Forum events

Taking Advantage of Opportunities in Africa

The ongoing economic turmoil facing Europe and the US has led to the spotlight being focused on Africa as the next big market, which is home to a diverse range of countries, each presenting their own unique opportunities and risks. Political instability and security concerns on the continent are paid particular heed by investors – particularly those South African and multi-national companies which are looking to expand into these frontier markets.

Category:

Forum Events

Start date:

15 February 2012

Arrival time:

17:45

Start Time:

18:00

Additional event information:

Cocktails will be served after the event.

Venue:

GIBS Auditorium 26 Melville Road Illovo

Forum Fee:

R 250

Name:

Natalie

e-Mail:

forumadmin@gibs.co.za

Telephone:

0117714390

Taking Advantages of Opportunities in Africa

The ongoing economic turmoil facing Europe and the US has led to the spotlight being focused on Africa as the next big market, which is home to a diverse range of countries, each presenting their own unique opportunities and risks. Political instability and security concerns on the continent are paid particular heed by investors – particularly those South African and multi-national companies which are looking to expand into these frontier markets – as they face a range of risks including those to integrity and reputation, operations and people. For those who do not undertake a full and robust risk assessment and conduct their due diligence properly, the manifestation of any of these risks can result in significant damage to the organisation – from losing competitive advantage through to massive fines for taking part in ‘corrupt practices’, to injury and death of employees and destruction of assets.

Managing these risks are critical if companies are to succeed on the continent. Under a robust risk management framework, these risks can be accurately appraised in context of the investment and strategies developed to transfer, mitigate or manage them.

To find out more about the political, security, economic and physical risks facing companies looking to move into the continent, Dave Butler and Jason Krause are able to provide detailed advice and examples about not only what to expect, but how to manage those hazards.

Speakers:

Dave Butler – Managing Director, Southern and East Africa, Control Risks.

As well as being Control Risks’ Senior Representative in Southern and East Africa and Managing Director for the South Africa Office, Dave’s work involves developing a deep understanding of each client’s strategic operational risk profile and then working with the client and Control Risks specialists to develop strategies and implement solutions to mitigate risks inherent in challenging and complex environments. Dave has worked with a number of clients across a range of industry sectors including financial, oil and gas and telecoms.

Previous to this role, Dave was the Head of Global Client Services, EMEA. The Global Client Services team manages Control Risks’ strategic accounts and coordinates business development activity within the EMEA region with teams based in London, Copenhagen, Paris, Dubai, Berlin and Johannesburg.

Before joining Control Risks in 2004, Dave spent three years as a corporate development manager for an international bank focussing on strategic partnerships across a number of industry sectors. Prior to that, he spent seven years as a Royal Marines Officer during which he gained a wide range of experience around the world including South East Asia, Africa and the Balkans. A trained military helicopter pilot, Dave managed aviation assets in support of Commando operations in a number of countries. In addition, he has worked with the UN as an Observer in the Former Yugoslavia leading a team of multi-national officers during the negotiation and implementation of the Dayton Peace Accord.

On leaving the Royal Marines, Dave graduated with Distinction from the Warwick University full-time MBA course. He also holds a Bachelors Degree in Astrophysics and a Masters Degree in Finance from London Business School.

About Control Risks
Control Risks is an independent, global risk consultancy specialising in political, security and integrity risks. Control Risks helps its clients to understand and manage the risks of operating in complex or hostile environments.

Jason Krause – MD International SOS South Africa
Jason Krause was recently appointed Managing Director of International SOS South Africa. Jason is an experienced senior executive, who has held positions in strategy consulting and line management over 15 years in financial services, information technology, fast moving and luxury consumer goods and aviation. Jason’s expertise lies in delivering sustainable value through formulating and implementing business growth strategies, leading and managing people effectively and building long-standing customer and supplier relationships. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal (Durban) and is an admitted attorney. Jason completed a Masters of Business Administration degree at Nyenrode University in the Netherlands. Also, he is an accredited professional executive coach having completed a Professional Coaching Course offered by the Graduate School of Business, University of Cape Town in association with New Ventures West Coaching School in the USA.

About International SOS
International SOS is the world’s leading international healthcare, medical and security assistance and concierge services company. Operating in over 70 countries, International SOS provides integrated medical, clinical, security, and customer care solutions to organizations with international operations. A global team of over 8 000 employees led by 970 full-time physicians and 200 security specialists provides services including planning, preventative programs, in-country expertise and emergency response to 69 percent of the Fortune Global 500 companies.