Governance Strategist | Cybersecurity Advocate | Private Equity Executive
Dr Craig Toontas is a governance strategist and commercial leader whose expertise lies in translating complex risk landscapes into resilient boardroom strategies. With a career spanning corporate governance, digital risk oversight, and executive execution, he is recognised for enabling boards to exercise sharper fiduciary judgment while ensuring operational integrity and organisational sustainability in regulated and politically complex environments.
Dr Toontas brings deep fluency in technology, cyber governance and data security, drawing on doctoral research that produced practical frameworks for board preparedness and enterprise resilience against cybercrime and other technology risks. This expertise is reinforced by leadership across multibillion-rand group structures, where he embedded governance frameworks, refined statutory reporting, and strengthened executive accountability to align decision-making with regulatory requirements and stakeholder obligations.
Dr Toontas has consistently demonstrated the ability to steward high-value transactions and strategic growth initiatives. He directed private equity transactions exceeding $300 million across property and technology portfolios, securing landmark partnerships with institutional investors and advancing operational governance across listed and unlisted entities. These mandates highlight his capacity to merge strategic oversight with diligent execution, ensuring delivery in highly regulated, multistakeholder environments.
Beyond corporate mandates, he has established himself as a thought leader in emerging risk domains. His keynote addresses, panel engagements, and guest lectures on cybersecurity, financial markets, and the nexus between digital crime and human trafficking have positioned him as a credible voice in both corporate and academic circles. By combining executive stewardship with advocacy on systemic risks, he strengthens institutional responsibility while advancing social impact.
Complementing his professional background, he has served on main boards, governance committees, and transformation forums, bringing a strong appreciation for social ethics, risk governance, and stakeholder representation. These roles underscore his ability to translate governance principles into practical mechanisms that protect value, embed ethical oversight, and align organisational performance with shareholder and societal expectations.
Dr Toontas is trusted for his combination of strategic foresight, governance discipline, and commercial acumen. His track record positions him as a board-ready executive capable of navigating technology disruption, reinforcing fiduciary integrity, and unlocking sustainable growth across diverse sectors and geographies.


