Global investment firm RisCura has appointed of Heather Sonn as a Non-Executive Director to the RisCura group and Glenn Silverman as an Investment Strategist, and a Director of RisCura’s investment management business, RisCura Invest.

Sonn brings a wealth of financial services and governance experience to RisCura.

She started her career in a leading investment bank in New York and has held notable positions in South Africa - as CEO of a stockbroking business, Legae Securities and deputy CEO of women’s investment firm, Wipcapital.  She was appointed chairperson of Dutch listed, South African retailer Steinhoff, during a period of immense crisis.

Sonn is a fellow of the Aspen Global Leadership Network of the Aspen Institute, based on values-based leadership and a moderator for the Institute participating in, and leading sessions on the continent and across the global network.

She also holds directorships at Gamiro Holdings, Reinsurance Group of America, South Africa and GreenCape, an NPO focused on promoting the green economy in South Africa.

Sonn is also a trustee of the World Wildlife Foundation of South Africa.

The breadth of experience that Heather brings to the non-executive directorship role serves to further enhance RisCura’s governance and contributes towards the attainment of its vision for the company and of diversity for the industry.

Silverman was the CIO at Investment Solutions (now Alexander Forbes Investments) for 17 years.

He was part of the highly regarded team that built the country’s largest multi manager, from a modest R10bn to over R300bn, during his tenure there.

He brings with him over 30 years’ experience working in the global asset management industry, with his experience spanning manager selection, portfolio management, investment process evaluation and design, amongst many others.

Silverman has a particular interest in key emerging markets such as the BRICS, and co-authored a book on the topic, entitled Half Way There in 2014.

His other particular interest is in the broader areas of Responsible Investing, ESG and Impact investing.

In his role as an investment strategist, he will leverage his experience to further enhance RisCura’s investment research capability,  thought leadership and brand awareness.

Silverman’s directorship of RisCura’s investment management business, RisCura Invest, also enables him to play a role in the further growth and expansion of that business.

Malcolm Fair, RisCura’s MD, said: “We are very excited to have Heather and Glenn bring their vast experience to bear on RisCura’s future. Both of them align strongly with RisCura’s Invest with Care philosophy.”

The RisCura group is made up of investment advisory, analytics, alternative investment and investment management businesses focused on frontier and emerging markets.