Having worked in a diverse set of industries during the course of his career, Soomra brings an innovative approach to Oceana's business and has plans to positively impact both top and bottom line growth.
"This role is an opportunity to be part of an industry leader, which has an enviable balance sheet and as such is uniquely placed to explore additional opportunities to deliver incremental shareholder returns. At the helm is CEO Francois Kuttel, a rainmaker and entrepreneur who I will enjoy partnering with as Oceana attempts to continue to deliver superior returns while being very aware of the need to harvest fishing resources in an ethical and sustainable manner," Soomra said.
For the past three years, Soomra, 38, held the position of financial director of Netcare Limited's Hospital Division. Previously he was with MultiChoice from 2003 until 2010, where he was Head of Channels at Supersport International as well as financial director of M-Net and SuperSport. As head of finance and operations for the Fifa 2010 Soccer World Cup Bid Committee from 2001-2003, Soomra was part of the team instrumental in securing the event for South Africa, which he considers a career highlight.
"As a South African one wants to be part of a South African success story, and as a truly empowered company Oceana represents that," Soomra said. Oceana was this year rated the second M&G Most Empowered Company in South Africa by the Mail & Guardian in association with Empowerdex.
Soomra has also completed Harvard Business School's Programme for Leadership Development.
Oceana employs more than 3,000 people in both South Africa and Nambia, where it is listed on the Namibian Stock Exchange, and has operations in St Helena Bay, Lambert's Bay, Hout Bay, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and Walvis Bay.
