Satrix, a provider of index-tracking investment products and exchange traded funds (ETFs) in South Africa has appointed Fikile Mbhokota as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Mbhokota is a seasoned leader in the financial services industry with over 18 years in the industry. 

Her experience ranges from indexation and active investment management to consulting, operations, research, strategy, fund administration, custody management, executive client account management and business origination.

Most recently she held the positions of investment manager and acting head of investments at the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF), Africa's largest pension fund with more than 1.2 million active members and assets worth more than R1.7trn.

Mbhokota’s prior roles have included senior investment consultant at Absa Consultants and Actuaries, where she was a member of the junior executive committee, consulting to some of the largest pension funds in Africa. She also held investment consulting positions at Momentum Asset Management, Riscura and Old Mutual (previously acsis).

In addition, she also has vast experience consulting at executive and board level to some of the largest pension fund boards in Africa.

Mbhokota holds a Master Degree in Finance and is currently in her final year studying towards a PhD in Finance on private equity, firm performance, governance, and economic growth in Africa.

She has completed private equity, strategic asset allocation, manager selection and master custody programmes at the Institute for Limited Partners in Chicago and World Bank in Washington DC, USA respectively.

Reece Briesies, Chief Financial and Operational Officer at Sanlam Investments, acted as CEO since Helena Conradie’s departure in 2021.

“We are beyond thrilled to welcome a leader of Fikile’s calibre to Satrix. Her exceptional leadership pedigree will bring deep value to all tiers of the business,” he said.

“As a business committed to democratising investment in South Africa, we know the breadth of her experience will help us deliver on our mission both to institutional and retail clients. Fikile joins an experienced and stable executive team at Satrix, which includes Kingsley Williams, Rick Martin, Yusuf Wadee and René Basson. We are confident that the Satrix business will maintain its leading position among peers with this new appointment.”