Peggy-Sue Khumalo joins BlueAlpha as non-executive director

Peggy-Sue Khumalo, non-executive director at BlueAlpha Investment Management

According to Richard Pitt, CEO of BlueAlpha Investment Management, the company’s approach is centred on its ability to attract the right people that enable it to bring about transformation and growth within both the sector and the country. “The appointment of Khumalo confirms our commitment to transformation and growth, and is another big step in the BlueAlpha transformation journey.”

Congratulations on being appointed as non-executive director. How are you feeling about it?

As a professional, I have always enjoyed the asset management industry – it’s where I started when I stepped into my career in investment banking. It is why I am looking forward to being part of Blue Alpha at this incredible turning point in its history.

I believe that the team at Blue Alpha is incredibly passionate about ensuring that this happens. So, it will be an absolute honour to be able to work with them in bringing about this transformation.

What will your new role entail?

The growth story at Blue Alpha is a combination of various elements that includes investment excellence and transformation. As a custodian of third-party capital, independent oversight is necessary to ensure that the company delivers on its commitments to investors. This includes implementing sustainable growth strategies for the funds it manages.

My role as an independent non-executive director will be to provide strategic guidance to the management team to ensure that the company continues on this growth trajectory.

How and when did this come about?

The decision to partner with Blue Alpha’s leadership team was based on an alignment of values and the mutual goal of creating a more diverse and equitable industry. With a team that has a combined 80 years of experience, Blue Alpha has a deep understanding of the market and has a global mindset as part of its investment philosophy.

Through the people, it brings on board and the investments that it makes, what stood out was their commitment to sustainability, diversity, and empowerment.

When do you take up this role?

I started this role at the beginning of August 2021.

What excites you most about taking on this role?

I am excited about being a catalyst for change, especially working to support the Blue Alpha team in driving transformation and developing young talent in the industry. I also have a distinct combination of gender diversity, intellectual depth, and experience where it is needed the most to drive business strategy.

What do you love most about your career, the industry and what you do?

I am incredibly ambitious and driven – with everything that I do. This has been at the heart of each role that I have taken on. It has allowed me to make a meaningful difference all while helping to shape a more sustainable and impactful sector.

What are your biggest career highlights?

I was previously at the helm of Standard Bank Wealth South Africa, with the responsibility of looking after assets in excess of R150bn.

During this time, I was responsible for custodianship over their short-term and long-term insurance, asset management of retirement funds and high net-worth individuals, and a wide variety of fiduciary services for corporate and commercial clients across an extensive geographical footprint.

I have also worked for Investec in the United Kingdom and in South Africa, as a fixed income analyst and investment banker. I was head of public sector and BEE Financing at Investec Bank.

As non-executive director, what role will you have in driving transformation in the sector?

Over and above my fiduciary role, I’m committed to supporting the leadership team to help them grow the business as a formidable Black-owned asset manager in the industry.

There is a huge opportunity to bring about transformation through the investments and work that Blue Alpha does to support small businesses and Black-owned businesses. There is also a lot of work that needs to be done to create a more equitable industry, especially for women.