Chief Executive Officer (CEO) - Fintech

About the role

A well-established South African fintech business, backed by leading investors and known for its innovation, is looking for a Chief Executive Officer to lead its next phase of growth. The role suits a product-focused executive who enjoys building, executing and scaling rather than just managing. It is a full-time permanent position, hybrid (mostly remote, with a meeting in Century City once a week outside tax season).

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute the company's long-term strategic vision.
• Own and drive the product roadmap, keeping customer needs at the centre of product development.
• Lead financial performance, including P&L ownership and capital allocation.
• Work closely with the Board and investors on strategy, growth initiatives and business performance.
• Build and develop a high-performing leadership team and an accountable, execution-focused culture.
• Oversee operations and align product, engineering, marketing and operations.
• Drive customer acquisition, retention and long-term revenue growth.
• Develop strategic partnerships that strengthen distribution and market reach.
• Set operational rhythms, including planning cycles, performance metrics and accountability.

Required profile

• Significant executive leadership experience in a technology or fintech environment.
• Proven track record of delivering digital products from concept through scale.
• Strong commercial and financial management experience, including P&L responsibility.
• Experience working closely with boards, investors or private equity stakeholders.
• Experience in regulated industries such as financial services, tax, banking or insurance is highly advantageous.
• Willingness to be based in the Western Cape (Stellenbosch or Cape Town central).

Required skills

• Ability to turn customer insights into product strategy and execution.
• Exceptional leadership skills and ability to build high-performing teams.
• Strategic thinking combined with a hands-on execution mindset.
• Ability to influence stakeholders at all levels and operate in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.

What we offer

• Market-related executive salary.
• Performance-based incentives.
• Long-term equity participation.