Group CEO & Director of Investment Advisory
With more than 28 years of experience in the financial services industry, Paul has completed various qualifications including a postgraduate diploma in financial planning and holds the CFP designation. Having worked across many specialist financial service fields, Paul recognises the need for the discerning client to enjoy the convenience of having an expert holistic financial service offering.
As a result, Paul has been instrumental in building Cornerstone into a multi-disciplinary financial services ecosystem, offering 8 specialist financial services businesses.
Group Managing Director
I am honoured to have been recognized as one of the 32 most influential women in South African digital marketing and a digital all-star award by Memeburn and Ventureburn in 2016. Additionally, I was the country winner in the business and professional service sector of CEO & Global Most Influential Women in Business and Government 2018/19.
With over 30 years of experience in executive management roles, I have developed advanced skills in operations, client management, administration, HR, and finance. I possess a well-rounded understanding of the real-world intricacies of local and global business.
One of my greatest strengths is my ability to ensure that companies can build relationships and deliver outstanding service to all clients. I am currently the Group Managing Director of Cornerstone Financial Services Group. I am proud to lead our purpose of assisting both individuals and businesses in achieving comprehensive financial wellness.
I am widely recognized for my business acumen, excellent grasp of financials, commitment to quality, effective leadership style, and unshakeable integrity. My “consider it done” attitude, passion for developing people, and ability to match my keen sense of pragmatism with empathy, humour, and insight have earned me the respect of my colleagues and peers throughout my career.
Non-executive Chairman
Bheki Shongwe, a distinguished businessman with 30-plus years of leadership experience, has been appointed as the non-executive chairman of Cornerstone Financial Services Group (CFSG). Armed with a BA and an MBA, Shongwe’s impressive track record includes roles in various listed and unlisted organizations. Committed to making a real impact, he aims to mentor CFSG’s subsidiary companies and contribute to the group’s growth objectives.
Shongwe’s vision extends beyond board meetings, emphasizing a hands-on approach to creating opportunities and employment in South Africa.
As a key figure in listed entities and Chairman at Flow Communications and Matsamo Capital, Shongwe brings valuable insights to CFSG’s new era of growth. The group’s leadership, including CEO Paul Damant and Managing Director Lauren Damant, expresses confidence in Shongwe’s ability to fuel the company’s 3, 5, and 10-year growth forecasts. Shongwe shares his passion for contributing to the betterment of the country, aligning with CFSG’s plan to open Cornerstone Academy, a South African financial literacy institution.
With a holistic approach to financial wellness, CFSG, under Shongwe’s guidance, aims to empower individuals and businesses to achieve their financial goals.
Director of Tax & Accounting
I am a highly motivated business accountant who adds significant value to any business, whether a start-up or an established corporate company. Passionate about growing South Africa’s economy, Chanel believes the best way to do so is to help develop small and medium enterprises.
Chanel has a B.Com. in Financial Management focused on business accounting and tax matters and a B.Com. Hons. in Business Management with a focus on international business. She is passionate about growing South Africa’s economy through the grassroots development of SMEs. Chanel is pursuing her ACCA qualification to be registered with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants; the global body for professional accountants.
As a natural entrepreneur and analytical thinker, she has mastered the balance between solving complex operational problems and finding new ways to develop revenue streams.
Hobbies and interests: playing with her children, studying, doing home DIY projects, and sharing a braai with friends and family.
Director of Employee Benefits
Letlhogonolo started his career in employee benefits with Alexander Forbes in 2013, working in both operations and consulting on retirement funds.
Since joining the Cornerstone Group, Letlhogonolo has been instrumental in growing his team and client base. He has provided our clients with priceless value, thanks to his many years of experience and remarkable credentials.
He graduated from the University of the Free State with a BCom in Finance, two honours degrees, a postgraduate diploma in financial planning, and an advanced postgraduate diploma in investment planning.
Even though he is a dedicated, career-driven man, he has many interests outside of work, including travelling, cycling, reading biographies, and kicking back in front of the latest Netflix series.
Director of Insurance Brokers
Over the course of his insurance career, Jaco has helped people with insurance coverage, risk management, and claims. Jaco has worked for some of South Africa’s biggest companies since he got his Advanced Certificate in Short-Term Insurance.
