Zutari board appoints Co-CEO as it re-enters Middle East market

Engineering consultant Zutari has announced the appointment of Aurecon Group Chair Teddy Daka as Co-CEO, with current CEO Dr. Gustav Rohde. This is in addition to a recent decision to re-enter the Middle East market.

The company was officially launched in July 2020 following the decision by the owners of Aurecon Africa in October 2019 to demerge from the global business based in Melbourne, Australia. Aurecon itself resulted from the merger of Africon, Connell Wagner and Ninham Shand in 2009. The latter can trace its history in Africa back to 1932 – operating for almost nine decades.

Commenting on the demerger, Dr. Rohde explains: “We could see the market changing and so decided to demerge from the global company to be proudly African.” Prior to the demerger, Dr. Rohde led Aurecon’s global operations as Chief Operations Officer.

Daka himself is no stranger to the Zutari business, having served as strategic partner since 2007. As Global Chairman of the Aurecon board from 2013 to 2019, he was a key driver of the decision to demerge and establish Zutari.

The appointment of Daka and Dr. Rohde as Co-CEOs will not only address the shifting market conditions faced by consulting engineers, but ensure that the company continues to thrive in the light of these challenges. In addition, the re-entry into the Middle East market offers a more diverse geographic footprint and opportunity for growth.

“We are well positioned to leverage the geopolitical synergies between the Middle East and Africa markets and are able to offer world-class skills and experience to Middle East clients at very competitive rates,” explains Dr. Rohde. A seasoned engineer and executive, Dr. Rohde will continue to provide operational and technical leadership. Daka meanwhile will focus on digital transformation, technology, strategic partnerships and future growth.

“We are privileged to have two international business professionals now shaping Zutari’s future. Our board’s decision to follow the Co-CEO route was not taken lightly. We believe that the complementary strengths of Teddy and Gustav will future-proof Zutari against emerging trends of digitisation, disruptions and risks, while building on its ability to co-create world-class infrastructure solutions,” comments Zutari Chair Dr. Lulu Gwagwa.

With a career trajectory of chairing and serving on several major boards, public sector task teams and committees, Daka is an advocate of ethical, fair and equitable business practice. As a highly respected entrepreneur, business consultant and trusted advisor to both blue chip companies and public sector entities, he looks forward to building a platform for growth and to secure Zutari’s future.

Daka also remains optimistic about the potential of Africa. “I am still passionate about the potential of our markets – even though we face severe challenges. Local economies are not performing as they should. I believe there is much that we can do when we start working together – as individuals, businesses and as governments.”

Daka emphasises: “As the world faces the impact of a devastating Covid-19 pandemic, we see alliances across traditional boundaries being formed to address this crisis. I believe we can unlock the potential in many of our markets when we join forces this way. Partnerships will be key in enabling economic recovery post Covid-19.”

As the largest infrastructure consultancy firm in Africa, Zutari’s focus on co-creating engineered solutions based on shared value for business, communities and environments resonates well with Daka. “The company’s resolve to focus on impact played a key role in my decision to accept this appointment. I understand the importance of infrastructure development as a catalyst for growth and positive change. The opportunity to shape this impact through my new role, was also a much more exciting option than retirement,” he points out.

“In the last few years, Zutari has made good progress on the journey of digitising our information and digitalising our operations. As the Fourth Industrial Revolution evolves further, we stay on course with our journey towards full digital transformation – a journey Teddy will be able to significantly contribute to,” concludes Dr. Rohde.

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About Zutari

As engineering consultants and trusted advisors, Zutari co-creates an engineered impact that enables environments, communities and economies to thrive. Few others can match our local capacity, long-standing presence and understanding of the challenges required to operate successfully across various regions in Africa.

We have created an impact across Africa for the past 88 years (1932 to 2020) and remain committed to this continent, making us the perfect partner to those less familiar with working in Africa. We are experienced in international projects and our Global Design Centres allow us to bring world-class solutions to our clients.

As a private management-owned company, our commitment is true and we have vested interest in our clients’ success. Our strong relationships allow us to connect the right expertise, processes and resources to match client’s needs and bring stakeholders that have shared interests together.

We blend the old and the new. We have moved beyond traditional engineering and work collaboratively to integrate technical and creative thinking. This process of co-creation allows us to unearth new opportunities with our clients and partners.

Zutari’s broad collective of in-house, industry-recognised engineering consultants and trusted advisors provide seamless and integrated delivery. This unique ability to offer scaled engagement allows Zutari to solve complex challenges more efficiently.

Grounded in digital engineering, we continuously deliver better results.

Zutari Contact
Rashree Maharaj
PR and Media Advisor Email: Rashree.Maharaj@zutari.com
Web: https://www.zutari.com 

Media Contact
Renay Tandy
NGAGE Public Relations
Fax: 086 512 3352
Email: renay@ngage.co.za  Web: www.ngage.co.za 

© Press Release 2021