Tshikululu Social Investments has announced the appointment of Leanne Emery-Hunter as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective from 17 June 2025
This strategic leadership change is aimed at bolstering the organisation’s commitment to driving social change in South Africa through innovative investment strategies.Ms. Emery-Hunter joins Tshikululu as a purpose-driven business leader with a notable background in managing high-impact initiatives. Prior to this role, she served as Chief Commercial Officer of the Youth Employment Service (YES), a private sector-led initiative that plays a pivotal role in addressing South Africa’s pressing youth unemployment crisis.
Her expertise in navigating complex social landscapes, coupled with an MBA with distinction from the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS), positions her as an ideal leader for Tshikululu’s ambitious objectives.“I am honoured to join Tshikululu, an organisation with a proud legacy of driving meaningful change through strategic social investment,” commented Emery-Hunter upon her appointment.
“As we look to the future, I’m excited to build on this foundation and explore bold, innovative ways to deepen our impact and help shape a more inclusive, resilient South Africa.”Tshikululu’s new CEO assumes her role at a crucial time, as the organisation looks to enhance its influence as South Africa’s leading social investment fund manager and advisor. In a statement, the board expressed great optimism regarding Emery-Hunter’s appointment, emphasising the company’s confidence in her ability to lead Tshikululu into a future characterized by not just resilience, but revolutionary change.
Since its inception in 1998, Tshikululu has been at the forefront of social investment, collaborating with a variety of stakeholders to design and implement high-impact strategies that address significant social issues such as poverty, inequality, and unemployment. With a portfolio that has facilitated millions in funding towards sustainable development outcomes, Tshikululu has successfully managed investments that benefit 180 social partners across the country in the last year alone.
The organisation’s mission is deeply embedded in its core values—advocating for social justice and implementing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) solutions that contribute to the betterment of society. As it enters this new chapter under Emery-Hunter’s visionary leadership, Tshikululu is committed to enhancing its role as a catalyst for positive change in South Africa.
As the team at Tshikululu extends a warm welcome to Ms. Emery-Hunter, they express gratitude for the trust and partnership that stakeholders have shown. Together, they embark on a transformative journey that promises to propel the organisation towards an innovative and impactful future.
