The outstanding contributions that compliance professionals make every day to securing the future of
business in Southern Africa will be celebrated and rewarded at the first-ever 'Southern Africa Compliance Awards 2014'taking place in Johannesburg in November.
The awards ceremony at La Toscana of Montecasino, on 19th November, is organised by C5 and will represent and reward professionals from across the compliance sector, recognising the very best individuals, teams and initiatives; highlighting the united efforts of this innovative and dynamic
sector.
The key highlight of twelve months' worth of diligence, vision and commitment in helping to keep compliance at the very top of its game, the 'Southern Africa Compliance Awards 2014' will be judged by prominent compliance and regulatory professionals from across the spectrum of the corporate, legal and professional services world in Southern Africa.
Awards Director, Brian Reffell, comments: "We are proud to launch the Southern Africa Compliance Awards, the latest edition in the unique global event series that allows us to dynamically support the compliance industry and its professionals in highlighting the vast range and diversity of work that is undertaken by the industry in Southern Africa.
It is especially germane in these challenging times with the increased regulatory and media spotlight on corporate ethics and compliance effectiveness; business in Africa is advancing rapidly, due in no small part to the efforts of the compliance industry. I would particularly like to thank our judges, their support and enthusiasm is demonstrative of the integrity and quality within the profession as it continues to innovate and deliver first-class compliance services."
The shortlisted finalists that demonstrate the excellence and wealth of talent within the compliance industry will be announced and the winners revealed at the Gala Dinner and Awards Evening in Johannesburg.
The 12 award categories range from Junior Compliance Officer of the Year to Compliance Innovator of the Year and Law Firm of the Year to Inspirational Woman of the Year in Compliance.
Entries will be judged by a panel of prominent compliance specialists from across the corporate, legal and professional services world in Southern Africa, including:
- Alexandra Wrage, President, TRACE International
- Philippe Montigny, President, ETHIC Intelligence
- Roy Waligora, Director and Partner, KPMG Services (Pty) Ltd
- David Lewis, Executive Director, Corruption Watch (RF) NPC
- Adela Fortune, Company Secretary, Old Mutual Emerging Markets Limited
- Justin Warren, Head of Compliance, African Minerals
- Ferdi Bayliss, Vice President: Group Compliance, Gold Fields
- David Loxton, Co-head of Forensics, ENS Africa
- Yvette Lingom, Division Manager- Legal, C5 Communications (UK) Ltd
- Bapsy Dastur, General Counsel - Head Legal & Integrity IMA, ABB
- Don Hughes, Vice President and General Counsel EMEA, Hitachi Data Systems
- Hugh Bigwood, Global Head of Compliance, Rio Tinto Group
- Andrew Legg, Partner, Eversheds LLP
Commenting on the launch of the Awards Alexandra Wrage, Founder and President of TRACE International said:
"Compliance professionals often find themselves in a thankless role. In the most extreme cases, they're seen as an obstacle to business, looking where they shouldn't to uncover things people don't really want to see! Management rarely applauds the absence of problems, so the best many can hope for is the quiet confidence that they're protecting the company's reputation and shareholder value. These awards are enormously important because they provide the spotlight and accolade that talented compliance officers deserve, but so rarely receive. Compliance professionals have had far too few opportunities for recognition of this kind prior to this timely initiative and I am delighted to be a part of it."
Ferdi Bayliss, Vice President, Group Compliance at Gold Fields shared Alexandra's view:
"Congratulations on this excellent initiative and career advancing pathway for compliance officers. I am a firm believer and prophet of recognition, something that has been neglected in the SA's compliance officer industry. I am honoured to be a judge at the Southern Africa Compliance Awards"
Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of the Southern Africa Compliance Awards.
