Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Affiliations
Additional Information
Timeline
Generic
Gavin Gehlig

Gavin Gehlig

Chief Executive Officer
Johannesburg

Summary

Innovative and dynamic leader relentlessly determined to achieve excellence. Understands that the success of the organization lies in collaborative teamwork and thoughtful leadership. Empowers teams and fosters a culture of collaboration to drive sustainable growth for all stakeholders. Professional credo, 'Collaboration Is The Key To Excellence,' embodies the importance of smooth interactions and effective relationships at all levels. Proactively seeks innovative solutions and identifies strategic growth opportunities, inspiring trust and confidence while genuinely caring about the well-being of clients and colleagues. Thrives in challenging environments, approaching problem-solving with creativity and principled ethics, fostering trust, accountability, and mutual respect for exceptional outcomes. Entrepreneurial and creative nature fuels passion for turning innovative ideas into tangible results. Experienced in formulating and executing strategic plans, creating new products and services, and developing business opportunities with a proven track record of multiple successful ventures. Led teams of professionals to maximize profits and deliver success.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience
2025
2025
years of post-secondary education

Work History

Chief Executive Officer

Consult by Momentum
07.2024 - 07.2024

Appointed at Consult by Momentum to lead key strategic initiatives, including driving growth, fostering vertical integration, advancing sustainability efforts, spearheading digital transformation, and cultivating an advice-driven culture. Although my tenure was brief due to the need to prioritize family commitments, the experience provided valuable insights into high-impact organizational strategy and leadership

Founder and Chief Executive Officer

GrowthHouse Pty Ltd
09.2019 - 06.2024
  • Implemented strong financial controls, ensuring accurate reporting and solid decision-making capabilities.
  • Enhanced sales performance through strategic planning initiatives, targeted training programs, and effective incentive structures for sales teams.
  • Directed research and development efforts in alignment with long-term strategic goals to maintain competitive advantage within the industry sector.
  • Drive continuous improvement by fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and open communication across all levels of the organization.
  • Increased company revenue by implementing innovative business strategies and expanding product offerings.
  • Guided mergers and acquisitions activities to expand the corporate portfolio while achieving synergistic benefits from newly acquired entities.
  • Developed strong partnerships with other businesses to allow for collaboration and more significant opportunities for growth.
  • Identified the need for a streamlined investment approach, evaluated and selected investment managers based on performance, alpha generation, service quality, and cost-efficiency, and successfully negotiated a fee-sharing agreement to optimize expenses
  • Established a successful business by identifying market needs and developing innovative solutions.
  • Managed high-performing teams to successfully execute corporate objectives and drive organizational success (across both Retail and Corporate areas).
  • Cultivated a positive company culture, promoting employee engagement and retention through tailored initiatives.
  • Built productive relationships with industry partners and competitors to support strategic business objectives.
  • Initiated strategies to drive company growth and increase market share and profitability.

Executive Head : Retail & Institutional Solutions

NMG Benefits
12.2016 - 08.2018
  • As Executive Head of Sales at NMG, I held the pivotal role of leading and synergizing the sales operations across the Retail and Institutional New Business Solutions divisions. My leadership was characterized by a strategic vision and a hands-on approach to driving sales excellence, fostering team cohesion, and significantly enhancing revenue streams across multiple channels.
  • Entrusted with streamlining the investment process across both retail and institutional clients, focusing on developing cohesive investment house views, selecting and evaluating investment managers, negotiating fee-sharing arrangements, and optimizing the administrative and service model to enhance efficiency and client satisfaction.
  • I nurtured a culture of success, leveraging my expertise to mentor and empower the sales teams. This fostering environment encouraged ambitious goals to be not just set but achieved and surpassed.
  • In addition to my sales leadership, I was honored to serve as a Trustee across the NMG retirement funds. This role underscored my commitment to financial stewardship and ethical governance. This dual responsibility allowed me to influence not only NMG's commercial success but also ensure the financial well-being of its employees through strategic fund management and oversight.
  • My unique blend of sales leadership and financial governance has equipped me with a diverse skill set, making me a valuable asset to any organization looking to drive growth, foster innovation in sales strategies, and ensure financial integrity and sustainability.

