Directorate and Team

Brendan Africa

B Com (Hons), CA(SA)

I have always been intrigued by the dynamic evolution of the investment management industry. This is no more evident than at Foord where the firm has been punching above its weight for over three decades. I am privileged to be a member of Foord's highly accomplished executive team. It is truly refreshing to work in an environment where independent thinking is the order of the day.

"Foord’s deliberate and relentless focus is truly impressive."

Diane Behr

B Bus Sci (Finance), CA(SA)

I thrive on working in smaller environments where there is scope to get involved in many aspects of the business. It is a privilege to work alongside this team of dedicated, experienced professionals where the investor really does come first.

"I enjoy a boutique environment that allows me to be part of many aspects of the business."

Paul Cluer

B Bus Sci (Finance) (Hons), B Com (Hons), CA(SA), CFA

I am inspired by Foord’s enduring passion for investment stewardship – to always act in the best interests of investors – and its vision to deliver sustainable, inflation-beating, long-term returns to investors across market cycles without assuming undue risk. As managing director of Foord’s South African boutique and director of its offshore operations, I have been privileged to share challenges and achievements with some of the finest people in their respective fields. 

"I find being part of a boutique business stimulating and challenging."

Nick Balkin

B Com (Hons) (Finance), CFA

With a background in global management consulting, I believe that the operational and financial experience I gained from the consulting environment has given me the necessary tools to help the investment team consistently unearth high quality undervalued shares for our investor’s portfolios.

I also thrive on being part of a small, successful firm without the rigid structures of a big organisation.

"I enjoy being part of a niche asset management firm that challenges the status quo."

Dave Foord

B Com, CA(SA)

I consider myself privileged to enjoy the backing of a superlative team of specialists and support staff. At Foord, it’s our goal to be the best in the industry. An objective we aim to achieve by combining our superior client service with intelligent and creative investment strategies at the lowest possible cost to investors while delivering the best possible return on investment under prevailing market conditions, without compromising ethical standards or integrity.

"We are passionately engaged in the management of wealth for our investors."

Michael Townshend

B.Sc. (Hons), B.A., MBA.

As research analyst, I strive to add value on a daily basis by utilising my investment experience to drive a renewed focus on fundamental research. It’s my goal to entrench Foord’s proven investment performance and assist the portfolio managers in selecting those shares capable of delivering even better returns into the future.

I find being part of such a successful and experienced team to be nothing short of invigorating.

"My goal is to entrench Foord’s proven investment performance."

Nancy Hossack

B Bus Sci (Finance)(Hons), CA(SA)

I count myself fortunate to work in the fascinating world of investments. It demands a curious combination of factual focus, creativity, sound judgement, and a solid dose of humility. Foord sets itself apart by its relentless focus. The team is single-minded in its pursuit of investment success. Our investors can afford to put their investments at the back of their minds, knowing it is all we think about.

"Successful investing requires factual focus, creativity, sound judgement and humility."

Wim Murray

LLB, CFA

Foord provides me with the opportunity to work in a stimulating, highly demanding environment with the sole purpose of providing superior returns to our investors.

"It is a tremendous privilege to be part of the Foord team."

Rashaad Tayob

B.Bus.Sc. (Finance) (Hons), CFA

Foord’s valuation driven investment philosophy is perfectly suited to delivering returns and protecting capital. Having interacted with and admired the Foord investment team over last 15 years, it is a privilege to now work alongside them. Despite being a successful South African and global business with more than 40 years of history, Foord has maintained the flat structure and boutique environment which is ideal for delivering investment performance and servicing investors.

"My goal is to provide investors with with the best possible return while protecting their capital."

Farzana Bayat

B.Bus.Sci. (Actuarial Science) (Hons), CFA

Dhersan Chetty

B Bus Sci (Finance Hons)

I am passionate about investments for the discovery of finding great businesses that can compound wealth for investors but at the same time provide downside protection. It is a privilege to be a part of Foord given their long-standing reputation of protecting investors’ interests and a team culture of collaboration and intellectual challenge.

