Sandri Pieters : People, Process, and Purpose, the Blueprint for Sustainable Growth

From the moment a woman chooses to carve her path, sometimes quietly, against the storm, she becomes the architect of change. Choosing early independence isn't just about stepping out of the home, it is about stepping into her own. Whether it is launching ventures, climbing corporate ladders, or reshaping entire industries, the journey is a blend of grit, grace, and growing selfbelief. One such dynamic female leader is Sandri Pieters. 

From a small-town upbringing in South Africa's Free State to becoming the Managing Director of Altum Group's South Africa office, Sandri Pieters' journey is one of quiet resilience and global perspective. Starting as a hostel-going student and eventually becoming a qualified chartered accountant alongside her husband, Sandri’s story is shaped by early independence and professional evolution.

What began as a technical pursuit in accounting led her across the globe, where she discovered her passion for financial services. Returning to South Africa with a mission, she played a pivotal role in building a business from the ground up that served global financial markets and is powered by South African talent. Today, she stands at the helm of Altum Group’s Cape Town operations, continuing to shape the financial services landscape with both technical rigor and a people-first mindset.

"Resilience and the act of showing up every day, even when you’re not at your best, is what I find most inspiring"

What business lessons did you learn early that defined the trajectory of your career?

I learned pretty early that change is the only constant in this industry. What works today might not work tomorrow, so staying proactive is key. I also understood the importance of being consistent and kind, but not in the way people often think. Kindness is not just about telling people what they want to hear, it's about telling them what they need to hear, even if it's tough. Being honest, giving clear feedback is also kindness. Personally, I worked on developing patience and learned that even small steps count as progress.

Introduce us to Altum Group. What’s the underlying idea and vision behind the company? What are your current focus areas in terms of driving growth for the company?

At Altum Group, we are a purpose-led and peoplepowered team of highly skilled professionals who believe in delivering excellence with precision and trust. That’s the core of our vision: developing our people while providing top-tier service to our international clients.  

In the last five years, we have grown from a small team of about 35 in one office to over 200 people across six locations. It’s not just about the numbers, though, it’s about the depth and quality of our people. 

I started the South Africa office on my own, and today, we are the second-largest in the group, which reflects our strategic focus on investing in this region. Our growth is driven by three pillars, namely people, process, and technology. I am especially passionate about the people part, attracting and retaining top talent, building a culture of consistency and quality, and making sure we are scaling in a smart, sustainable way. On the technology front, we continue to invest in the best tools to help our teams stay efficient and future-ready, because the world’s always changing.

Looking back at your professional journey, which core values have driven your professional growth journey? What is your vision for the future?

Being a Christian, my core values have influenced both my personal and professional journey. It’s something I lean into, especially when motivation is low. I have also learned that consistency and being genuinely passionate about what you do are really important. I find a lot of joy in working with people, especially in supporting and developing others to discover their potential. That’s something that comes naturally to me. My core values come from doing meaningful work, staying true to my beliefs, and helping others grow along the way.

How do you foresee South Africa’s finance landscape evolving in the near future? As a leader which industry trends are you betting big on, going forward?

The talent pool in South Africa is going to attract a lot more global attention. With estimates saying we could face a massive global talent shortage of around 85 million people by 2030. And even with all the focus on AI and tech, our industry remains very people-driven, especially with the growth in alternative assets. Professional financial service providers are in a real war for top talent, and South Africa produces some of the best accountants and corporate professionals in the world.

Across Altum Group, we put a lot of energy into building a vibrant, supportive culture with strong mentorship and real opportunities for people to grow and thrive. Looking ahead, I think the finance sector needs to focus on two big things, namely retaining and developing talent, and optimizing efficiencies with tech, without losing that human element. It’s about finding the right balance in a niche, people-first industry. 

Sandri Pieters, Managing Director, Altum Group

Sandri Pieters is the Managing Director of Altum Group South Africa, where she leads with a people-first approach and a deep commitment to excellence in financial services. She played a pivotal role in building Altum's Cape Town office from the ground up to now, the secondlargest in the group, with her leadership qualities and a strong passion for talent development.