Ian Middleton

Managing Director

Ian's career in the financial services industry started at Old Mutual in 1987. His involvement with Masthead began in 2003 as a member of the planning team. When Masthead was launched a year later, he fulfilled the role of chief operating officer. In 2008 he was appointed Managing Director.

Ian has a BA LLB, an Executive MBA and a Certified Financial Planner qualification. He served as president of the Financial Planning Institute of South Africa (FPI) from 2000 to 2002 and as a member of the FPI national council for 12 years. For two years Ian also served as director on the board of the US-based Financial Planning Standards Board.

Ian has co-authored a book on Retirement and Estate Planning and has had numerous articles published on matters of financial planning. He also acts as a moderator for MBA students on an ad hoc basis.

Laurence Muller

Director

Laurence has been a valuable member of Masthead's senior management team since its inception in 2004. He was appointed to the board in 2011. He is primarily responsible for financial and strategic matters. Laurence is a qualified chartered accountant and brings with him years of experience from audit and accounting firm, KPMG.

Iain Williamson

Chairman

Iain started his career in the financial services industry in 1993 and has 12 years of senior management experience. While originally in an employee benefits environment, he has moved into the retail financial services environment, with a focus on the affluent market. He has a Bachelor of Business Science (Actuarial) and Postgraduate Diploma in Actuarial Science.

Peter Dempsey

Director

A practicing attorney, Peter entered the financial services industry in 1985 in the capacity of legal advisor. He enjoyed much success in his career at Old Mutual during the ensuing years.

In 2004 he was appointed managing director of Fairbairn Capital and chairman of the OMI companies. A year later he headed up the newly launched Masthead Distribution Services. Resigning three years later, Peter accepted the role of deputy CEO of ASISA.

Peter is also a director of the Financial Services Exchange, ASISA Academy and Masthead Distribution Services. He is also a member of the Securities Regulation Panel. He has a CFP qualification and has completed an Executive Development Programme.

Phil Mnisi

Director

The assistant governor of the Central Bank of Swaziland, Phil began his career in the financial services industry almost two decades ago. He joined the Central Bank of Swaziland in November 2008 from Absa, South Africa, where he was a member of the senior leadership group. Prior to this, Phil was chief executive officer of South Africa’s Institute of Bankers.

Phil has held senior positions at Standard Bank in South Africa and Swaziland. He also held senior roles at Nedbank Swaziland, the Commonwealth Development Corporation and the Swaziland Industrial Development Company.

A Chartered Marketer, Phil holds a BCom (Accounting) and Masters in Business Leadership. He has completed, among other training programmes, the GIBS Executive Leadership Development Programme and Harvard Business School’s Programme on Investment Appraisal and Management. Phil currently serves as chairman of Swaziland Beverages and is also a board member of the Swaziland Industrial Development Company and Masthead Distribution Services.

Francois Smith

Chief Executive Officer

Until his appointment as CEO of the Masthead dealer group, Francois filled the role of Masthead's Head of Valuations and Transitions. Francois has operated in a broker environment since 1989 and has in-depth knowledge of the advice environment. He has a BCom in Personnel Management.

Samir Abdul

Head of Operations

With 14 years experience in the financial services industry, 11 of which were in insurance, specialising in sales, consulting and operations, Samir is responsible for company operations and supporting the CEO. He is a Certified Financial Planner and has also completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration through UCT’s graduate school of business.

Ayiesha Kamish

Administrative Consultant

Ayiesha has previously held the roles of office manager in a financial advisory environment and personal assistant to a managing director. She has some eight years’ experience in the financial services industry and holds a Diploma in Short Term Insurance.