Gys Kappers

Gys Kappers Email and Phone Number

CEO | Board Director | YPO | Digital Transformation & AI Specialist | Africa Specialist | Strategic Advisor | I’m a Leader of Teams | Joiner of Dots | Finder & Retainer of Great Talent | Story Teller | Pirate & Hunter | @ Rockstart
Gys Kappers's Location
City of Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa, South Africa
About Gys Kappers

I’m a transformational leader, blue-sky thinker, and connector of dots with a unique ability to take companies global, drive exponential growth, and build brands that lead their sectors. With over 25 years across manufacturing, SaaS, and AI, I bring a proven record of scaling businesses from the ground up, raising millions in capital, and securing game-changing partnerships with industry giants like Siemens, Anglo American, and IBM.Early in my career, I built Africa’s largest privately owned concrete masonry manufacturing business, achieving $30 million in annual revenue with a $5 million EBITDA. I successfully listed this business into Buildmax for $25 million, expanding from 1 to 19 factories and securing major contracts, including the 2010 FIFA World Cup stadiums.At Wyzetalk, As Founder and CEO, I led the company to become a global leader in blue-collar workforce engagement, now serving 70% of the global mining sector with over 850,000 users and generating $450,000 in monthly recurring revenue. My team won Anglo American’s frontline employee engagement solution, beating out Microsoft and deploying across 5 continents and 153,000 employees—demonstrating our ability to compete with the world’s largest players and win.As Turnaround Specialist and CEO of DataProphet, I’ve driven a 72% revenue increase in 2023, with a projected 74% growth in 2024, and have repositioned the company for European and global expansion by relocating the head office to Amsterdam. I moved the ENPS score from 17 to 47 in 8 months. I also secured a $2.5 million funding round to support our strategic SaaS shift, now driving a 40% boost in client engagement.My background includes an Executive MBA from the University of Cape Town’s Graduate School of Business, an advanced business strategy program at Harvard Business School, and membership in the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO), where I connect with top leaders globally to foster continual learning and innovation.Boards retain me because I’m not only a growth architect and culture builder but also a blue-sky thinker who sees connections where others may not. I excel at aligning operational excellence with strategic vision and delivering results through resilience, innovation, and a deep commitment to purpose.If you’re looking for a leader who can turn potential into sustained, profitable growth, let’s connect. Together, we can create a legacy of excellence and elevate your business to new heights.

