THE TEAM: DIRECTORS

Vusi Gumbi

Sales Director Vusi Gumbi, a University of Zululand graduate, has a management background in the insurance and civil engineering industries. Prior to establishing Serica, Vusi was the General Manager: Marketing for PSG Insurance before leaving to consult to the civil engineering industry in sales, procurement and project management.

Mark Johnson

Managing Director Mark Johnson completed his education in business administration at the Natal Tech. He has over twenty years experience in Relationship Building, Project Conception and Project Management. Acutely conscious of the power of the internet in enhancing communication, of digital delivery systems in general and with a special interest in education, Mark has focused on e-Learning in the academic market for the past 4 years. As CEO of Learning Channel's Corporate, Adult and Tertiary division Mark established strategic relationships with the major players in the tertiary education industry.

Eric (Baker) Ngubane

Chairman Eric Ngubane holds two masters degrees, the latest from the London School of Business. He is ranked by Empowerdex as the 5th most influential black executive (2003). He recently resigned his executive position as Director: Human Resources for Anglo Platinum to establish an empowerment company in the talent development, mentoring and coaching field. He sits on the boards of several associated companies. Prior to his involvement with the precious metals industry, Eric rose through the ranks to executive level in other sectors, including in the FMCG industry. Eric's position in the industry is considered vital from a strategic point of view and his wealth of experience as a manager and as an executive lends considerable weight to our board.

Hartmut Weiss

Production Director Hartmut Weiss graduated in Germany in business administration and earned a degree in social science in Israel. He worked in academic research for three years, gained experience in parliamentary work as the academic advisor to a member of the Israeli parliament. He has twenty-five years experience in the gold jewellery business, including experience in managing mass production jewellery manufacturing and managing a European based international jewellery sales and marketing company. He has extensive knowledge of and experience in operating jewellery production and management control systems. Hartmut was the founder and joint managing director of Via D'Oro, a rope chain manufacturer and is the founder and Managing Director of Emthuthwini, a sister company producing a range of contemporary African jewellery.

NON EXECUTIVE SHAREHOLDERS

Simon Maimela

Founding shareholder Professor Simon Maimela holds a number of degrees, including a Harvard PhD in theology. He is currently the Executive Director (Academic) and Principal of the CACC Colleges of learning, a private educational group with colleges in South Africa and in neighbouring States. After twenty years of service Simon has recently relinquished his post at the helm of the University of South Africa, the world's first and largest distance University. Simon's relationships in the Academic industry are invaluable as is his business acumen and wisdom.

Alison Jacobson

Founding shareholder Alison Jacobson has long-standing involvement in academic markets. Alison is currently the Director of Reusable Objects, a private company that produces cutting-edge e-Learning software.

MANAGEMENT

Willem Grobler

Regional Manager Willem Grobler holds a BComm from the University of the Freestate. Willem has several years experience in the production of high tech support products for the tertiary educational industry. Willem's previous experience includes time in the insurance industry and several years as the Brand Protection Manager for Levi Strauss. Willem's specific responsibility is the implementation of Serica's National Sales Plan.

Tanya Johnson

Designer Tanya Johnson is qualified across a broad range of web based applications, a graduate of the Vega art direction program Tanya is currently studying business management through GIMT. Tanya is responsible for the design portfolio for both the rings and the web interface.

Amos Kahn

Amos Kahn graduated with an Electrical Engineering degree. He has a background in database driven web sites, information systems and data warehousing. Amos is responsible for the development and maintenance of Serica’s most important partner support element, the database.