BY Money Matters Magazine Staff Reporter
July 2026 has seen a wave of senior executive appointment across Southern Africa, with highly accredited leaders, five of them women -stepping into CFO, banking, and investment roles at SOEs, Regulators, listed tech firms, and major financial Institutions.
Absa has appointed Saloshni Pillay as Managing Executive for Corporate and Investment South Africa, marking her return to the group after leading Dutsche Bank’s local operations.Pillay brings more than 25 years of experience across investment banking and global markets ,with senior roles at Citigroup,Standard bank and Credit Agricole .The appointment forms part of Group CEO Kenny Fihla’s strategy to strengthen Absa’s leadership team through high-profile hires.
The bank says Pillay’s industry knowledge will help grow it’s corporate and investment banking business as it seeks to increase market share and drive sustainable growth across South Africa and the continent.
Also,JSE -listed technology services firm EOH has appointed Ashona Kookblall as Executive director and group CFO, effective 22 July. Kookblall returns to replace Marialet Greeff,who resigned in June. She left EOH in May 2024 for a short stint as CFO for Natura &Co’s Africa division.” It feels like going home,’’Kooblall said. ’I am looking forward to being part of the future and growth of the organization.”
ACA(SA), Kooblall’s career spans PwC,Tiger Brands ,Barloworld ,and a six -year tenure at Nike Africa where she rose to finance director. She previously served as CFO at IOCO,an EOH company for four and half years ,managing local and international operations, budgeting and strategic planning.
Meanwhile, Momentum Investments has appointed Mamere Chiloaneas Head of Collective Investments, effective 1 July as the fund manager strengthens its leadership bench within its retail investment business.
Chiloane joins from Sanlam, where she most recently served as Chief Operating Officer. She brings nearly a decade of experience across operations, fund management, and strategic change. Her appointment comes as asset managers face pressure to grow retail inflows, improve client experience, and navigate tightening regulation.
On the other hand, The National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA) has appointed Maureen Manyama as Chief Financial Officer as it advances South Africa’s transition to a liberalized electricity market.
Manyama brings more than 25 years of experience working as executive leadership across SOEs, Financial services, listed companies, and higher education. A CA (SA) with an MBA from GIBS, she previously served as CFO at the university of the Witwatersrand. Her CV includes senior roles at Airports Company South Africa, SA Forestry Company, Agricultural Research Council, Hollard Insurance, Postbank.
Lastly, The Botswana Gambling Authority has appointed Tshepang Magang as Chief Financial Officer. Magang has 15+ years’ experience in finance, audit, risk, and regulatory compliance.
She previously served the Authirity as internal audit manager, financial planning manager, and acting CFO, where she strengthened financial controls and improved revenue performance.She started her career at KPMG.Magang holds an MBA from European Business University of Luxembourg and is fellow of the ACCA and FCPA.
Sources
CFO South Africa Citywire Businesstech