Ferdi van Heerden took over the reins at Momentum Investments on 1 September 2023. He has a wealth of experience in all areas of investments, locally and globally, and has spent the bulk of his decades-long career at Momentum. During this time, he filled a range of executive positions in the group, culminating in more than a decade of leadership in the international investment industry as head of Momentum Investments’ UK business, Momentum Global Investment Management (MGIM).
Van Heerden will serve as a member of the Momentum Metropolitan Executive Committee and his portfolio includes among others Momentum’s retail investment offerings, all local and global investment management businesses, as well as Momentum Money.
In his own words: “I see this role as a great new challenge for me, but also an opportunity to use all the skills I have developed and experience I have gained over the years to lead the Momentum Investments team on its continued journey, building on the sound foundations of the past five years. There’s much we need to do, with many challenges in a fast-paced, changing world. I look forward to helping navigate these challenges with our leadership team and to helping build our collective dreams into reality.”
Jeanette Marais, Group CEO of Momentum Metropolitan, says “Ferdi is a highly respected leader who has filled a range of executive positions in the Group. His executive track record is proof of his ability to see the bigger picture, provide strategic direction, and lead businesses to successfully execute their plans. I am also particularly pleased that we appointed one of our executives to the Group level. This not only shows that we focus on growing our people, but it also enables continuity: Ferdi has been part of the Momentum Investments Exco for 13 years and truly understands our culture and the wider industry challenges.”
Meet Ferdi van Heerden
Academic and professional qualifications
B.Sc Honours in Mathematical Statistics, Advanced Management Programme (AMP) from INSEAD (France), Diploma in General Management from Reading University (Henley Business School/UK), Member of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investments (MCSI).
Approach to business and life
Positive mindset. His guiding motto is “Think with a positive mindset: Offer alternatives and seek solutions,” a testament to his optimistic and solution-oriented approach to challenges.
Inclusivity matters. Throughout his life and career, Van Heerden values treating others with respect, dignity and inclusivity, ensuring everyone has a voice and a contribution to make.
Belief in opportunities. He firmly believes that the more you explore, the more opportunities will cross your path. He believes in taking action and pursuing opportunities fearlessly.
The best advice. Van Heerden holds dear the advice he received early in his career: “Outwork and outthink peers and competitors.” A principle he continues to live by.
Making a difference. Van Heerden is most excited about the incredible people in this industry and the vital role we play in society as asset allocators, knowing we can genuinely make a positive impact on the world and society.
