Dr Du Plessis to head Directors’ Institute

THE INSTITUTE of Directors in Southern Africa (IoDSA) has elected Prieur du Plessis as its chairperson. Dr Du Plessis has served on the IoDSA board for five years, has been the deputy chairperson for three years, has chaired the Investment Committee and been a member of the Audit and Risk Committee.

Du Plessis began his career as a quantity surveyor, but after obtaining an MBA (cum laude) and DBA in Finance from Stellenbosch University, embarked on a career in the investment industry. After 11 years with Sanlam he formed his own company, Plexus Asset Management, in 1985. After its merger almost 20 years later with Grindrod Asset Management (now Bridge Fund Managers), he became its non-executive chairperson and has built a new career as a director and governance specialist. He currently sits on the boards of Distell Group, the Professional Provident Society Holdings Trust, Combined Finance Holdings and various entities of the University of Stellenbosch.

Du Plessis was awarded the Chartered Director (SA) designation, an indication of his passion for governance and his firm belief that directors need rigorous training to build the right skills to become true professionals. “Directors have to ensure that ethics and improved business performance go hand-in-hand, and many do not have the right skills,” he says. “IoDSA has a key role in helping to equip directors for the important role they have to play.”