Page 13 - Energize February 2021

NEWS

Engineering consultancy appoints

co-CEO for new market

utari is bringing previous Aurecon Group Chair Teddy Daka on­board as co­CEO with
current CEO Dr Gustav Rohde. It follows the company’s successful launch last year after
Zde­merging from the global Aurecon group and a recent decision to re­enter the Middle
East market.
This strategic development is critical to address the shifting market conditions faced by
consulting engineers and to ensure the transformation of the business, in responding to these
challenges, according to Zutari Chair Dr Lulu Gwagwa.
“We are privileged to have two international business professionals now shaping Zutari’s
future. Our board’s decision to follow the co­CEO route was not taken lightly. We believe that
the complementary strengths of Daka and Gustav will future­proof Zutari against emerging
trends of digitisation, disruptions and risks, while building on its ability to co­create world­
class infrastructure solutions,” says Dr Gwagwa. Teddy Daka
“Trust, mutual respect and keeping each other accountable remain the key success factors
for this approach. The two have worked together very well over the last 14 years in different can unlock the potential in many of our
capacities within the legacy firms of Zutari,” Dr Gwagwa adds. markets when we join forces this way.
Daka will focus on digital transformation, technology, strategic partnerships, and future Partnerships will be key in enabling
growth. Dr Gwagwa also indicates that the company is keen to explore more entrepreneurial economic recovery post Covid­19.”
ventures for which Daka will provide valuable leadership. Dr Rohde, a seasoned engineer and As the largest infrastructure
executive, will continue to provide operational and technical leadership. Prior to the de­ consultancy firm in Africa, Zutari’s
merger, Dr Rohde led Aurecon’s global operations as chief operations officer. tenacity in co­creating engineered
The company’s re­entry into the Middle East (ME) market offers a more diverse solutions based on shared value for
geographic footprint and opportunity for growth. “The addition of the Middle East business to business, communities, and
Zutari requires greater responsibility from management, which this appointment will environments, resonates well with Daka.
support,” confirms Dr Gwagwa. “The company’s resolve to focus on
Dr Rohde highlights that Zutari is well familiar with the ME market, having started the impact played a key role in my
business there 25 years ago. “Zutari’s re­establishment in the Middle East emanates from our decision to accept this appointment. I
recent de­merger and is creating a platform for growth for Zutari. We are well positioned to understand the importance of
leverage the geopolitical synergies between the ME and Africa markets and are able to offer infrastructure development as a
world­class skills and experience to ME clients at very competitive rates,” Dr Rohde adds. catalyst for growth and positive
Daka, who recently stepped down as Group CEO of listed digital technology solutions firm change. The opportunity to shape this
Etion, is known for leading successful business turnaround initiatives. He is no stranger to the impact through my new role, was also
Zutari business, having been involved as strategic partner since 2007. a much more exciting option than
Serving as the global chairman of the legacy company Aurecon’s board from 2013 to 2019, retirement,” he points out.
he was a key driver of the decision to de­merge and establish Zutari. “During the time we have “In the last few years, Zutari has made
worked together in different capacities within the legacy firms of Zutari, Gustav and I have good progress on the journey of digitising
developed a very good personal and professional relationship,” notes Daka. our information and digitalising our
With a career trajectory that spans chairing and serving on several major boards, public operations. As the Fourth Industrial
sector task teams and committees, Daka is an advocate of ethical, fair and equitable business Revolution evolves further, we stay on
practice. As a highly respected entrepreneur, business consultant and trusted advisor to both course with our journey towards full digital
Blue Chip companies and public sector entities, he looks forward to building a platform for transformation – a journey Daka will be
growth and to secure Zutari’s future. able to significantly contribute to, having
He also remains optimistic about the potential of Africa. “I am still passionate about the done that very successfully with Etion,”
potential of our markets – even though we face severe challenges. Local economies are not concludes Dr Rohde. n
performing as they should. I believe there is much that we can do when we start working
together – as individuals, businesses and as governments.” Contact Rashree Maharaj,
Daka emphasises: “As the world faces the impact of a devastating Covid­19 pandemic, we Tel 012 427-2000,
see alliances across traditional boundaries being formed to address this crisis. I believe we Rashree.Maharaj@zutari.com

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