Our team
is
your team
Proven Leadership, Proven Results
Over Two Centuries of Combined Expertise
Our leadership team embodies a remarkable breadth of expertise, boasting over 270 years of combined experience across various critical sectors. Each member is a recognized leader in their specific area of expertise, bringing invaluable insights and proven strategies to the forefront of our operations. This diversity in skill sets and knowledge not only enriches our company's capabilities but also ensures that we are equipped to handle the complexities and demands of today’s dynamic business environment.
The longevity of our team's relationships, with some spanning more than 15 years, is a testament to the deep trust and strong bonds that have been cultivated over time. These enduring partnerships are foundational to our success, enabling us to operate with a synergy that enhances our efficiency and effectiveness.
Together, this seasoned team continues to drive excellence and innovation, positioning our company as a leader in the industry and a trusted partner to our clients.
A team built on trust and excellence
Donald van der Merwe
CEO & CTO | Digital, Business, & Finance Transformation Executive
Donald is an accomplished technology and commercial executive with a rich 30-year career, highlighted by 18 years of leadership at the executive level. His tenure features impactful roles at Barclays/Absa, Old Mutual, and as a management consultant with Advanze, where he spearheaded strategic initiatives across Africa and Europe.
Donald excels in the art of driving transformation within organizations, focusing on client-centric operational models, digital and technological strategy development, and enterprise architecture. His adeptness in portfolio prioritization, business case development, and the creation of innovative digital solutions has positioned organizations for success in the digital era.
A pioneer in technology and cloud solutions, Donald has been instrumental in executing over 375 business, technology, and digital transformation projects and programmes. His strategic vision has not only reshaped the operational landscape of financial giants but also fostered a culture of innovation and excellence. Donald’s leadership and expertise in facilitating seamless customer experiences through digital onboarding and growth strategies, underscores his capability to navigate the complexities of the digital financial services industry.
Unity in purpose, excellence in execution
Hein van Dyk
Digital Payments Executive
Hein is a seasoned payments executive whose career is deeply rooted in the banking and fintech sectors. With over 25 years of experience, he has mastered the design, implementation, and management of digital solutions and products. His extensive work has engaged local and global regulators, including Central Banks and financial institutions across multiple countries, with a particular focus on the Middle East and Africa for the past 13 years.
Known for his technical acumen and strategic mindset, Hein excels in operational optimization and developing product solutions that push the boundaries of innovation in the payments industry. His leadership has been pivotal in navigating complex regulatory environments and enhancing transactional efficiencies, which have been critical in advancing the digital agendas of the organizations he has served.
A dynamic leader, Hein is adept at building and directing high-impact, cross-functional teams. His efforts have consistently translated into significant bottom-line value for organizations, driven by his commitment to crafting cutting-edge strategies and solutions that meet evolving market demands. Hein’s approach not only ensures operational excellence but also fosters a culture of innovation and resilience in the face of industry challenges.
A team that delivers, no matter the challenge
Charles Ueckerman
Finance Transformation Executive
Charles is a highly effective and pragmatic executive with a distinguished track record in managing high-profile projects across diverse project management methodologies, including both Waterfall and Agile. His career spans over 15 years, predominantly in the financial services insurance industry including at Old Mutual, where he led a team responsible for key elements of the finance transformation program. These projects included developing a standardized Chart of Accounts across 12 countries and 116 legal entities, significantly contributing to a new ERP system rollout.
In his tenure, Charles has demonstrated exceptional leadership in navigating complex challenges in the design and implementation of a Centralised Data Warehouse, which supports Business Intelligence reporting across various financial metrics such as tax, management, and regulatory reporting. His expertise as a qualified Chartered Accountant has been crucial in the planning, requirement gathering, design, build, and testing phases for each reporting deliverable. Furthermore, his team has been instrumental in mapping source system integrations across more than 70 Policy Administration and Core Banking systems, outlining ETL specifications.
