CEO Today Management Consulting Awards 2021

SOUTH AFRICA

CEO TODAY MANAGEMENT CONSULTING AWARDS 2021

Derek Thomas CEO of Letsema

letsema.co.za

ABOUT DEREK THOMAS Derek Thomas is Letsemaʼs CEO and joined the Group in 1996. Letsema is a collaborative partnership, now in its third decade, between Derek and Isaac Shongwe, the Groupʼs Founder and Chairman. From a teaching family, Derek was infused with a passion for learning that led him to the University of the Witwatersrand and the University of London. Derek is an experienced manager, consultant, strategist and has served on multiple boards as a director and chairman, including two publicly listed companies (Transpaco; Emira). An innately curious person with a deep love for learning, Derek strives to lead Letsema with integrity and a long-term pursuit of excellence. Derek is a Fellow of the Fourth Class of the Africa Leadership Initiative and an AGLN moderator. He also designed and moderated an ethical leadership programme for young Africans, aged 25 to 35, in South Africa. FIRMPROFILE Since 1996, Letsema has become a trusted consulting partner for public and private sector organisations across a range of industries and sectors. Our highly skilled and diverse teams apply their collective expertise to tackle complex problems and develop original, effective solutions. The word “Letsema” is of Sotho origin, meaning people coming together to work for a common purpose. This sense of collective effort towards a shared vision is our underlying philosophy.

Letsemaʼs philosophy is centred on enabling a better society for all and Letsemaʼs sense of collective effort towards a shared vision. Each leg of our business reinforces the other; setting them apart, making them strong. Through the projects our Foundation supports, the companies we invest in and the businesses we consult for, Letsema seeks to influence positive change in society because we believe business is a catalyst for social change. As society has given to us, it is our duty to give back to society through our shared intellect and values. OUR FUTURE. NOW. Our Future. Now places Letsema as an example of the society we aspire to live in, and a partner for building a better future. Our Future. Now. ties together the ideas laid out by The Drum, Consulting, Investments and Foundation, while being a values- driven, business and living these values. These values are not just for the future but for now, where working together in a connected, collaborative way can build the society we need today and for tomorrow. Our consultancy provides specialist services across the value chain, helping companies set direction, accelerate their journey and ensure sustainability Letsema Consulting was established in 1996. Over the next 20- plus years, it has developed a deep well of trusted experience across different industries in the private and public sector. The embodiment of its name, Letsema Consulting brings highly skilled, diverse people together to solve the questions posed to it. We believe diversity drives optimal partnerships, innovative thinking and sustainable impact.

We believe business can be a catalyst for positive social change.

more efficient and rewarding for their employees, external partners and customers.

PHILOSOPHY & FOUNDING PRINCIPLES It is our duty to give back to society through our shared intellect and values. Business needs thriving societies and communities to succeed.

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