Team 2 – Harvard House

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Directors

Asset Management

Administration

Directors

Peter Smith

Director & Chief Executive Officer

Peter Smith

Director & Chief Executive Officer

Pete graduated from the University of Natal with a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Accountancy and a Postgraduate Diploma in Accountancy. He joined Coopers & Lybrand (now PricewaterhouseCoopers) in 1992 to complete his training contract. During this period he passed the Qualifying exam, and was admitted to the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants in 1995. On completing his training contract, Pete was appointed as manager of the audit department, a position which he held for four years. He joined Porter Purbrick (now Harvard House Chartered Accountants) as an audit and tax partner in 1999. In 2009, Pete’s role changed from a client facing role to an internal strategic position. He is currently responsible for group operations, including human resource management, risk management, group strategy, growth and development. Pete has a passion for people and their development and growth. He is married to Dawn, has two daughters (Kirsten and Amy) and a son Michael who are in their twenties.

Duncan Taylor

Director & Chief Financial Officer

Duncan Taylor

Director & Chief Financial Officer

Duncan graduated from the University of Natal with a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Accountancy. He then joined PricewaterhouseCoopers to complete his training contract. After passing his board exam and completing his training contract, he was admitted to The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants in 1995. While at PricewaterhouseCoopers, he was promoted to manager and was responsible for accounting and taxation of small to medium businesses and individuals, with his primary focus being the specialist area of farming taxation. In 1999 he joined the Harvard House Group as a director and is currently responsible for assisting clients with their monthly and annual accounting requirements, general business consultations and advice, tax planning and compliance and estate planning needs.

Willie Pelser

Director & Chief Economist

Willie Pelser

Director & Chief Economist

Willie Pelser grew up in Frankfort in the Free State. After matriculating he obtained an M.Com Econometrics degree from the former Rand Afrikaans University in Johannesburg. Willie started his career in 1991 as an economist with the Transnet Group. He joined the Industrial Development Corporation in 1994 with responsibility for macro-economic planning and forecasting. After a short stint with BOE NatWest Securities, where he was responsible for Fixed Income research and strategy, Willie joined Swiss Re Asset Management in 1997. He formed part of the global fixed income team responsible for the management of the fixed income and money market portfolios (R2.5 billion) for the Southern Africa region and assisted in the equity process. Willie also managed portfolios for third party clients of Swiss Re. After the amalgamation of Swiss Re Asset Management’s fund management activities in Zurich and New York, Willie consulted to Harvard House Investment Management and other financial institutions. In 2006, Willie joined Harvard House as a director and portfolio manager. He is also responsible for the BCI Harvard House flexible income fund, He has more than 25 years of experience in the asset management industry.

Robin Gibson

Director

Robin Gibson

Director

Robin has been part of the team for more than 24 years. During that time he has fulfilled roles including financial planning, trusteeship, and executorship of estates. More recently he has taken an active role in the asset management team as the Chair of the investment committee and leads the group marketing initiatives; including the very popular Money Morsel video. Robin holds a B.Sc from UKZN and holds the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation.

Michael Porter

Director & Chief Investment Officer

Michael Porter

Director & Chief Investment Officer

Michael studied at the University of Natal (B.Comm) and London School of Economics (MSc Econ), before starting his career with Fleming Martin Securities, firstly in London on the sales trading desk and thereafter in Johannesburg as part of the Economics Research team. After several years with Fleming Martin, Michael followed his passion and moved into the asset management industry, joining the South African office of Swiss Re Asset Management. There he was responsible for the Group’s Southern African equity portfolios as well as managing the Group’s direct property investments In 2004, Michael moved back to Howick to join the Harvard House Group. He was appointed a director of the firm and its Chief Investment Officer. Over his tenure, the firm has grown its AUM from R200 million to approximately R5 billion and diversified its product offering to include both local and offshore discretionary portfolios, as well as a suite of collective investment schemes. Michael is personally responsible for managing the Harvard House BCI Property Fund and the Harvard House BCI Worldwide Flexible Fund. Michael is married to Camilla, and has three sons, Harry, Sam and Charlie.

Robert Pool

Director & Group Business Analyst

Robert Pool

Director & Group Business Analyst

After completing his articles at Deloitte and qualifying as a Chartered Accountant (SA) in 2015, Robert joined Harvard House in 2016 to pursue a career in financial services, initially as a member of the Financial Consultants team. His interest in the broader group, analytical mindset and ability to build systems led to his transition into the Group Business Analyst role. Robert is responsible for analysing the Group’s existing systems, seeking opportunities for innovation and improvement whilst driving integration between the various departments in pursuit of the Group’s vision and mission.