Prior to his current role, Charles excelled in delivering large-scale finance transformation programs while based in London, UK. He has worked with major financial institutions including HSBC, Barclays, BlackRock, Santander Bank, and Royal Bank of Scotland, covering areas such as investment banking, corporate/retail banking, asset management, private equity, and brokerage services. His consistent success in these roles underscores his capability to adapt and thrive in ever-changing environments, steering his teams toward exemplary performance through collaboration and transparency.
United in commitment, unmatched in performance
Liezl Combrink
Change Management
Liezl Combrink is a seasoned Change Manager who embodies compassionate leadership and commitment to driving organizational change success. With a distinguished career spanning over 18 years in the Banking and Insurance sectors, Liezl has mastered the art of developing change strategies that elevate business performance while cultivating profound relationships with stakeholders.
At the heart of Liezl's approach to Change Management is a genuine passion for inspiring innovation, empowering employees, and cultivating team collaboration. Her commitment to uplifting staff morale and maximizing team efficiency shines through her adept communication of objectives and ongoing progress updates, ensuring everyone remains aligned and motivated on the transformational journey.
As a thoughtful professional, Liezl's innate ability to understand team dynamics and create harmonious work environments leads to the formation of high-performing teams that consistently deliver results. By leveraging her analytical acumen, Liezl uncovers underlying issues that impact team performance, ultimately steering teams towards greater functionality and collective triumph.
Liezl's unwavering dedication to driving change, preparing users for transitions, nurturing strong bonds with stakeholders, and fostering collaboration within teams positions her as an invaluable asset in any change management endeavour. Her emphasis on building relationships, prioritizing effective communication, and championing team empowerment characterizes Liezl as a leader who not only guides teams through change but also empowers them to flourish in an ever-evolving business landscape.
Reliability and resilience at the core
Dhiren Seetharam
Programme & Project Management | Advanced Analytics & Insights
Dhiren is a seasoned IT professional with over 22 years of experience, offering a rich background in diverse sectors such as financial services, consulting, mobile telecoms, government, and military. His career includes significant roles at prestigious organizations like CSIR, Deloitte Consulting, MultiChoice, MTN, and Old Mutual. Dhiren's expertise encompasses project, program, and portfolio management; agile implementation and management; as well as digital transformation and analytics strategy implementation.
With a hands-on approach to management consulting, Dhiren is known for his ability to deliver strategic value through high-performing teams. He has successfully led numerous large-scale initiatives, managing multi-disciplinary teams of over 200 professionals in both hybrid and remote deployment models. His passion for solving complex business issues is evident in his leadership style, which focuses on driving teams to develop innovative solutions and achieve excellence.
In today’s data-driven business landscape, Dhiren excels in harnessing the power of data to unlock competitive advantages and enhance operational efficiencies. He has a proven track record in embedding data-driven decision-making processes within organizations, implementing analytics strategies that are both effective and tailored to the specific needs of the business. This strategic focus underscores his capability to navigate the complexities of modern IT environments and deliver results that align with organizational goals.
Excellence is our standard, collaboration our method
Bhaskar Veligeti
Technology Lead | Development | Artificial Intelligence | Machine Learning | Model Development
Bhaskar is an experienced technical professional with an 18-year track record of successfully leading and delivering complex projects from inception to completion. He is proficient in driving teams toward achieving technical excellence while ensuring timely and high-quality deliverables. Bhaskar adeptly balances technical requirements with business objectives to meet project goals and exceed client expectations.
With strong leadership skills, Bhaskar has the ability to inspire and motivate cross-functional teams. He excels in mentoring team members and fostering a collaborative work environment. His proficiency in project planning, resource allocation, and risk management enables him to define project scope, set milestones, and manage timelines to ensure on-time delivery.
Bhaskar collaborates with project managers and stakeholders to define project scope, requirements, and objectives. He develops project plans and allocates resources accordingly, leading and motivating the development team to ensure high levels of productivity and performance. He provides coaching and mentorship to junior team members and oversees the end-to-end delivery of projects, from requirements gathering to deployment. Bhaskar monitors project progress, identifies risks, and implements mitigation strategies as needed.
He stays updated on emerging technologies, industry trends, and best practices, and encourages a culture of continuous learning and innovation within the team.
