Nyati makes executive changes at Altron

JSE-listed technology company Altron has announced that Collin Govender, current group chief information officer, will take over as managing director of subsidiary Altron Karabina after the departure of Grant van der Wal on December 31, 2020. Debra-Lynn Marais, Altron’s shared services executive will succeed Govender as group chief information officer.

Entrepreneur Van der Wal founded Karabina 20 years ago and grew the company into an asset which was acquired by Altron in 2018. “After much personal deliberation I made a decision to enter a new season of my life, starting by taking some time out with my family and loved ones,” Van der Wal said.

Mteto Nyati, Altron Group Chief Executive, thanked Van der Wal for his hard work in the past two years, along with his leadership team, in integrating Altron Karabina into the Altron Group.

Govender, who joined the company in 2017 as Group Executive for Shared Services and was appointed Chief Information Officer last year, will assume the role of managing director for Altron Karabina from 1 January 2021.

“Under Collin’s leadership, we digitally transformed Altron through standardisation of our ERP, CRM and HR systems. We were ready for the new world of work brought forward by Covid-19. His mission now is to accelerate the growth of Altron Karabina by leveraging Microsoft’s three cloud strategy and License Solution Provider contract,” said Nyati.

“In line with Altron’s commitment to developing a strong pipeline of talent with gender diversity, and promoting from within, we are pleased to see Debbye bringing her more than 20 years’ experience in information technology, of which 14 have been at Altron, to bear in this new role.”

Marais said she was “looking forward to executing Altron’s information technology strategy and also working with managing directors of our nine operating companies”.

Van der Wal and Govender will work together for the remainder of the year to ensure a successful transition in the next phase of Altron Karabina.

Commenting on his appointment, Govender said he would focus on further entrenching Microsoft as a core partner of Altron and using their technology solutions to drive customer success. “This is a time to be pragmatic – to be impactful and deliver value. Covid-19 and the ‘new normal’ has meant finding different ways to helping the customer solve their challenges and breaking the traditional mold of thinking. I believe as Altron Karabina we are positioned to make a meaningful impact.”