Asset Management

Michael Porter

Director & Chief Investment Officer

Michael Porter

Director & Chief Investment Officer

Willie Pelser

Director & Chief Economist

Willie Pelser

Director & Chief Economist

Robin Gibson

Director

Robin Gibson

Director

Nick Rogers

Senior Asset Manager

Nick Rogers

Senior Asset Manager

Nick earned his B.Soc.Sci. from the University of Natal (Pmb), in 1996, majoring in Economics and Marketing. He then moved to London where he held a number of financial roles within global banks such as ABN Amro, Deutsche, BNP Paribas and the Royal Bank of Scotland (which was at the epicentre of the Global Financial crisis just 3 months into his 6-year stint). During this time in the “City”, he developed a passion for the markets. After 15 years in the UK, where he met his Estcourt-born wife, Michele, the African drum was beating too loudly to ignore. In 2012, he joined Harvard House as a Portfolio Manager, responsible for managing private clients’ investments and is now also responsible for running the HH General Equity Fund. He has enjoyed many rich experiences from a year stint at the Sandhurst in the British Army to back-packing across +40 countries and appreciates the quote, “A ship is safe in harbour, but that’s not what ships are for”. Apart from a fortuitous escape from the Boxing Day Tsunami in Thailand, Nick and Michele’s biggest adventure has been raising their fun-loving twins, Josh & Sophie. Pastimes include very social golf/tennis, hiking in the Drakensberg, watching rugby and playing on his electric drums. Born and bred in the KZN Midlands, he loves nothing more than experiencing the break of dawn on a mountain bike and as the sun goes down, sitting around an open fire with family and friends.

Jana van Rooyen

Research Analyst

Jana van Rooyen

Research Analyst

Jana started at Nedbank Commercial Banking in February 2010 and since July 2016 was a Credit Manager at Nedbank. She joined Harvard House in August 2022 and, with the help of her analytical and problem-solving skills, she is able to research different companies and discover the many facets of various industries. Jana has a strong faith, loves spending time with her family and has a passion for food, especially her husband’s cooking.

Judy Dinkel

Manager, Investment Administration

Judy Dinkel

Manager, Investment Administration

Judy Dinkel began her career with a short period in a leading SA bank in Durban and then a few years working for herself and starting a family. The families courier business was bought out by CDC Services and she held the position of administrative manager for a ten year tenure. In this role she was instrumental in the creation and management of the company’s office procedures, from accounting, administration, purchasing to human resources. She later joined Forsdicks (BMW) in Pinetown and served as a PA to the Dealer Principal. In early 2008 Judy joined Harvard House Group as Investment Administrator and worked her way up to Investment Administration Manager, a position she currently holds. As an Investment Administration Manager she is responsible for managing a team of administrators that support investment operations and the consultant team by executing transfers/redemptions/opening of investment accounts, recording trade data, verifying, and reconciling investments. Judy enjoys mountain biking and trail & road running in the Midlands. She can also be found walking in the Howick and Karkloof forests with her Pitbull Saffire and at local coffee shops with her friends. Her daughter who earned a teaching degree at Tukkies is now teaching at a Waldorf school in Pretoria and her son owns a well-known bicycle shop in Howick.

Daniel Reynard

Junior Research Analyst

Daniel Reynard

Junior Research Analyst

After completing his BCom (Hons) in Investment Management at the University of Pretoria, Daniel started at Harvard House on the 1st of March 2023 as a Junior Research Analyst. Daniel has a passion for financial data on economies and companies and collating that information for a better understanding of companies in their sectors, countries, and asset classes to, ultimately, try and promote better investment outcomes. Outside of the office, he enjoys cycling and spending time with family and friends.

Asanda Mbuli

Junior Trader/Analyst

Asanda Mbuli

Junior Trader/Analyst

Originally from Pietermaritzburg, Asanda previously interned at RJCO Howick, where she honed her eye for detail and love for helping others. On 1 May 2025, Asanda joined Harvard House bringing with her a passion for people, precision, and financial markets. She is driven by the fast-paced nature of the markets and the responsibility of helping clients protect and grow their investments. Asanda strives to be known as approachable, accurate, and dependable, and as someone clients and colleagues can trust. Outside of work, you’ll find her with her family, helping at church, or simply finding joy in making others’ days a little easier. Asanda’s foundation is built on faith, optimism, and the values instilled by her mother- values she hopes to carry through in every trade, every conversation, and every challenge.