A team you can count on, every time
Alex Brown
Data & Compliance Transformation Specialist | Operational Risk & Governance Strategist | Financial Crimes Compliance Leader
Alex is a seasoned Data and Strategic Analyst with 18 years of experience spanning Africa, Europe, and Australia. Renowned for his expertise in operational risk management, compliance, and data-driven strategies, Alex has played pivotal roles in transforming financial crime compliance and enhancing governance frameworks. His experience includes leading initiatives to digitize compliance processes, optimize risk mitigation strategies, and enable real-time oversight capabilities.
Throughout his career, Alex has driven operational efficiency and regulatory compliance through the integration of risk-based practices across diverse business lines and regions. By leveraging advanced data analysis and automation, he has streamlined compliance workflows, empowering organizations to respond with agility to evolving regulatory demands. His leadership has consistently established robust governance structures that align with global standards while reducing operational risks.
Alex’s strategic foresight and implementation of innovative, data-centric solutions have delivered measurable improvements in risk management and compliance outcomes. His ability to bridge operational and regulatory challenges with innovative, data-driven solutions has driven sustainable transformation and operational excellence in complex and highly regulated environments, making him an invaluable asset to transformative initiatives.
Strengthened through challenges, thriving on solutions
Chantal Miller
Programme & Project Management | Delivery & Implementation
As a seasoned Project and Programme Manager, Chantal brings 19 years of expertise in driving and delivering complex projects and programmes across diverse industries. Chantal’s proficiency spans Strategic Delivery, Implementation, Programme Management, Solution Architecture, and Agile methodologies, with a proven track record of success at organizations such as Absa and SBM Bank Kenya.
In her role, she has consistently demonstrated the ability to manage large-scale projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. Her strategic approach includes meticulous planning, risk management, and effective stakeholder communication, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives and client expectations. She excel’s in navigating complex environments, addressing challenges proactively, and delivering solutions that drive organizational success.
With a focus on leadership and collaboration, Chantal works seamlessly with cross-functional teams to foster a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. Her dynamic problem-solving skills and adaptability in fast-paced environments enables her to consistently meet and exceed project goals. Chantal has a commitment to excellence and her ability to drive projects to successful completion makes her a valuable asset in the dynamic landscape of Advanze Business.
Where collaboration meets innovation and excellence
Sean Botha
Business Architecture | Process Optimisation
Sean is an accomplished Architect and Product Manager with a dynamic 15-year career that showcases his ability to offer a unique value proposition in the realm of digital strategy and execution. As an influential EXCO advisor and member, Sean partners with organizations to tackle challenges and seize opportunities in digital transformation, focusing on scaling and optimization. He is adept at formulating leadership visions into executable strategies and crafting practical architectural roadmaps to facilitate their realization.
Throughout his career, Sean has demonstrated exceptional capability in designing and implementing enterprise solutions for major financial institutions. Recently, he led a Finance Technology Transformation team in developing an optimized business operating model, which included organizational redesign and strategic capability placement across 12 countries, leveraging a hybrid cloud-based technical ecosystem. His prior experience encompasses a substantial portfolio with most major Investment & Asset Managers in South Africa, where he designed, implemented, and optimized a variety of Business Process Outsourcing and hybrid operating models, along with their extensive technical solutions.
Sean’s profound and varied experience in the financial services sector has equipped him with deep business domain knowledge and an understanding of both current and emerging technologies. This expertise enables him to provide valuable insights to executives on strategic and tactical capability development. Known for his reliable and effective delivery, Sean enjoys a solid reputation, underscored by his signature touch of quality and refinement.
Trust us to lead, expect us to deliver
Hannes de Lange
Scrum Master | Agile Coach | Human Capability | Training
Hannes is a dynamic Scrum Master and Agile Coach with a proven track record of fostering growth and empowering development within organizations and individuals. Hannes has extensive experience working within large-scale Finance Transformation Programmes, which makes him exceptionally well-suited to lead similar efforts, particularly in complex ERP and Finance Transformation Programmes, including those involving Dynamics 365 FnO.
