Sun International’s chief financial officer and finance director, Norman Basthdaw, will retire in January 2027 after more than 13 years with the hospitality group.
Basthdaw joined Sun International in 2013 and has served as CFO since March 2017. He will reach the company’s normal retirement age in April 2027, with Vanessa Olver set to take over as CFO in January.
Sun International announced the leadership change to shareholders on Thursday, 20 August, praising Basthdaw for his contribution to the group’s financial and strategic growth.
During his tenure, Basthdaw played a key role in portfolio optimisation, corporate transactions and major strategic initiatives. He also led the group’s mergers and acquisitions function before becoming CFO.
One of his most notable achievements was his involvement in Sun International’s expansion into Latin America, including the 2015 merger with Chilean gaming company Dreams S.A., which created Sun Dreams.
The joint venture eventually expanded across several Latin American markets before Sun International exited the business in 2020, selling its stake to refocus on its South African operations.
Vanessa Olver takes the financial reins
Olver will bring 25 years of senior finance and leadership experience to the role.
She currently serves on the boards of Investec and South African consultancy Quantum Change. Her previous positions include Finance Director for Standard Bank Africa, CFO of Business Connexion and senior leadership roles within Absa’s Rest of Africa operations.
Sun International said Olver also has extensive experience leading major operating divisions, technology projects and business transformations.
Basthdaw will remain available to Sun International until April 2027 to support a smooth transition.
The company thanked him for his 13 years of service and welcomed Olver as she prepares to take the financial reins of one of South Africa’s biggest hospitality groups.
Main Image: Moneyweb
