In the competitive landscape of South Africa’s corporate world, the educational backgrounds of its highest-paid CEOs often spark curiosity and debate.
What role does education play in shaping the leaders who command substantial salaries and drive significant economic growth?
In this article, WoA takes a closer look at the prestigious schools attended by these influential figures, exploring how their formative years may have influenced their leadership styles.
1. Mike Henry
Mike Henry is the CEO of BHP, one of the world’s largest resources companies, a position he has held since January 1, 2020.
He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of British Columbia.
Before joining BHP in 2003, he worked with Mitsubishi in various roles across Canada, Japan, and Australia.
2. Fani Titi
Fani Titi is the Chief Executive Officer of Investec Group, having held the position since March 2020 after serving as Joint CEO from October 2018.
He earned a BSc (cum laude) and BSc Honours (cum laude) in Mathematics from the University of Fort Hare, a MA in Mathematics from the University of California, Berkeley, and an MBA from the University of the Witwatersrand.
3. Pieter Engelbrecht
Pieter Engelbrecht is the Chief Executive Officer of Shoprite Holdings Ltd, Africa’s largest food retailer.
He holds an Honours in Accounting Science from the University of South Africa (UNISA) and a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) from the University of Stellenbosch.
Engelbrecht began his career in auditing at PricewaterhouseCoopers and has extensive experience in retail management and corporate finance.
4. Iain Williamson
Iain Williamson is the CEO of Old Mutual Limited, a financial services group based in South Africa, where he has served since July 2020.
He holds a Bachelor of Business Science in Actuarial Science and completed a General Management Program at Harvard University.
Williamson professional journey began at Old Mutual in 1993, and he has held various leadership roles within the company, including Finance Director and Chief Operating Officer.
5. Adrian Gore
Adrian Gore, born on May 16, 1964, in Johannesburg, is a prominent South African businessman and the founder and CEO of Discovery Limited.
He graduated from the University of the Witwatersrand with a Bachelor of Science degree in Actuarial Science in 1986.
Gore has also received an honorary doctorate in Economics from the same university in 2017.
He attended King David High School and later met his wife at Wits during their accountancy classes.
6. Michel Doukeris
Michel Doukeris is the CEO of AB InBev, the world’s largest beer company.
He was born in 1973 in Lages, Brazil. Doukeris earned a degree in Chemical Engineering from the Federal University of Santa Catarina and holds a Master’s degree from Fundação Getulio Vargas.
Additionally, he completed postgraduate programs at the Wharton School and the Kellogg School of Management in the United States.
7. Gary Nagle
Gary Nagle is the CEO of Glencore, having taken on the role in July 2021.
He was born in South Africa in 1975 and earned degrees in commerce and accounting from the University of the Witwatersrand.
Nagle qualified as a chartered accountant in 1999 and joined Glencore in 2000, where he has held various leadership positions throughout his career.
8. Tadeu Marroco
Tadeu Marroco is the Chief Executive of British American Tobacco (BAT), having assumed the role on May 15, 2023.
He holds a degree in Electrical Engineering from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro and an MBA from COPPEAD Graduate School of Business.
His extensive career at BAT began in 1992, where he has held various leadership positions across different regions, contributing significantly to the company’s transformation and growth.
9. Sim Tshabalala
Simpiwe “Sim” Tshabalala, the CEO of Standard Bank Group, attended Sacred Heart College in Johannesburg for his high school education.
He then pursued higher education at Rhodes University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in 1988 and a Bachelor of Laws in 1990.
Furthering his studies, he obtained a Master of Laws from the University of Notre Dame in the United States, graduating summa cum laude in 1993.
Additionally, he completed a Higher Diploma in Taxation Law from the University of the Witwatersrand and participated in the Advanced Management Programme at Harvard University.
10. Allan Pullinger
Alan Pullinger, the CEO of FirstRand Bank, attended the University of the Witwatersrand, where he earned his undergraduate degree.
He has built a notable career in finance, leading FirstRand to significant growth and success within the South African banking sector.
His extensive experience includes over 26 years at FirstRand, where he has held various leadership positions, ultimately becoming CEO in 2018.
