Smith gets top job at CTS

Cape Town – Wehann Smith has been appointed CEO of Cape Thoroughbred Sales (CTS) with immediate effect.

Smith has extensive experience in a variety of insurance industries, and has been an active participant in the South African racing industry over the last number of years.

Wehann founded Kuda Holdings in 2009 – a highly successful insurance operation that swiftly grew into a prominent player within the South African bloodstock industry. After CTS’ recent acquisition of a stake in Kuda, the CTS Board believes Smith is ideally placed to extract synergies between and provide leadership to Kuda and CTS. Kuda will remain a separate company, with Smith continuing at the helm as its CEO.

“With CTS acquiring a significant stake in Kuda, an overarching focus is the streamlining of operations to the advantage of both businesses; resulting in increased benefits for clients.

“Clients will not experience any disruption in their day-to-day dealings with either company, nor in the quality of service they have come to expect from two wellestablished and highly regarded market leaders,” says Smith.

Adrian Todd, will now step away from his role as MD of CTS to head up the import/export task team led by Chris van Niekerk. He has been pivotal in leading this constantly evolving auction company to a leading position. Todd, will be harnessing his considerable international expertise to lobby for favourable shifts in the export protocols – a potential game changer for South Africa’s commercial prospects.

Reporting to Smith is experienced industry professional Kerry Jack, who joins the CTS team as Bloodstock Manager; augmenting organisational support during the CTS sale season. Her responsibilities include the management of vendor relationships, with the aim of optimising the calibre of horses entered into the various CTS sales.