Index-tracking investment product and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) provider Satrix has appointed Fikile Mbhokota as its new chief executive officer effective June 1, 2022.

Mbhokota, who is a member of the Institute of Directors South Africa, takes over from Reece Briesies, chief financial and operational officer at Sanlam Investments, who had been acting CEO after Helena Conradie stepped down from the role in 2021.

“We are beyond thrilled to welcome a leader of Fikile’s calibre to Satrix. Her exceptional leadership pedigree will bring deep value to all tiers of the business,” Briesies said in a statement on Wednesday.

According to Satrix, Mbhokota has more than 18 years of experience in the financial services industry, and expertise in indexation, active investment management, executive client account management and business origination.

Mbhokota held the positions of investment manager and acting head of investments at the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF), and previously as senior investment consultant at Absa Consultants and Actuaries. She has also held investment consulting positions at Momentum Asset Management, Riscura and Old Mutual.

“In addition, she also has vast experience consulting at executive and board level to some of the largest pension fund boards in Africa,” adds the company.

Mbhokota holds a master’s degree in finance and is currently completing her PhD in finance on private equity, firm performance, governance, and economic growth in Africa.

She joins Satrix’s executive team which includes Kingsley Williams, Rick Martin, Yusuf Wadee and René Basson.

“We are confident that the Satrix business will maintain its leading position among peers with this new appointment,” Satrix states.