James Clark

Junior Research Analyst

James Clark

Junior Research Analyst

After completing his honours degree at Stellenbosch University in Financial Analysis, James joined the Harvard House family in March 2023 as a Junior Research Analyst. From a young age, he showed a passion for analytical activities, that involve working with numbers, and he wants to use this as part of the Asset Management team to help steward the financial future of Harvard House clients. In his spare time, you will find James on the tennis court- a sport he is crazy about and that has been passed down through the generations of his family. He also loves to spend time with his family and is active in his church community.

Financial Planning

Clyde Verwey

Business Development Manager

Clyde Verwey

Business Development Manager

Following a successful career in Banking and being self-employed in the finance origination industry, Clyde joined Harvard House Group in February 2014 in the newly created and diverse position of Business Development & Support Manager bringing with him an accumulated 34 years of experience in business development, people management, strategy implementation, negotiation skills, team building and customer relations. Clyde`s role is now primarily focused on Managing and growing the Financial Consultancy Department and playing a support role in other areas. Clyde holds qualifications in Marketing (The Institute of Bankers South Africa) and Business Management (Henley College UK). He highlights that working with “ordinary” people doing “extraordinary” things every day, is a privilege. Clyde is a family man who loves the outdoors, running, and adventure motorbike riding.

Belinda Gonsalves

Senior Financial Consultant

Belinda Gonsalves

Senior Financial Consultant

Belinda’s experience in the financial services industry spans from 1998 and has included various positions from administration to office management. She has been part of the highly skilled professionals at Harvard House’s investment department since June 2012. She has brought on board her sharp technological savvy, high quality advice and integrated wealth management solutions which simplify and enhance the lives of clients. Belinda is committed to providing the best solutions for clients and ensuring she and the team stay abreast of changes that may affect clients financial positions. She enjoys the different components of the ever changing financial industry, from meeting new people, technical product analysis to the problem solving needed to attain financial security for her clients. She is a Certified Financial Planner and completed an Advanced Post Graduate Diploma, specialising in Estate Planning, in 2018. Belinda enjoys spending time with her friends and family in the outdoors. Belinda moved to Somerset West early in 2023 to expand the Harvard House footprint in the Western Cape.

Frans Brooks

Senior Financial Consultant

Frans Brooks

Senior Financial Consultant

Frans, who is a Certified Financial Planner ®, began his career in financial planning after a 36 year career as an Examiner of deceased and insolvent estates, a Trust Estates & Trust Manager, Offshore Investment Adviser and an Estate Planning Consultant within various dynamic organisations. His passion for financial planning comes from his desire to understand clients’ specific needs and putting structures in place to satisfy those needs. He brings a relaxed, approachable style and a wonderful sense of humour to his work as a financial planner. Frans obtained a BCom (Hons) Industrial Psychology degree at the University of Pretoria, followed by a Post Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning at the Free State University. Frans lives in Howick.

Murray Smythe

Senior Financial Consultant

Murray Smythe

Senior Financial Consultant

Eager for a new challenge, Murray joined Harvard House on 1 August 2016. Prior to this Murray was a general civil litigation attorney, first with Austen Smith for 5 years and then with Lynn & Main. Murray enjoys working with people and making a difference in their lives. He strives to provide the best service that he can, seeking to get to the root of problems and analysing them logically to find solutions that are suitable to each and every client. When Murray is not problem solving, he enjoys spending time with his wife, two children and extended family, aspects of his life that he is very passionate about. Murray enjoys learning about different wines and coffees, cooking, listening to music and is very rarely without a book. He is also a sports fan and is always keen to discuss results with whomever he can find. The Midlands is Murray’s home. He grew up in Hilton and went to school in Pietermaritzburg and the Midlands and confesses that he doesn’t desire to live anywhere else in the world.

Craig Niddrie

Senior Financial Consultant

Craig Niddrie

Senior Financial Consultant

Francis Sherwell

Financial Consultant

Francis Sherwell

Financial Consultant

Francis joined the Johannesburg office in November 2022. Building relationships on a foundation of trust is essential to Francis as this assists him to guide and mentor his clients through the daunting realm of financial planning. Listening, explaining things in simple language and going the extra mile helps Francis build strong relationships with his clients. Away from the office he is a super proud father, step-father, fiercely loves his wife, Gwen, and spends his weekends fly-fishing, birdwatching or playing squash.

