Touchsides | Team

Jan van Velzen

Executive Director

Jan joined Touchsides in 2019. He brings with him 23 years of experience in marketing and sales from Heineken International. He has a passion for people, retail, and digital.

Sias Smith

Financial Director

Sias is a finance director with a demonstrated history of working in the food and beverages industry. He is skilled in leading financial software, consolidation, external auditing, accounting, IFRS, budgeting, forecasting and credit control.

Pheladi Mokobane

Human Resource Director

Pheladi obtained more than 15 years’ experience in the Human Resources field, specializing as a Business Partner. Her experience from diverse industries including Logistics, Automotive Repair and Maintenance, Financial Services and Manufacturing has prepared her to excel in her career as she has great passion for people development and growth.

She further describes herself as a people’s person who is approachable and extremely professional. Some of the values she subscribes to both personally and professionally are Respect, Integrity, Honesty, Compassion and Selflessness.

What she would like to achieve at Touchsides is a highly engaged workforce, foster teamwork by effectively utilizing the existing Talent and resources as a strategic intent.

In summary, Pheladi defines success as a highly engaged workforce through a collaborative approach within an organization.

Robert Dodds

SA Operations and Global Support Director

Robert joined Touchsides to oversee and initiate the rapid expansion of the Touchsides solution in South Africa and globally. He has 38 years of executive management and board level experience in retail, FMCG, and industrial goods.

Jarrod Hermer

Technology Director

Jarrod joined Touchsides to design and manage the product development sector of the company. Today, he is responsible for managing our team of software developers who create innovative solutions for traders in rural areas.

Nicholas Simigiannis

Head of Data Science

Nicholas is inspired by innovation and technology, with a particular interest in data science and artificial intelligence. He has over 15 years’ experience as a data analytics specialist, business strategist, and project manager.

Ilan Sparrius

GPO & Global Deployment Director & eBusiness Manager

Ilan has more than 20 years’ experience in FMCG and retail. She is passionate about being the interface between business stakeholders and technology teams, and prides herself in finding innovative solutions to business problems.