The Financial Services Exchange (Pty) Ltd – T/A Astute; the industry-managed data exchange that enables the financial services industry, announced the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 December 2022. 

Ovadia Kaempf was appointed following the departure of the previous CEO and MD of Astute, Jacques Rossouw. Ovadia will, in addition to the role of CEO, fulfil the responsibility of Director to the Astute board. 

Ovadia has been Chief Financial Officer at Astute for the past eight years, making for a seamless transition into his new role. Prior to joining Astute, he was the CFO at a non-profit organisation and Financial Director at The Focus Group. Ovadia has an Honour’s Degree in Financial Management, among other qualifications. 

Astute’s consent-driven data exchange to intermediaries, corporate compliance and risk mitigation services plays a fundamental role in enabling the financial services industry. With over 160 direct integrations across insurance and banking in South Africa, Astute leverages economies of scale to drive down costs across the value chain and ultimately create value for the end-consumer. 

Due to the demanding and unique nature of the Group CEO position, a rigorous recruitment process was followed. Ovadia’s stellar track record at Astute convinced the Group’s board of directors and shareholders that he was was the best candidate for the position. 

The board and I congratulate Ovadia and look forward to partnering with him to ensure the ongoing success of the organisation. We further extend our gratitude to Jacques for the many years he spent at Astute, driving its strategy forward while adeptly managing a diverse management team and staff. 

Ovadia is supported by the following Executive Members: 

Zakiyya Cassimjee – Chief Information Officer 

Nivashni Naguran – Executive: Human Resources 

Elmarie McColl – Executive: Products and Clients Services 

Michelle Taylor – Executive: Risk & Compliance