Sonny Phiri holds an MBA from Oxford Brookes University UK. He is currently studying for a Doctorate in Technology of Business Administration. His core competencies include leading corporate startups, corporate turnaround strategy, as well as social responsibility and stakeholder management related assignments, with more than twenty one (21) years practical business experience. He has highly regarded interpersonal skills and a reputation for tactful presentations and public speaking.
He is a micro finance practitioner and is skilled in development with areas of emphasis including, entrepreneurship development, credit management, micro and development finance, business development as well as research and strategic planning.
He has demonstrated cross-functional expertise obtained through interaction with NGO’s, Donors, Governmental Organizations and Public and Private Organizations. He also has proven success in leading both corporate and community related projects. He has been involved in a number of planning workshops like the International Labor Organization (ILO), Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB), Training Programs and Africa Regional Micro Credit Summit (ARMS).
Sonny Phiri has worked in director and management positions for organizations such as Nissi Global, Umsobomvu Youth Fund, Damelin Education Group, Old Mutual, Milpark Business School, Business Today and Business Partners. Sonny has continuously shown resilience and fortitude to work both as a business mentor and a coach.
Sonny has held several leadership positions such as Chairman of Nissi Micro Project, Board Member of Planet Finance Paris, National Treasurer of the Institute of Credit Management , Board Member of ZAMFI (Association of Micro Finance Institutions), Steering Committee Member of the Africa Regional MicroCredit Summit and a Planning member of the International Labor Organization (Start and Improve Your Business Program)
David Soutter embarked on a degree in Business Administration (BBA) from Andrews University (USA). However, with his strengths in sales and marketing, David joined the Insurance industry consulting for Old Mutual before setting his sights on the highly competitive leisure industry, of which he dominated from 1996 to 2004, winning many prized accolades and awards in Southern Africa.
David has over the years gained extensive experience not only in the auction arena but also as a property developer. This combination has given him a rounded understanding of property in the South African market, which has largely contributed to his success.
In 2005 David entered the property auction industry, specializing in the sale of commercial, industrial, and retail property. David has contributed extensively to the industry, initially with Aucor Auctioneers as an outsourced property company. In 2007, David became a founding member and partner of Bidline Auction (PTY) Ltd. And in 2009 sold his shareholding. In 2010, David was again approached by Aucor Auctioneers, but this time to head up Its commercial property division of which he did successfully before founding his own auction house, Reliance Auctions (PTY) Ltd in 2011.
Reliance Auctions has become a household brand and leader in the property auction space in South Africa and has dominated auction industry, concluding numerous property transactions for private sellers and listed property funds. Reliance’ success has become synonymous with TV programs such as “Vat Jou Goed En Trek’ on DSTV kyknet channel 144 and daily radio hosting programs on Jacaranda FM.
