Aurecon strengthens manufacturing client focus in Africa

08 September 2016 - Stephan Kotze has been appointed to the newly created role of Client Director Manufacturing − Africa. The appointment forms part of global engineering and infrastructure advisory company Aurecon’s ongoing growth strategy in South Africa and the rest of the African continent.

Strong leadership is needed to navigate the challenging complexities of Africa and unlock its considerable growth potential. Aurecon is building a team that will add value to its clients’ businesses by bringing on board lateral thinkers who can forge pathways through market obstacles. From large multinationals to niche businesses, manufacturers share the imperative to increase profitability by staying agile, managing risks, and maximising value.

Kotze brings deep experience of the manufacturing and resources sectors that he can use to help manufacturers realise opportunities around supply chain, asset optimisation, portfolio, programme and project optimisation and the digitisation of infrastructure.

“Manufacturing is evolving rapidly to embrace the accelerating advances in technology and we welcome Stephan Kotze and his experience in bringing clients innovative and value driven solutions in challenging markets,” says Ferdi Nell, Managing Director − Africa.

With over 25 years’ experience, Kotze joins from consultancy firm, Accenture, having led its global practice servicing manufacturing operations and automation in the resources sector. He was responsible for delivering a wide range of projects for many of the world’s blue chip companies, such as:

• Advising on manufacturing execution solutions (MES) for BHP Billiton, ThyssenKrupp, DuPont, Vale and Anglo Platinum
• Operation management strategy for Glencore Coal
• Supply chain transformation for Tata Steel Europe
• Manufacturing transformation roadmap for Posco Steel
• Logistics optimisation for Glencore Copper
• Global manufacturing transformation roadmap for British American Tobacco

Kotze spent the first 15 years of his career in the steel industry with Iscor (later becoming ArcelorMittal Steel). As Process Automation Engineer, he was involved in major capital projects ranging from blast furnace relines to building baghouses and slag-granulation and pulverised-coal injection plants. A change in career direction saw him heading up the steel group’s Automation Department for Southern Africa with full responsibility for the business’ technology strategy.

“There are tremendous opportunities in the market, both in South Africa and the rest of the continent. I am excited by the potential for business growth inherent in Aurecon’s capabilities and its focus on partnering with clients to brings ideas to life for co-creating a better future,” comments Kotze. “We are well-placed to help clients take advantage of the challenging marketing conditions to deliver strong growth in the Africa manufacturing market.”