Cogence Appoints Its First CEO And Expands Its Presence To Four Investment Platforms
Cogence Appoints Its First CEO And Expands Its Presence To Four Investment Platforms. South Africa’s first truly global discretionary fund manager (DFM), Cogence, announces Jonel Matthee-Ferreira at its first Chief Executive Officer effective 2 January 2024. Cogence is the first South African DFM making leading global fund research and insights available to local advisers through a powerful collaboration with BlackRock, Discovery and RisCura.
Matthee-Ferreira has almost 20 years of senior management experience in asset management, including more than a decade heading leading multi-managers. She joins Cogence from Sanlam Multi-Management, and held a similar role at Absa Multi-Management. Prior to that, she held the position of Chief Investment Officer at Metropolitan Multi-Managers.
Discovery Invest CEO, Kenny Rabson has been overseeing the operations at Cogence since it was launched in August last year.“Jonel is the right leader for Cogence,” said Rabson. “We searched extensively for someone of Jonel’s calibre. She comes with commanding asset management leadership experience. Her strategic and business development skills will help build Cogence into the first of its kind global South Africa.”
“I am very excited to be joining the Cogence team,” said Matthee-Ferreira “I have admired Discovery as an iconic South African brand and its exceptional business model. I am honoured to lead the talented team that has worked hard over the past 12 months to build Cogence from the ground up.”As head of ABSA Multi-Management, Matthee-Ferreira grew the business from R5 billion in assets under management (AUM) to over R60bn in AUM and assets under administration (AUA) at its peak. Pursuant to her employment agreement, Matthee-Ferreira has commenced the customary ‘gardening leave’ with Sanlam Multi-Manager until she commences employment with Cogence on 2 January 2024.
Matthee-Ferreira holds an AMP from IMD Business School, Lusanne in Switzerland, an MBA in Financial Management from Vlerick Leuven Gent Management School in Belgium and a B Comm Honours in Business Management (Cum Laude) from the University of Stellenbosch. “Jonel will be instrumental in leading the expansion of Cogence with the trusted asset managers and investment houses in South Africa,” adds Rabson.