"My goal is help fulfil Foord’s promise to their investors."

Dylan Griffiths

B Com (Accounting), PDGA, Eligible CA(SA)

With a passion for identifying investment opportunities that generate market-beating, risk-adjusted returns, I am proud to be part of the high-calibre investment team at Foord. Working alongside such a dynamic and diverse collection of investment professionals, I have the opportunity to grow as an analyst whilst ultimately creating value for investors.

“I believe the allocation of capital today determines the future of tomorrow.”

Linda Eedes

BCom Honours (Finance), CFA

Businesses exist to solve problems and help other human beings. Our business helps investors by protecting and growing their hard-earned capital. The intellectual stimulation that comes with working together to solve the market’s complex puzzle is our reward for doing so. I remind myself always that the reason I get to wake up every day and do what I love, is because our investors have placed their trust in our business and by extension, in me. That is a privilege I work very hard each day to honour.  

“Remembering the trust that investors have placed in us keeps me focused on generating the best investment outcomes for them.”

Arlene Thompson

When I joined Foord in 2006 I took on the mantle of the client services role within Foord Unit Trusts. Since then I have flourished under the pressure of deadlines and the stimulating Foord environment. It’s my passion for client service excellence that keeps me motivated on a daily basis.

"I thoroughly enjoy my daily contact with our investors."

Grant Koks

B Com (UCT), Post Grad Diploma in Financial Planning (US)

I feel privileged to be able to interact with investors to ensure that their needs are being met while being part of a highly functional and efficient team. I enjoy working in the relatively small environment as it gives me the opportunity to be involved in various aspects of the business.

"I take pride in being part of the successful Foord team."

Adele Jankowitz

Com (Hons) (Financial Analysis and Portfolio Management)

The success of an investment firm has much to do with its unwavering commitment to its cause. Greatness requires patience, perseverance, dedication and learning from one’s failures. These characteristics are understood and practiced at Foord. Foord has a clear vision of investment stewardship and a sensible long-term investment philosophy. These cornerstones in its approach to money management are what inspired me to join Foord. The company’s family values and excellent track record make it a sought-after career opportunity. I am honoured to have been given the opportunity to be part of this respected asset manager and wonderful success story.

"Greatness requires patience, perseverance, dedication and learning from one’s failures."

Julie Macleod-Henderson

B Com (University of Natal Durban), Certified Financial Planning Diploma (University of Orange Free State)

I am honoured to be part of a dynamic group of individuals who ensure that investors’ interests are always put first. Foord’s unwavering investment process and philosophy brings together their investment strategy and macroeconomic review from both a top down and bottom up approach. They continue to deliver outstanding inflation-beating returns for their investors over the long term. It is a privilege to be part of the Foord family, a firm I have admired for so many years.

"The values and qualities that I aspire to are practiced at Foord every day. "

Heather McCulloch

Having admired Foord from the side lines for so many years, it is a great privilege to be a part of this strong, principled and trusted team of people, who understand the importance of, and need for, qualified and expert financial advice. I look forward to identifying and growing a long-term partnership with like-minded individuals who understand and believe in the Foord philosophy when providing best financial planning advice.

"Strong, principled and trusted. The best way to describe the Foord team."

Dawie Jooste

B Com (Risk Management), Post Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning

Investor-centric and authentic. These are characteristics that stand out to me about Foord, and core motivators for why I am proud to be part of this dynamic boutique yet global team of investment professionals. For over 40 years Foord has displayed an unwavering approach – to managing risk and investment stewardship. It’s what makes Foord unique in such a competitive industry.

“For over 40 years and through multiple market cycles, Foord has never lost sight of their investment approach and stewardship.”

Dave Foord

B Com, CA(SA)

I consider myself privileged to enjoy the backing of a superlative team of specialists and support staff. At Foord, it’s our goal to be the best in the industry. An objective we aim to achieve by combining our superior client service with intelligent and creative investment strategies at the lowest possible cost to investors while delivering the best possible return on investment under prevailing market conditions, without compromising ethical standards or integrity.