Gys Kappers's Current Company Details
Rockstart

Rockstart

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CEO | Board Director | YPO | Digital Transformation & AI Specialist | Africa Specialist | Strategic Advisor | I’m a Leader of Teams | Joiner of Dots | Finder & Retainer of Great Talent | Story Teller | Pirate & Hunter |
Gys Kappers Work Experience Details
  • Rockstart
    Strategic Advisor
    Rockstart Sep 2024 - Present
    Amsterdam, North Holland, Nl
    Rockstart : We accelerate purpose-driven startups in Energy, AgriFood and Emerging Tech through expert mentorship, strategic scaling solutions, and investments up to Series B, leveraging our global presence in Amsterdam, Copenhagen, and Bogotá to maximize founder impact.​• I’m Strategically advising brilliant Startups like www.viacurrent.com on GTM strategy, customer success, and overall business strategy.• Utilising SWOTA analysis, Three horizons, and small win methodology to drive business growth.• Collaborate with founders to join the dots, hunt and implement idealised design for strategic success.
  • Ypo
    Regional Vice Chairman
    Ypo Aug 2024 - Present
    Irving, Texas, Us
    • Spearheading digital transformation initiatives within the manufacturing sector in Africa, driving innovation and efficiency.• Collaborate with members of the Young Presidents Organisation to implement cutting-edge technologies for enhanced productivity.• Lead the Africa region as the Regional Vice Chairman, fostering growth and development in the manufacturing industry.
  • Ypo
    Cape Chapter
    Ypo 2005 - Present
    Irving, Texas, Us
  • Ypo
    Chapter Integration Officer
    Ypo Jun 2013 - Oct 2022
    Irving, Texas, Us
    Chapter Integration Officer for the Cape Town Chapter of YPO international.
  • Ypo
    Network Regional Chair
    Ypo Jun 2013 - Jun 2014
    Irving, Texas, Us
    Network Regional Chair for the Digital, Marketing and Media Network for YPO International
  • Ypo
    Network Executive Committee
    Ypo Jan 2012 - Jun 2014
    Irving, Texas, Us
    Network Executive Committee for the Doing Business Globally Network within YPO international
  • World Economic Forum
    Member And Speaker At World Economic Forum
    World Economic Forum Apr 2024 - Present
    Cologny, Geneva, Ch
    Member of the World Economic forum with a specific focus on AI in the 4th industrial revolution. Innovation in manufacturing. Operational Excellence in Manufacturing
  • Virtual Advisory Board (Vab)
    Member
    Virtual Advisory Board (Vab) Jan 2024 - Present
    London, England, Gb
    I'm a certified board director. The VAB is a transparent panel of executives (CEO's, founders and investors) who are looking to evolve into/take on Advisory, Board/Non-Executive roles.
  • Knife Capital
    Advisor To Knife Capital
    Knife Capital Jun 2023 - Present
    Cape Town, Western Cape, Za
  • Dataprophet
    Chief Executive Officer
    Dataprophet Nov 2023 - Nov 2024
    Cape Town, Western Cape, Za
    • Led the successful turnaround of DataProphet, driving strategic decision-making and fostering a culture of innovation.• Implemented cutting-edge technologies to optimize operations and enhance product offerings, resulting in increased efficiency and customer satisfaction.
  • Dataprophet
    Ceo And Turnaround Executive
    Dataprophet Mar 2023 - Nov 2024
    Cape Town, Western Cape, Za
    Led a strategic turnaroundExtended cash by 18 monthsIncreased Revenue by 100%Reduced OPEX by 40%Reduced burn by 70%Increased ENPS score from 17-46Signed global strategic partnerships with vendors
  • Dataprophet
    Incoming Ceo Dataprophet
    Dataprophet Oct 2023 - Nov 2023
    Cape Town, Western Cape, Za
  • Wyzetalk
    Chairman And Co-Founder
    Wyzetalk Oct 2022 - Oct 2023
    Amsterdam, North Holland, Nl
  • Wyzetalk
    Co-Founder And Ceo
    Wyzetalk Jun 2012 - Oct 2023
    Amsterdam, North Holland, Nl
    Co-Founder and CEO at Wyzetalk
  • Old Mutual Property
    Acting Head Of Strategy, Marketing And Research
    Old Mutual Property Jan 2011 - Oct 2011
    Johannesburg, Gauteng, Za
    I managed a highly skilled team in the respective departments of Research, Marketing and Strategy
  • Buildmax Brick And Block  Division
    Managing Director
    Buildmax Brick And Block Division Jan 1990 - Dec 2010
    Oversaw day to day operations of 3 business units throughout South Africa. Total staff of over 550 peopleAnnual turnover of more than $30 million Total tons manufactured 650,000 tons per annum18 factories

Gys Kappers Education Details

  • Harvard Business School
    Harvard Business School
    Business Scaling
  • Sirdar
    Sirdar
    Company Directorship
  • University Of Cape Town
    University Of Cape Town
    Systems Thinking And Methodologies
  • Wits University
    Wits University
    Strategy
  • Cape Peninsula University Of Technology
    Cape Peninsula University Of Technology
    Finance
  • St. Josephs College
    St. Josephs College

Frequently Asked Questions about Gys Kappers

What company does Gys Kappers work for?

Gys Kappers works for Rockstart

What is Gys Kappers's role at the current company?

Gys Kappers's current role is CEO | Board Director | YPO | Digital Transformation & AI Specialist | Africa Specialist | Strategic Advisor | I’m a Leader of Teams | Joiner of Dots | Finder & Retainer of Great Talent | Story Teller | Pirate & Hunter |.

What schools did Gys Kappers attend?

Gys Kappers attended Harvard Business School, Sirdar, University Of Cape Town, Wits University, Cape Peninsula University Of Technology, St. Josephs College.

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