Building Impact-Driven Leadership: Norsad Capital’s Journey with TheBoardroom Africa
Client Overview
Norsad Capital is a leading impact investor specialising in providing debt and equity financing to high-growth companies across Southern Africa. With a focus on empowering businesses that drive economic growth and social development, Norsad Capital required exceptional leadership to guide its strategic vision and expansion.
TheBoardroom Africa's Engagement
Since 2020, TheBoardroom Africa has partnered with Norsad Capital to conduct several successful board and executive searches, helping to build a diverse and highly qualified leadership team aligned with Norsad’s goals. The partnership reflects our ability to deliver exceptional leadership talent at the board and executive level, enhancing governance and strategic capabilities within organisations.
Client Overview
Frannie Léautier and Soula Proxenos – Board Appointments (2020)
In 2020, Norsad Capital sought to strengthen its board with leaders possessing vast international experience, deep financial expertise, and a commitment to impact-driven leadership. TheBoardroom Africa facilitated the appointment of two esteemed leaders, Frannie Léautier and Soula Proxenos, as non-executive directors. Frannie was appointed Chair of the Board. Both brought unparalleled experience to the board, with Frannie’s background as a senior executive in global finance and Soula’s expertise in financial services and impact investment. Their appointments signalled Norsad’s intent to bolster its governance and further its commitment to impact-driven growth.
Yvonne Maitin – Non-Executive Director (2022)
In 2022, Norsad Capital turned to TheBoardroom Africa once again to bring in Yvonne Maitin as a non-executive director. Yvonne, a seasoned leader with a strong finance background in capital raising, debt capital markets, and private equity, contributed significant expertise to Norsad’s leadership team. Her strategic insights in finance and capital markets were instrumental as Norsad sought to expand its reach and capitalise on new growth opportunities, aligning with its broader mission to drive impact investment in Southern Africa.
Helen Mtshali – Non-Executive Director (2023)
In 2023, TheBoardroom Africa placed Helen Mtshali as a non-executive director at Norsad Capital. Helen was chosen for her strong, proven track record in debt, loan syndication, and debt capital markets solutions, which aligned with Norsad’s growing need for expertise in financial structuring and to expand its debt products across the continent. Her background in risk management, regulatory oversight, and governance further solidified her role, helping Norsad strengthen its capabilities as it expanded across Africa.
Vusi Raseroka – Chief Executive Officer (2024)
Norsad Capital’s leadership transformation culminated in the appointment of Vusi Raseroka as CEO in 2024. Vusi brought with him a wealth of experience in corporate strategy, business transformation, and growth leadership. Under his leadership, Norsad Capital aims to enhance its position as a leading impact investor, driving long-term value creation for both businesses and communities in the region. The search for a dynamic CEO who could lead with both vision and operational expertise was critical, and TheBoardroom Africa successfully placed a candidate who matched the organisation’s ambitious future goals.
Outcomes and Impact
The successful placements of these board members and the CEO have had a transformative impact on Norsad Capital. The diverse expertise of the leadership team has strengthened the company’s governance, enhanced its strategic decision-making, and positioned Norsad to scale its impact investments across the continent. These leaders have played crucial roles in driving Norsad’s mission forward, ensuring the company’s continued growth and its commitment to sustainable economic development in Africa.
Conclusion
TheBoardroom Africa’s partnership with Norsad Capital exemplifies our expertise in sourcing top-tier leadership talent. From board chair to CEO, each placement reflects our deep understanding of the unique needs of impact-focused organisations and our commitment to delivering diverse, high-calibre leaders who drive business success and societal transformation.