He thinks that what brings clients to him is putting his clients’ needs first and maintaining a high level of professionalism on their behalf. He is an expert in commercial, domestic, and niche insurance solutions.
He believes in giving his clients what they want while also giving them what they need in order to make informed decisions about their responsibilities.
His responsibility is to ensure that each client has a personal and business insurance policy that meets their requirements. Also, he is eager to work with clients to find answers to problems they might not even know they have.
Jaco’s hobbies include hiking, travelling the country, sports such as Formula 1 and rugby, having friends and family over for cookouts, and doing his part in saving the majestic rhinos.
Manager Healthcare Consulting Services
Keamogetswe Masimong is a dedicated professional with a diverse background in financial services and healthcare consulting. Graduating from Rosebank College with a Diploma in Public Relations, Keamogetswe began her career journey with an internship at Odi Water Service, where she honed her communication skills.
In 2014, Keamogetswe transitioned to Old Mutual as a Financial Planner, where she gained valuable experience and obtained her RE5 certification in 2016. Seeking new challenges, she ventured into the medical aid industry, starting with Hippo Advisory Services as a medical aid sales agent in 2017.
Her passion for healthcare consulting led her to Aon South Africa, where she served as an internal healthcare consultant from December 2017 to August 2021. Despite a brief stint as a Claims Administrator at Ambledown, Keamogetswe found her true calling back in the medical aid and consulting space, joining Cornerstone Financial Services Group as a Senior Healthcare Advisor from March 2022 to April 2023.
With a commitment to continuous learning, Keamogetswe holds her NQF Level 5 in Wealth Management and has completed her Class of Business in Health Services, Short-term Insurance, Long-term Insurance, and RE1. Beyond her professional endeavors, she finds joy in outdoor adventures, exploring new restaurants, and creating memorable experiences with her son. Keamogetswe’s work ethic is driven by her desire to provide a comfortable life for her son and ensure he receives the best education possible. She values excellence in customer service and strives to make a positive impact in every aspect of her professional journey.
Manager of Cornerstone Fiduciary Services
Matriculating from Brescia House Bryanston in 2010, Sandra attended the University of Stellenbosch, where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies. Subsequently, she gained admission to the University of Witwatersrand, where she commenced her LLB degree, achieving the qualification in 2017.
In 2018, Sandra embarked on her practical vocational training (PVT) at a small boutique law firm. While practicing law as a candidate attorney, she was exposed to various facets of litigation and law. Particularly, she found a fascination with the law of succession, encompassing trust and estate administration. She departed from private practice after completing her PVT and successfully passing board exams.
In 2021, Sandra initiated work in the corporate environment, specializing in fiduciary services. It was during this time that her passion for fiduciary services grew. While working in the corporate sector, she was given the opportunity to truly understand the industry and identify some shortfalls that required out-of-the-box thinking.
In July 2023, Sandra was approached to join Cornerstone Fiduciary Services. During the interview process, both Lauren and Paul understood her drive and passion for delivering efficient and quality services to the fiduciary sector. Throughout this time, she has been able to grow both personally and professionally.
Beyond her career, Sandra enjoys spending time with family and friends. In particular, she loves being outdoors with her two dogs, taking in the sunshine, and expressing gratitude for the opportunity to explore the country’s beauty.
She believes that what she does in fiduciary services profoundly impacts the lives of her clients. “It is truly an honour and privilege to walk the journey with clients in some of the hardest moments in their lives, ensuring stability for them and their loved ones.”
Director of Corporate Services
Malyssa has over 23 years of experience in company secretarial and corporate governance consulting at executive board level. She is passionate about creating order and clarity in the management of SME and MLE businesses operating in the private sector. She studied Advanced Corporate and Securities Law through Unisa and has worked primarily in the audit sector.
Her clientele has varied considerably over the years, and she has had the privilege of working with entities in the manufacturing, aviation, luxury goods, agricultural, medical and food processing sectors. During her career, she has worked beside very prominent and influential company directors and non-executive chairpersons. Her areas of expertise include Board and Shareholder meeting management (including the minuting thereof), share restructures and B-BBEE consulting.
Malyssa has been happily married for 22 years and she has 2 children.
Hobbies and Interests: Malyssa’s interests include hiking, reading, cooking, and spending time with her family and friends. She is an active member of her local community and volunteers for the Kenmare Kloof Conservation Association in her spare time.