TUHF’s Board has commenced the process of appointing a new CEO with an 18-month succession plan to manage a smooth transition.

“TUHF needs a new leader and I want to leave the business in a good place. TUHF has shown resilience through some very challenging market conditions and is well-positioned for growth over the coming years,” says Jackson.

Since its launch in 2003, Paul Jackson has led TUHF successfully for over two decades, a significant tenure marked by resilience and growth, as TUHF has not only navigated economic downturns, such as the global financial crisis and the pandemic, but has maintained profitability and retains a strong reputation in the capital markets. It has expanded its brand and branch network across 11 South African metros, invested significantly in an extensive treasury and finance architecture as well as modernising and expanding its operational platforms across its branch network.

These achievements are further complemented by a strong and committed leadership team and talented brand-aligned staff base who will continue to fulfil TUHF’s dual-purpose role of providing competitive returns to shareholders while delivering a commercially sustainable and replicable business that is built on having a measurable impact on the communities in which it operates.

Such has been its success in South Africa, that significant interest has been shown by international development finance institutions, governments, and organisations from other countries like Kenya, Tanzania, and Namibia enabling TUHF to pursue its SADC (Southern African Development Community) objectives.

The appointment of the CEO is governed by the Board Charter with the process delegated to the Remuneration and Nominations Committee (Remco) of TUHF. Five members of the Board under the leadership of the Remco chairman Mr Samson Moraba will be responsible for carrying out the process and ultimately the appointment of the new CEO.

The Board has commenced the search for Paul’s successor and appointed Macdonald & Company recruitment specialists to support this search with expectations that the interview process will commence late this year or early in 2025. With the new CEO expected to be appointed by June 2025, Paul will still work closely with the individual over the final six months of his tenure.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Paul for his stewardship over TUHF for the last 21 years and helping create the foundation of a resilient organisation that is perfectly positioned to capitalise on growth opportunities across Africa,” says Samson Moraba, Non-Executive Director for TUHF. “We have been spending the past several months informing investors of Paul’s impending retirement and have been busy with a comprehensive succession planning strategy since before the pandemic. We as a board are confident that the leadership team is in place to take all the Group’s businesses forward and take the brand even higher to nurture micro-economies and help create well-located affordable housing for all.”

As for what Jackson’s plans are for what comes next.

“I look forward to slowing down to the speed of life. The intention is to remain on the boards I am on, such as TUHF21. However, my focus will turn to farm wool sheep and cattle in the Free State and travelling with my wife. Of course, I will miss our people and the business greatly, given how significant it has all been in my life for more than two decades,” Jackson concludes.