Sharmini Naidoo

Highly experienced executive and board-level leader based in Johannesburg, South Africa with more than 30 years of leadership experience across transport, logistics, manufacturing, consulting, and non-profit sectors. Brings a strong combination of governance insight, strategic leadership, financial oversight, regulatory engagement, and organisational transformation experience gained through executive and non-executive roles. Known for contributing clear judgment at board level, leading complex turnarounds, engaging effectively with regulators and stakeholders, and supporting sustainable growth, ethical governance, and long-term value creation.

Managing Director/CEO - Step Ahead Strategy Consulting (Pty) Ltd - Johannesburg, South Africa

(2019-01)

• Lead strategy, turnaround, and governance advisory engagements across non-profit organisations, associations, and SMEs.
• Support post-merger integration and alignment in both for-profit and non-profit environments.
• Provide executive coaching and leadership development to C-suite leaders and senior teams.
• Design organisational strategy, transformation programmes, and performance monitoring frameworks.
• Advise on strategic project management, policy influence, and institutional sustainability.

Interim Executive Manager - Southern African Bus Operators Association (SABOA)

(2023-01 - 2025-01)

Provided executive leadership and strategic guidance to the industry body, engaging with National, Provincial and Local government, government agencies, parliamentary committees, NEDLAC, and regulators while supporting sector negotiations, contracts, transformation priorities, and policy alignment.

Sabbatical - Certification in Thailand - Transcendental Meditation Teaching Training - Thailand

(2018-01 - 2019-06)

Transcendental Meditation Teaching Training Certification in Thailand (6 months)

Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director - Road Freight Association (RFA)

(2006-01 - 2018-12)

Led the national industry body representing the road freight sector. Delivered a successful organisational turnaround and long-term sustainability strategy, served as principal liaison with government on transport policy and legislation, led BBBEE sector negotiations and transformation initiatives, and managed strategic stakeholder relationships across industry, regulators, and policymakers.

Business Support Services Manager - Road Freight Association (RFA)

(2005-01 - 2006-12)

Drove strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, revenue generation, and SMME support initiatives, including the establishment of development and funding programmes.

Financial and Operational Leadership Roles - Tongaat Hulett Group

(1995-01 - 2005-12)

Held progressively responsible roles including Financial Manager, Mill Accountant, and Assistant Accountant. Led budgeting, financial performance management, SAP implementation, process re-engineering, supply chain optimisation, and the strengthening of governance, internal controls, and audit processes.

Master of Business Leadership - Business Leadership - UNISA Graduate School of Business

Bachelor of Accounting Science - Accounting Science - UNISA