As the newly appointed CEO of Softy Comp, a leading payment service provider, I bring a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success in the financial technology sector. My journey with Softy Comp began as the executive head, where I played a pivotal role in shaping the company's strategic direction and driving innovation. My expertise lies in developing integrated payment solutions that prioritize security, efficiency, and user experience, reflecting Softy Comp's commitment to excellence. Under my leadership, Softy Comp will continue to evolve, harnessing the power of technology to simplify financial transactions for businesses and consumers alike. Join me on this exciting journey as we explore new horizons and build a more connected and financially inclusive world.

With 25+ years of experience in the financial services industry, Gerhard brought his expertise to Microsoft as a Senior FSI Architect. His tenure at Microsoft is marked by two significant achievements that underscore his value as an enterprise and program architect.Gerhard spearheaded an international, cross-functional team to successfully execute a fraud and anti-money laundering initiative. It comprised of preview and generally available Azure components. The team crafted an enterprise and solution cloud architecture tailored to the client’s use cases. The solution, deployed in Azure, underwent rigorous review to meet the client’s stringent security requirements, necessitating a balance between on-premise and cloud deployment.This accomplishment was publicly recognized at Microsoft Build 2023 and Sibos 2023. It is planned to extend this initiative to an Industry Pilot Group, encompassing five S500 Banks.In addition, Gerhard played a pivotal role in rectifying the problematic deployment of a Microsoft Dynamics 365 Programme with a Tier 1 Bank in APAC. He conducted a comprehensive review of the Business and Digital Transformation strategy, enterprise architecture, and deployment and operational processes from both the bank’s and system integrator’s perspectives. Collaborating closely with seasoned D365 architects, Gerhard assisted to develop a new D365 architecture blueprint for the Contact Centre and Customer Onboarding capabilities.As a result of his intervention, Microsoft has been elevated to the status of a trusted advisor and delivery partner, securing contracts worth over $30m with the bank. Microsoft is now the first point of contact for delivering and realizing value to the Bank, positioning Microsoft for high-impact engagements in FY24 and beyond.Gerhard carries USA, Canadian and UK business visas and has travelled extensively across the Globe as trusted advisor.

During his tenure with Infosys Gerhard led the Southern Africa pre-sales initiatives for Infosys Finacle and Infosys Services. His market- and product knowledge, architecture- and technical skills led to his appointment as Director for Infosys Southern Africa. He assisted Business and Technology leaders to drive transformation by applying strategic advice, architecture guidance, product knowledge and services to underpin the business strategy. Gerhard was instrumental in creating the architecture and business plan of a Tier 1 Bank in Africa to move six (6) of their private cloud deployed country specific core banking platforms to public cloud infrastructure. The total contract value of approximately $20m included the concept of create- and run the bank capabilities in the cloud.

One of the many strategic and successful initiatives led by Gerhard is a 75 member cross functional Business and IT team that concluded a core banking RFP for a Tier 1 multinational financial institution, attracting accolades from executive stakeholders, participating international Vendors and external International Advisories. My team drafted the core banking target state architecture, deployment plan, complete financial model including the NPV over 5 years - considering the vendor solution, the Bank's investment in technology, business strategy and financial services market disruptors. I met with 'C'-level executives to shape the financial institutions' core banking refactoring and replacement program - which included building the Submission Packs for the Group IT Executive Committee, Board and Central Bank submission for the Board Chairman.The Core Banking Platform were deployed in Public Cloud with a view to progressive modernization.

Gerhard delivered multiple ‘fit for purpose’ enterprise- and solution architectures suitable for Rest of Africa (RoA) banks which included commercially off the shelf (COTS) and in house developed solutions. This included guiding the Vendor Management Office through the Request for Proposal (RFP) processes and forming a key member of the team when negotiating commercial models and contractual terms and conditions for the COTS solutions.Crafted a Mobile Payments vision, strategy and solution (ala mPesa) and led a 12-man team which included six (6) international consultants to develop the organizational model, architecture and business model for deployment into the Rest of Africa.

Gerhard led the turnaround strategy for an IT Project and Program Management Office in a multi-national Tier 1 bank in the midst of a major merger action of five (5) Banks. Gerhard appointed five (5) managers each having 5 - 7 project managers reporting into them. The teams constituted both permanent staff and contractors. The team managed a project and program portfolio of ZAR 110m at any given time.

Founding member of a Fintech (IT Joint Venture) to provide strategic technology guidance, create sustainable value out of technology investments and outsourced all IT Services for a large multi national financial services Group outside South Africa.- Implemented core banking systems and provided full outsource IT services in various countries (Namibia, Lesotho, Swaziland, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Hong Kong, Mauritius, Singapore)

Consulted to, and delivered, the following services to the Africa and International Subsidiaries of a large multi national financial services Group:- Consulted on Core Banking replacement programmes leading up to Y2K- Drafted budgets for solutions that needed to be developed – considering currency fluctuations / cross border implications - Negotiated support contracts- Established standards and ensured it was institutionalised for the implementation of technology in: London, Hong Kong, Malawi, Swaziland, Lesotho, Namibia, etc.

- Consulted to various business units relating to COTS Solutions and IT infrastructure- Designed and programme managed the Microsoft Domain infrastructure replacement – which included the COTS solutions within the domain- Acting operations manager

Provided leadership to the programme for the provision of IP based connectivity for all Government offices (Administrative and Correctional Services) in South Africa. Assisted in drafting the Functional, Technical and Tender specifications of a 320 router based network. Evaluated all applications that needed to run across the LAN / WAN.

Designed, planned and deployed X.25 and X.28 public and private data communications networks in South Africa and Namibia.