Founder & Director

CGN Advisory Services
03.2008 - 09.2016
  • Client Engagement and Relationship Management: Conducting client meetings to understand needs, provide tailored insurance advice, and ensure long-term satisfaction and loyalty.
  • Market Analysis and Positioning: Researching industry trends, competitor offerings, regulatory changes, and product innovations to maintain a competitive edge.
  • Strategic Business Planning: Crafting and executing comprehensive business strategies, including marketing plans, growth initiatives, and service enhancement programs.
  • Financial Stewardship: Managing financial operations such as budgeting, cash flow management, billing, and financial reporting to ensure profitability and sustainability.
  • Compliance and Regulatory Adherence: Ensuring full compliance with South African insurance regulations, maintaining proper documentation, and preparing for audits and assessments.
  • Contract Negotiation: Negotiating and managing contracts with insurers, clients, and vendors to optimize terms and conditions for the brokerage.
  • Value Proposition Development: Defining and refining the brokerage's unique value proposition to differentiate its offerings and attract target clients.
  • Recruitment and Talent Management: Sourcing, hiring, and onboarding staff while fostering a culture of excellence and ongoing professional development.
  • Marketing and Brand Promotion: Designing and implementing marketing strategies to increase brand visibility, attract new clients, and strengthen client retention.
  • Operational Efficiency: Streamlining administrative processes, service models, and internal workflows to enhance productivity and client service.
  • Customer Service Excellence: Resolving client inquiries and issues promptly while delivering a superior customer experience to build trust and loyalty.
  • Professional Growth and Networking: Staying updated on industry developments through continuous learning, participation in industry events, and professional association memberships.

Education

MBA - Marketing

Hult International Business School
09-2024

Post Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning - Financial Planning And Services

University of The Free State
205 Nelson Mandela Dr, Park West, Bloemfontein, 93
03-2009

Diploma in Financial Markets And Instruments - Financial Markets And Instruments

Academy of Financial Markets

Skills

    Strategic Vision

    Corporate Governance

    Strategic Planning

    Financial Management

    Business Development

    Team Leadership

    Market Knowledge

    Negotiation

    Ethics and Integrity

    Client Engagement

    Collaboration

    Decisiveness

Accomplishments

  • Revenue Growth:
    Since Mohau Equity Partners became the majority shareholder in GrowthHouse in June 2021, I have led transformative initiatives that resulted in doubling revenue year-on-year for the past three years. This achievement reflects the success of strategic planning, meticulous market analysis, and fostering critical business relationships.
  • Dominant Market Position:
    GrowthHouse has maintained an average market share of 62% relative to revenue in its dealings with Discovery over the past three years, demonstrating a robust and stable presence in the market.
  • Rapid Client Base Expansion:
    Under my leadership, our client base has more than doubled to over 10,000 clients in just three years, underscoring our ability to attract and retain a growing number of satisfied customers.
  • Scaling a High-Performing Sales Force:
    Successfully expanded our national sales team from 13 to 61 financial advisers over three years, with all recruits consistently meeting our stringent production and validation standards, ensuring excellence across the board.
  • Industry Recognition as a Key Account:
    GrowthHouse has been recognized as a key account by Discovery, Momentum, and Old Mutual, thanks to the recruitment of top-tier advisers and the establishment of rigorous advice processes and oversight, setting us apart in the industry.
  • Led the process whereby GrowthHouse was selected as Discovery Bank's preferred partner, forging a strategic alliance that greatly improved the bank's customer onboarding procedure. Created and oversaw a specialized team of 17 employees tasked with onboarding Discovery Bank customers via a nationwide referral contract with Discovery's affiliated tied agency adviser network. This established GrowthHouse as Discovery Bank's biggest supporter in the Independent Financial Adviser market, enhancing the bank's standing and power in the sector.
  • Successfully established a national referral agreement encompassing all lines of business—risk, investment, retirement, healthcare, short-term insurance, and employee benefits—specifically tailored for Discovery tied agency advisers. This strategic initiative drove significant revenue growth, improved tied agency adviser retention, and enhanced customer satisfaction, creating a robust foundation for sustained business success. Leveraged the arrangement to generate valuable market insights, enabling data-driven decision-making and strengthening the competitive positioning of the organization.


Affiliations

  • Financial Planning Institute of Southern Africa

Additional Information

Other personality traits and qualities I possess are:

  • I would describe myself as analytical, with an exceptional ability to solve problems and make diplomatic decisions.
  • People would recognize me for my emotional intelligence, empathy, and ability to motivate and encourage others.
  • My energy and self-confidence are balanced by a flexible and versatile approach to work, showcasing my capability to adapt to changing environments and challenges.
  • The above qualities, combined with my professional dedication and commitment to achieving extraordinary results, paint a picture of a driven, goal-oriented individual with a clear vision for the future.


Timeline

Chief Executive Officer

Consult by Momentum
07.2024 - 07.2024

Founder and Chief Executive Officer

GrowthHouse Pty Ltd
09.2019 - 06.2024

Executive Head : Retail & Institutional Solutions

NMG Benefits
12.2016 - 08.2018

Founder & Director

CGN Advisory Services
03.2008 - 09.2016

MBA - Marketing

Hult International Business School

Post Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning - Financial Planning And Services

University of The Free State

Diploma in Financial Markets And Instruments - Financial Markets And Instruments

Academy of Financial Markets
Gavin GehligChief Executive Officer