Altech shifts management

Johannesburg, 05 Feb 2008

Altech Netstar MD Andy Baker has been promoted to COO of the Altech group.

The company's former sales and marketing director and local rugby icon Joel Stransky replaces Baker as MD of Altech Netstar.

The group yesterday revealed both appointments had become effective at the beginning of the year, to allow group CEO Craig Venter to focus on long-term strategy and acquisitions.

Says Venter: "The Altech group's market capitalisation has grown from R2.1 billion in 2002 to R6.4 billion in 2007, as well as having established itself as a major and solid global corporation. The group will produce revenue approaching R10 billion this financial year. [Baker's] appointment is imperative to the company's growth as it will ensure the focus on operational delivery is maintained."

Baker's appointment has resulted in a change of reporting structures at management level.

Group executives who will report directly to the new COO include Graham Passmoor, group executive of wireless; Johan Gellatly, group executive of the IT division; Anton de Wet, group financial manager; Lizelle Brink, group manager of marketing, PR and events; and Wessie van der Westhuizen, group executive of multimedia.

Company heads Rodger Warren, MD of Arrow Altech Distribution, and Henk Basson, GM of Altech Stream, will also report to Baker.

In his role as Altech chief strategy officer, Van der Westhuizen will report to Venter. Other executives continuing to report to Venter include Dr John Carstens, CFO; Steve Sidley, CTO; Peter Curle, director of corporate finance; and Johan Klein, group executive of HR and industrial relations.

"The recent appointments and positive restructuring will afford me the much needed time in order to focus on the group's long-term strategy as well as future acquisitions," says Venter.

Altron transforms

Meanwhile, majority shareholder Altron has appointed Barbara Masekela as independent non-executive director.

At one stage Nelson Mandela's chief of staff, Masekela's appointment is one step in a "comprehensive transformation programme" under way at the group.

Named Vision 2012 and led by group executive of corporate affairs Onkgopotse Tabane, this programme aims to finalise a five-year transformation target for all Altron subsidiaries, link transformation goals to the key performance areas of senior management, review and possibly restructure its empowerment structures, and regularly monitor its transformation implementation.