With a career that began in teaching and education, Hannes transitioned to Adult Basic Education and Human Capital Development, making significant contributions across various industries including manufacturing, FMCG, international trade, and financial services. His expertise spans over 35 years, marked by impactful interventions and numerous successes in consulting, with a deep focus on agile transformation and capability building.
Hannes played a pivotal role in establishing Digital Learning Centres across the banking industry in Africa, showcasing his expertise in designing and executing strategic Human Capital initiatives. As a qualified Advanced Business Analyst and Agile Coach, he combines his analytical thinking with a deep understanding of career path development, which he skillfully transforms into tangible outcomes that align with organizational KPIs.
Notably, Hannes' team authored training manuals for all of the approximately 200+ processes within D365 FnO at Old Mutual, demonstrating his in-depth knowledge of the platform. His role in building D365 FnO eLearning content further underscores his capabilities in training and facilitation, making him an invaluable resource for ensuring user adoption and smooth transitions.
As an Agile Coach and Scrum Master, Hannes brings the right mix of leadership, facilitation, and hands-on experience to effectively guide the project team through agile practices. His skills in training, change management, and agile methodologies are crucial in fulfilling the onsite lead role, helping organizations successfully navigate their transformation journey.
Together, achieving more through trust and teamwork
Sanet Davison
Human Capability | Instructional Design
Sanet is an esteemed Learning Development Specialist with a robust 25-year track record in ERP implementations, including projects with SAP, Finacle, and Microsoft Dynamics 365. Her industry expertise spans Banking, Mining, Manufacturing, and Oil sectors, where she has notably served as Lead Learning and Development / Lead Capability across nineteen different African countries.
An internationally accredited specialist by Langevin, Sanet employs an Agile methodology in her work. She excels in crafting detailed training documentation aligned with well-defined business processes and has successfully implemented various Learning Management Systems that enhance skill and knowledge development for end-users. Her leadership in managing extensive training rollouts across Africa is complemented by her adeptness in resolving defect issues using the JIRA tool.
Sanet’s approach to project management integrates both Hybrid and Agile methodologies. She is also a qualified Business Behaviour Analyst, providing valuable insights that help build dynamic, goal-driven teams. Her experience as a System Training Gap Analyst and classroom facilitator further underscores her comprehensive skill set. Sanet’s customer-centric approach and emphasis on collaboration have been instrumental in her sustained success and positive impact on the organizations she has supported.
Dependable by nature, exceptional by effort
Tshabo Monethi
Programme Test Management | Quality Assurance
With over 18 years of experience in the IT industry, Tshabo is an expert Test Manager specializing in quality assurance and software testing. He has adeptly managed end-to-end testing and led large-scale testing transformation programs, consistently ensuring the delivery of high-quality IT solutions.
Tshabo's technical proficiency includes developing comprehensive test strategies and plans, providing test consultancy, setting up test teams, and selecting appropriate test tools. Skilled in stakeholder and vendor management, he drives project success and operational efficiency.
He has pioneered testing solutions and processes that significantly reduce the cost of quality. Under his leadership, Tshabo has built, mentored, and led high-performance teams of more than 40 professionals, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. His commitment to enhancing the testing capability and transforming the testing culture in the IT industry is recognized through his strong leadership, managerial, communication, and mentoring abilities.
Crafting success through unwavering dependability
Debbie Joubert
Programme Support & Administration | Project Office | Governance
With over 20 years of experience in the financial industry, Debbie is a seasoned professional in Programme support and administration, specializing in governance, stakeholder engagement, vendor management, and team collaboration. Thriving in fast-paced environments, she leverages her strong planning skills, financial acumen, and IT proficiency to drive excellence across all administrative functions.
Recognized for her meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to critical tasks, Debbie is a dedicated team player known for setting priorities, meeting deadlines, and delivering high-quality outputs alongside lifecycle support for programme systems. Serving as the linchpin that keeps programmes running smoothly, she provides executive and team leadership support, she also facilitates and fosters ongoing team engagement.
Debbie's role extends beyond administration; she is an enabler, encourager, and strategic thinker who sees the bigger picture. Her values of exceptional service, integrity, and loyalty shines through in her dedication to fostering mutually beneficial relationships with stakeholders.