"We are passionately engaged in the management of wealth for our investors."

Agnes Cai

B. Accountancy (Hons), CA (Singapore)

I am excited to have joined the Foord team at this dynamic juncture, when Foord is growing and the regulatory regime is constantly changing. It is my privilege to work with the dedicated team in Singapore and in an environment where our interests are aligned to that of our investors.

"Staying informed and evolving over time."

Prakash Desai

B. Compt (Hons), CA(South Africa), ACA (Australia), CA (Singapore)

I leverage my professional experience to help Foord build strong credibility with its international business partners, investors and the regulators who have oversight over its international operations.

"I enjoy the challenge of helping Foord expand its global footprint."

Brian Arcese

B Arts (Economics), CFA

I am a strong believer in Foord’s focus on investing for the long term and putting investors’ interests first. I have spent the past 18 years investing in well-managed, competitively advantaged firms on a global basis. I am passionate about adding value to investors through the selection of a diversified portfolio of high-quality, global equities with the goal of generating attractive returns without taking excess risk.

"Hard working, intellectually thoughtful and seasoned. This is how I would describe the team at Foord - the team of which I am proud to be part."

Ishreth Hassen

B Sc (Economics) (Hons)

It is a privilege to be part of a team with a true long-term investment philosophy and a culture centred on identifying quality and value. I am committed to Foord’s continued success, compounding our investors’ capital in the most effective and efficient manner possible.

"Foord has developed a culture of identifying quality and value."

Jing Cong (JC) Xue

BBM (Finance)

I am a strong believer in the value of long-term investing, finding companies with sustainable moats and buying them at prices that provide margin of safety. At Foord, I am privileged to be working with a group of passionate investors who adopt a similar investment philosophy towards generating alpha. I am also excited to continue growing as an investor and will strive to contribute to the firm’s successful track record.

"Excited to be in an environment with an aligned investment philosophy"

Daniel Phua

B.Sci (Banking and Finance), CFA

Humility, open-mindedness and adaptability are some of the key qualities of the Foord team which I am privileged to be a part of. I look forward to delivering the best results for our investors by uncovering companies that are managed by astute capital allocators and can compound shareholder value at high rates over the long term.

"Humility, open-mindedness and adaptability are key qualities of the Foord team."

Stuart Wilson

Bachelor of Arts (Philosophy), CFA

Managing risk and finding value is at the very heart of the Foord investment team. It’s what makes our investment approach dynamic and fluid. It’s what makes our global team unique. This boutique, owner managed firm appeals greatly to my entrepreneurial spirit and my sense of investment stewardship.

“It’s refreshing and inspiring to be part of an investment team that is first and foremost focused on investment stewardship. And generating superior returns over the long term.”

Yim Yi Xiang

Bachelor of Business Management (BBM)

Foord’s team of independent thinkers and passionate individuals has helped foster a great community learning environment, inspiring me to be better each day. As we strive to achieve the best result for our investors, we maintain our humility and curiosity during this journey. I am proud to walk this road with the Foord family.

"We strive to achieve the best results for investors."

Jingzhe Ang

B.Soc.Sci (Hons) (Political Science), CFA ESG

With a deep-seated enthusiasm to identify value and provide the best returns for our investors over the long term, the team at Foord is not afraid to unfollow the herd. I am privileged to be part of a team of humble, independent thinkers who encourage diversity and ownership to generate the best ideas.

“It is invigorating to work with the passionate, open-minded, and nurturing team at Foord.”

Grace Ruddy

BA (Hons), M.Sc.

Based in Guernsey, my role at Foord is to execute portfolio trades in the western securities markets for Foord. Having worked in financial services my whole career, I jumped at the opportunity to join Foord where I could develop specialist skills in the area of trade execution. I really enjoy being at the coal face of the investment side of the business where my contribution to Foord’s investors is very obvious through each and every trade.

I really enjoy being part of the coal face of the investment side of the business.