IQ Business Group founder quits

Johan Roets, founder and group CEO of The IQ Business Group, has resigned, saying the group needs a different approach to management.

Roets says he plans to take a brief sabbatical from his career over the next six months to attend the Advanced Management Programme at the Harvard Business School in April 2003, and possibly write a book on strategy.

"The IQ Business Group has grown from a fledgling team in 1998 to a business which operates in Australia, UK and SA. This is an achievement of which I am extremely proud."

Roets, formerly a partner at Arthur Andersen, has headed the group since then Mettle MD Ian Matthews suggested he start an IT company.

IQ achieved revenue of $1.9 million within its first nine months and now claims the title of SA`s largest unlisted IT company.

This is a poignant moment for me.

Johan Roets, outgoing CEO, The IQ Business Group

Roets says the group`s growth was in contrast to the market`s overall trends.

"IQ is now a large business and requires a more formal and structured approach to its management and to balance its entrepreneurial history, in order to execute the shareholders` vision for the business."

IQ chairman Willie Scholtz says the group understands Roets`s decision.

"The board has in the normal course of business recently reviewed its strategy and unanimously supported the chosen way forward."

Chris Sinclair, CEO of IQ`s South African operation, has taken over the leadership of the group on an interim basis until the board formally appoints Roets`s successor.

"The management team that I put in place over the past four years is strong and extremely able," says Roets.

"I am sure that they will continue to grow IQ with the same momentum and commitment to the original values of the business.

"This is a poignant moment for me. However, as with so many aspects of IQ, I am convinced that this is a milestone IQ will use positively."