Megan Byth

Senior Financial Consultant

Megan Byth

Senior Financial Consultant

Megan joined the Harvard House Investment Management team in September 2015, as a Financial Consultant, after a 13-year career in banking. She holds a BSc Mathematics & Statistics and a BSc Hons Mathematics degree from the University of Johannesburg as well as a BCom Accounting degree from the University of South Africa. Her experience, continuous learning and practical application of academic knowledge gained, enable her to assist clients in determining their actual financial needs thereby creating a practical, realistic balance between their emotions and their finances. Megan considers it a privilege to be part of her client’s financial journey through life.

Bruce Fannin

Lead Financial Consultant (JHB)

Bruce Fannin

Lead Financial Consultant (JHB)

Bruce gained 30 years of auditing and accounting experience as a partner of Deloitte & Touche, serving in several roles and in different locations around the country. This included heading up a Deloitte & Touche audit division in Johannesburg where the focus was on high growth clients. In mid-2016 Bruce joined Harvard House in the financial services division to establish the Johannesburg branch office of the Group. Over the years he has been able to grow the client base in the Gauteng area though his relationships and financial planning to assist existing and new clients. Born in Harare, Zimbabwe, and schooled at Hilton College, Bruce enjoys cricket and rugby and is an avid Sharks’ fan. He is a keen hockey player and in 2018 represented the over 60’s SA Grandmasters’ hockey team in Barcelona, Spain. When not on the sports field, Bruce enjoys spending time with his family, friends and his church group and having a few minutes of shut-eye on a Sunday afternoon.

Sne Nxele

Administrative Consultant

Sne Nxele

Administrative Consultant

Sne joined Harvard House in July 2021. She is passionate about the work she does and the knowledge that her contribution makes life easier for someone else. Sne has great attention to detail and enjoys making clients feel comfortable with the way she explains processes and potential outcomes. When not making her team laugh with her great sense of humor, Sne can be found either at the Mall or with her family on weekends.

Bianca Daniel

Administrative Consultant

Bianca Daniel

Administrative Consultant

Born and raised in Howick, Bianca joined Harvard House on the 5th of June 2023 as an Administrative Consultant. Bianca has a Diploma in Business Administration, and she is known for being patient, understanding, helpful and kind. She has a passion for dedicating her all to what she does and working hard to deliver it with excellence. A proud resident of Howick, she loves exploring the town, taking photos of nature, and spending time with her daughter, mom, and family.

Karen Johnstone

PA to Clyde Verwey & Supervisor, Administrative Consultants

Karen Johnstone

PA to Clyde Verwey & Supervisor, Administrative Consultants

Karen joined the Harvard House family in September 2017. She comes from an Administration Management back ground, spending the previous 12 years at an Independent Financial Advisory Practise in Westville. Karen loves helping people and is known for remaining calm in times of pressure and stress. Her, and her family, recently relocated to Howick. They spend most of their weekends either with extended family and friends at home, or at Midmar Dam. Karen enjoys spending her free time volunteering with special needs children.

Craig Blore

Financial Consultant

Craig Blore

Financial Consultant

Craig joined Harvard House on the 1st of August 2023 as a Financial Consultant. Craig has a passion for investing, financial planning and providing a high level of service. He enjoys building strong relationships with clients, giving the time and attention to understand their situation and providing the advice to position them for the best possible financial outcome. Any spare time he has is spent with his wife, hiking or camping.

Shireen Chetty

Junior Financial Consultant

Shireen Chetty

Junior Financial Consultant

After 28 years at Standard Bank as a Branch Manager and Business Banker, Shireen joined Harvard House on the 18th October 2021. With her helpful and direct approach, Shireen is known for her professional customer service and excellence. In her free time she loves to spend quality time with her family, read to the elderly, and spread the Gospel of Jesus.

Nicola Lawrence

Trainee Financial Consultant

Nicola Lawrence

Trainee Financial Consultant

Nicola joined Harvard House in February 2025 after completing her BCom at the University of Pretoria. She wants to make a positive impact with her clients by helping them find solutions for their financial needs and providing them with great service. When not studying for her Post Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning, Nicola loves trail running and spending time with her family and friends.