Leading a Schools and Higher Education Group with Geoff Whyte
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Geoff Whyte, Group CEO of ADvTECH Limited (JSE:ADH), talks to host Monde Nkosi about leading a combined schools and higher education group serving more than 100,000 students across multiple countries, including South Africa, Kenya, Botswana and Ethiopia. Geoff presents his investment and social impact case for ADvTECH and independent education. Geoff also shares some personal stories about his journey from growing up in Scotland to living, and working, in multiple countries including England, Russia, and the Netherlands; and moving to South Africa in the late 1990s.
ADvTECH is an education group listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange with a market capitalisation of approximately R18 billion / $1 billion. Prior to joining ADvTECH in 2024, Geoff was the CEO of Nando’s Africa/Middle East/South Asia region. He has executive experience in a range of global organisations including Unilever, PepsiCo, Cadbury-Schweppes and SAB-Miller. Geoff has also won a range of awards including the Sunday Times’ South African Marketing Person of the Year. He holds a Master’s degree in economics from the University of Aberdeen.
ADvTECH is an education group listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange with a market capitalisation of approximately R18 billion / $1 billion. Prior to joining ADvTECH in 2024, Geoff was the CEO of Nando’s Africa/Middle East/South Asia region. He has executive experience in a range of global organisations including Unilever, PepsiCo, Cadbury-Schweppes and SAB-Miller. Geoff has also won a range of awards including the Sunday Times’ South African Marketing Person of the Year. He holds a Master’s degree in economics from the University of Aberdeen.
Chapters
- 00:08 Introduction to Education Investment and Geoff Whyte
- 02:35 Geoff's Early Life and Career
- 05:53 Career Progression and Move to South Africa
- 09:35 Family Background and Sports
- 13:39 Cultural Differences and Motivation for Entering Education
- 17:12 Overview of Advitec's Divisions and Brands
- 19:43 Price Points and Differentiation of Brands
- 22:29 Tertiary Brands and Offerings
- 23:40 Contact and Distance Learning Options
- 24:14 Synergies Between Schools and Higher Education
- 25:51 The Independent Institute of Education (IIE)
- 26:51 Scale Leverage and Synergies
- 27:34 Investment Case for Advitec
- 29:18 Growth Opportunities and Expansion
- 31:10 Advitec's Performance as a Listed Business
- 33:51 Social Impact of Advitec and Independent Education
- 36:35 Balancing Returns and Social Impact
- 37:14 Vision for the Future
- 39:53 Favourite Teacher
