Paarl Media's New Operations Boss Moves In

Emarie Botha is the new chief operating officer (COO) of Paarl Media, following Lambert Retief's decision to step down as executive chairman to assume the role of non-executive chairman.

Botha will report to the company's chief executive officer, Stephen van der Walt.

Retief is said to have made the move to free up his time to pursue his personal interests.

Before joining Paarl Media, Emarie Botha was an independent strategic consultant for corporate organisations.

She started her career as an articled clerk for KPMG, during which time she was also a senior lecturer at the University of Pretoria (South Africa).

She left KPMG in 1994 to join Arthur Andersen, where she held various executive roles until 2001, when she joined Deutsche Bank as vice president of corporate finance.

In 2002, Botha moved from Gauteng to Paarl as structured finance dealmaker for Bravura Equity Services, where she worked until 2004.

Botha commented: "The printing industry poses interesting challenges for me and I have a lot to learn.

The technical element adds a new dimension to my previous experience.

I will immerse myself in this industry and look forward to help steer Paarl Media through its high growth phase." Paarl described Botha as a strategic thinker who will add value through meticulous planning and attention to detail.

She is said to have regulatory experience and has the ability to recognise and develop potential in people.

In addition, she has leadership skills and is experienced in risk management and quality control.

Botha consulted on black economic empowerment plans, development of scorecards and strategies for employment equity, skills development, learnerships and social responsibility, added Paarl.

She added : "I am passionate about the community and am personally involved in HIV and Aids projects.

I endeavour to explore the link between big business and community development and would like to continue contributing on this level." Botha passed the JSE Stockbroking Exams in 1998 and also holds an M.Comm in taxation from RAU and an LLB from Unisa.

She is studying towards an LLM in income tax and corporate law from Unisa, as well as an advanced programme in risk management.

Stephen van der Walt commented: "The Paarl Media Group is entering a new growth phase.

We have substantially strengthened our head office structure to ensure we make full use of market opportunities and synergies that exist both between our five plants and between us and our majority shareholder, Media24." He continued: "Emarie Botha was carefully selected for the role of COO.

She is academically very strong and has proven herself as a strategic thinker.

She is a highly capable manager and brings with her a wealth of experience in various fields, which will contribute to the success of Paarl Media going forward.

I am looking forward to her support as my second in charge.".

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