Business acumen plus social responsibility equals success

Investec Business Leadership Award winner Rob Katz built his career on spotting opportunities where others see risk. 

As a Capitalworks executive and later a key figure at Citadel, he has helped shape some of South Africa’s most significant investment stories, combining sharp financial acumen with a long-term vision for growth. 

Katz, now 60 years old, has established himself in the world of finance, going back to his days studying a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of the Witwatersrand. He then became a Chartered Accountant, getting articles at Ernst & Young, and subsequently attained a Master of Commerce in Finance from the University of Johannesburg. Since then, he has held executive positions at Standard Bank, Peregrine Holdings, and Capitalworks Investment Partners. 

Capitalworks, founded in 2006, is an independent alternative asset management firm providing investment access and specialist solutions to its clients across a wide range of industries and investments in global emerging markets. 

“With a focus on alternative asset investments and a unique team of investment professionals, Capitalworks brings a distinctive edge to the market,” says Katz. “It seeks to add value beyond the capital invested. As strategic partners, we are actively involved with our investment partners, and bring our collective skill, knowledge, and relationships from our team’s investment experience.” 

Katz has an integrated approach to leadership, which means combining business acumen with a commitment to social responsibility. 

“I have dedicated my career to excellence, integrity, and impactful leadership,” he says. “As the founder of two charitable organisations aimed at alleviating suffering, I strive to translate success into tangible help for others.” 

Katz entered Citadel Investment Services through his leadership of Peregrine Holdings, which owned Citadel. He joined Peregrine in 2010 as chief financial officer, and became chief executive of the company in 2017, overseeing the group’s strategic direction, with Citadel as its crown jewel. 

Citadel is a specialist wealth management company with 32 years of experience in providing holistic wealth management solutions. It offers a variety of services including investment advice; asset management; philanthropy; local and offshore fiduciary services; forex strategy; and family office solutions.  

Citadel has expanded assets under management, reporting strong inflows – billions of rand annually – and retaining clients. Katz guided Citadel through growth by acquisition to broaden its wealth management footprint. 

“We are based in South Africa, with nine offices across the country and one in Guernsey, Channel Islands,” Katz says. “Advice is the cornerstone of our offering – not only where to invest, but why.” 

He believes the reason these businesses have been able to thrive is that “my leadership style is predicated on creating safe spaces where others feel seen, heard, valued, and are allowed to succeed. I nurture relationships and try, wherever possible, to lift people by concentrating on their strengths. Citadel has a 99% client retention ratio, which is a result of honest and nurtured relationships.” 

Outside of his business career, Katz is an avid boxer, runner, and a philanthropist. He has completed the New York and Paris Marathons, as well as two Comrades Marathons. Boxing, his first passion, has greatly influenced his approach to business, instilling discipline, methodical thinking, and the perseverance required for long hours of focused effort. 

The greatest opportunity for Katz and his business lies in finding good private equity investments in global emerging markets. “Emerging markets should be an asset class that has good potential, noting that in the past 10 years, this asset class has underperformed relative to developed markets,” he says. 

Katz’s biggest achievement over his decades-long career has been “maximising shareholder value in Peregrine by disposing of non-core businesses with volatile earning streams, and delisting the company at a price favourable for shareholders”. 

However, “Holding it together is the biggest challenge when it comes to managing or leading in financial services,” he says. “I always put significant effort into this challenge, and try to create a workplace environment in which people are happy and fulfilled.” 

Over the course of his career, Katz has learned that every day presents the opportunity to learn something new, just like a school day. 

“Yesterday’s success doesn’t mean that today and tomorrow will be successful,” he says. “I keep abreast of change by reading copiously and engaging often with young leaders in the business world.” 

Katz believes the secret to surviving future challenges in business is to keep focusing on trends and innovation in the industry, as well as on annuity income streams. “In financial services, we compete on talent and as such, always strive to attract and retain the best talent,” he says. 

Outside of business, Katz founded the Shoshana Foundation, a charitable organisation which supports single mothers in South Africa. It provides financial support, resources, and a community for these women to help them achieve independence and stability for themselves and their families. The organisation was inspired by Katz’s own experience of growing up with a single mother. 

“Our foundations are dedicated to alleviating poverty by creating projects that make a positive difference in the communities we work in,” says Katz. “We continue to strive to embark on projects related to sustainable skills development, empowerment for self-sufficiency, and entrepreneurship.” 

Katz envisions a future of continued growth, impact, and meaningful contribution. “For my business, I envision a thriving, innovative organisation that leads with integrity, fosters inclusivity, and delivers sustainable value to all stakeholders. I aim to continue to nurture a culture where ethical leadership and social responsibility are fundamental, enabling us to adapt and excel in a rapidly changing world.” 

In regard to personal aspirations, he says, “I aspire to broaden my influence as a leader who inspires positive change in all aspects of my life as well as those I come across.”