Thea was appointed to manage the finance function at Denker Capital. She is a chartered accountant with a wealth of experience and expertise, and a valuable addition to Denker Capital.

Three questions for Thea:

What does your role at Denker Capital entail, and what do you enjoy most about it?

My role as Finance manager involves everything from billing the fees our investment team works so hard for, to paying for the milk in the fridge, to making sure that all our employees get their salaries every month and keeping the tax man happy. I also have responsibilities outside of finance, which include assisting with compliance, working on plans to meet our transformation goals and generally jumping in to help wherever my set of skills can add value. I’m enjoying getting to know my colleagues across the business and hope to make a real contribution to moving Denker Capital forward.

Why did you choose a career in the asset management industry?

’Choose’ might be too strong a term to use. It happened through a collection of small direction adjustments, not always consciously, over the past 12 years of my career. The main catalyst was Deloitte appointing me as an audit manager in their Financial Services division, and it just so happened that most of my clients ended up being asset managers, unit trusts and hedge funds. I found the industry interesting, and the people felt like my people. When I left the auditing profession it felt natural to move into the investment industry, and it stuck!

What do you do to relax and tune out of work?

I think about food more than any normal human should. Dining out, whether it be fine dining or street food, is my ultimate treat. I have also fallen in love with baking. It is my greatest therapy – meticulously weighing a group of simple ingredients, knowing that it will transform into something delicious and spectacular-looking, is good for my soul!

View Thea’s bio.

Kim has vast experience in client service, having joined us after a long stint at Sanlam. Her focus is on supporting the business development and marketing functions of the business.

Three questions for Kim:

What previous experiences have prepared you for your current role?

Working with people is my passion. My previous positions involved me building relationships over time and effectively communicating with clients and advisors. Throughout my career I’ve learnt to be there for clients, to keep promises and to live up to expectations – while staying true to my values by showing care, upholding integrity and respecting clients and my colleagues.

If you didn’t work in the asset management industry, what do you think you would have done instead?

I think I would have given public relations or teaching a go.

What is your idea of a perfect weekend, after a busy week?

Relaxing with family and friends. I really enjoy kicking back at a sunset braai while watching some rugby, or with music playing in the background.

View Kim’s bio.

Ryno joined us an analyst on the global equity team, with 13 years’ experience in analysing South African and global companies. He is responsible for researching developed market equities.

Three questions for Ryno:

What attracted you to Denker Capital?

I have had the pleasure of interacting with various Denker Capital team members over the years and have always walked away impressed by their sensible approach and clarity of thinking. I believe that Denker’s emphasis on patient, long-term, valuation-based investing can add significant value to clients’ lives and I am excited about the opportunity to further develop my skills alongside the experienced investment team.

What do you enjoy most about your role as an equity analyst?

I am very curious by nature. I have a wide range of interests and enjoy learning new things. The investment industry presents many opportunities to learn new things and improve one’s knowledgebase and skillset – so being in this industry suits me well. As part of my role I am constantly exposed to new industries, business strategies and ways to think about how we can better allocate capital to improve investment outcomes. While the journey of continuous learning and reassessment can be challenging at times, I also find it immensely rewarding.

On a personal level, what do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Given my curious nature, my interests tend to shift as I see or hear about new things that excite me. But I would probably describe myself as pretty geeky (I enjoy things like tech and gaming). I also enjoy travel, music and photography. I love reading too (which is one of those things I don’t always do enough of).

View Ryno’s bio.

I’m very excited that Thea, Kim and Ryno have joined us, and am sure that they’ll add much value to our business once they’ve settled in.

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