financial Markets from the University of Fort Hare. These academic qualifications, combined with his practical experience, provide him with a solid foundation in economics and financial markets, enabling him to make informed investment decisions.

Donovan spent the first part of his career consulting to large retirement funds at Alexforbes asset consultants. Later, he gained international experience as an investment consultant in London. In 2010, Donovan joined Alexforbes Investments as a senior manager, specialising in bespoke investment strategies and asset-liability modelling.

Donovan was subsequently appointed as Head of Investment Products at Alexforbes in 2019. He now oversees the strategic positioning and communication for all investment product offerings. This role requires a deep understanding of the financial markets, a keen eye for identifying investment product opportunities, and exceptional communication skills to effectively convey the value of Alexforbes’ product offerings to clients and stakeholders.

Donovan is a qualified actuary and a fellow of the Institute of Actuaries.

Donovan’s extensive experience, strategic insight, and commitment to excellence have made him a valuable asset to Alexforbes. His track record of success in various roles within the investments landscape speaks volumes about his dedication to his profession and his ability to deliver exceptional results.

Lawrence is an accomplished investment professional and management executive with an impressive career spanning over 25 years in the investment management industry. His experience and strategic insight have positioned him as a respected figure in the market.

Currently, Lawrence serves as the Managing Director of Alexforbes Investments Unit Trust Ltd and the Retail Investment Product Owner of Alexforbes Investments. In these roles, he oversees unit trust operations and retail investment products, ensuring they align with strategic objectives and meet the diverse needs of our clients.

Before assuming his current roles, Lawrence was the Head of Investment Operations for Alexforbes Investments and Alexforbes Investments Unit Trust. His responsibilities included overseeing investment operations, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and implementing operational strategies to enhance efficiency and performance.

Prior to joining Alexforbes, Lawrence served as the Head of Retail at Advantage Asset Management (now known as Momentum).

Lawrence brings extensive experience in the management of Long Only and CIS in Hedge portfolios. His expertise in these areas enables him to effectively manage portfolios and identify opportunities.

Alex is a seasoned professional with a remarkable career spanning over two decades in the financial industry, where 12 of these years have been spent at Alexforbes. He is currently serving as the Head of Governance & Approved Products at Alexforbes, a role that places him at the forefront of the company’s strategic initiatives and product offerings.

Alex’s key focus is on best practice management, a critical aspect of his role that ensures the company’s operations and products adhere to the highest standards of quality, compliance, and performance.

With a significant tenure of 11 years at Investec Asset Management, Alex brings a wealth of expertise to his role at Alexforbes. During his time at Investec, he held various roles that allowed him to gain diverse experience and a deep understanding of the financial markets. This experience has equipped him with the skills and knowledge to navigate the complex landscape of investment management and to develop effective strategies for clients.

Ann is an accomplished professional currently serving as the CEO of Alexforbes Investments. With a career spanning over 20 years in the financial services industry, Ann has amassed a wealth of knowledge and experience that she brings to her leadership role.

Prior to her current position, Ann held senior roles at JP Morgan, Rand Merchant Bank, and ABSA Asset Management.

Within the Alexforbes Group, Ann gained extensive experience as the Head of Global Manager Research and as the Deputy Chief Investment Officer. In these roles, she specialized in retail and institutional fund management, multi-management, portfolio management, and investment philosophies. Her responsibilities also included conducting due diligence across both global and local fund managers, a task that required a deep understanding of market trends and a keen eye for identifying potential investment opportunities.

Ann is known for her strategic insight and her ability to drive organizational success. As the CEO of Alexforbes Investments, she leads with a vision for growth and a commitment to delivering exceptional results. Her leadership style fosters a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, inspiring her team to strive for excellence in their work.

John is the executive for Investments, Products and Enablement at Alexforbes. In this role he oversees the management of the Alexander Forbes Group’s solutions in line with the company’s approach of securing a lifetime of financial well-being for clients. He has over 20 years’ experience in employee benefits and asset management. John has consulted to a number of large clients as valuator, employee benefit consultant, investment consultant and portfolio manager. He was the national head of consulting strategy for many years before leading the Research & Product Development area in Alexander Forbes Financial Services. John is a fellow of both the Actuarial Society of South Africa (FASSA) and the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (FFA). He is a member of the ASISA Strategy and Policy Advisory Committee, previous member of various industry bodies, including the Research Committee and Retirement Matters Committee of the Actuarial Society of South Africa, ASISA Retirement Standing Committee and ASISA Retirement Reform Committee.

Viresh is a seasoned professional with a rich career spanning 19 years in the South African financial services sector. His journey in this industry has been marked by a deep understanding of the market dynamics and a commitment to driving growth and innovation.

In his current role at Alexforbes, Viresh has been instrumental in leading the company’s retail capability. His leadership has been pivotal in shaping the retail strategy of the company, ensuring it aligns with the evolving needs of the customers and the market trends.

In addition to heading up the marketing functions, he has also been at the forefront of Alexforbes’ digital transformation initiatives which has been key in integrating technology into the company’s operations, thereby enhancing efficiency and customer experience.

Viresh’s tenure at Alexforbes, which spans the past 3 years, has been marked by significant contributions that have propelled the company forward in its journey of growth and transformation.

Viresh is a Fellow of the Actuarial Society of South Africa and a Chartered Enterprise Risk Actuary. Viresh also holds an MBA from the University of Cape Town (UCT), which he obtained with distinction.