State-owned Transnet has appointed Khomotso Phihlela group executive for research and development to spearhead and monetise the company’s intellectual property drive.
The group has identified innovation as one of the key drivers of revenue and profitability, operational efficiency and a way of improving customer service.
“This is the first time the company has appointed a dedicated executive at that level of seniority to drive innovation across its businesses. Phihlela will amalgamate all of Transnet’s research efforts in marine, rail, ports, pipeline, manufacturing and engineering with a view to develop, patent and commercialise our intellectual property,” Transnet said in a statement on Friday.
Phihlela, an engineer and lecturer in operations at postgraduate level, has also agreed to act as chief business development officer while the company seeks a suitable candidate externally.
He previously served as Transnet National Ports Authority CE and was, up to now, group executive: commercial, where he was responsible for driving an integrated offering for Transnet’s key customers.
He would be based at Transnet’s Innovation Hub in Pretoria, a partnership with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research and would report to the chief advanced manufacturing officer.
Phihlela holds a BSc in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Cape Town and an MBA from University of the Witwatersrand. He has completed the Harvard Advanced Management Programme.