Lesaka Strengthens Leadership Team with Strategic Executive Appointments

Lesaka  has announced a series of senior leadership appointments across its Merchant Division and Group structure, underscoring its commitment to growth and digital transformation.

In the Merchant Division, Kagiso Khaole has been appointed Chief Executive Officer, effective September 1, 2025. Khaole brings more than a decade of experience in scaling technology-driven businesses across Africa. He previously led Starlink’s expansion across 25 African markets for SpaceX and served as General Manager for sub-Saharan Africa at Uber.

Joining him in the division is Roland Naidoo, who will take on the role of Chief Operating Officer starting November 1, 2025. Naidoo most recently held the position of Group Executive Head of Data, Customer Experience, and Operations at Multichoice, and earlier served in senior leadership roles at Standard Bank. He is widely recognized for his expertise in digital transformation and building high-performing teams.

At the Group level, Lesaka has appointed Akash Dowra as Chief Strategy Officer, effective October 1, 2025. Dowra joins from Deloitte, where he was Managing Partner of the Strategy and Transactions advisory practice for Deloitte Africa. He also played a pivotal role at Discovery Bank as Chief Growth Officer, helping to expand the bank to more than one million accounts within four years.

“These appointments mark an exciting new chapter for Lesaka, and I am delighted that we are attracting the highest calibre of leaders.”

– Lincoln Mali, CEO, Lesaka Southern Africa