LEADERSHIP 

Gavin Watson

Chief Executive Officer and captain of industry, Gavin Watson, is founder of the Bosasa Group of Companies with its head office in Mogale Business Park. Here, he successfully nurtured more than 80 black economic empowered companies into sustainable service based business entities. These have a collective turnover in excess of ZAR1.7 billion.

Watson has served as expert consultant to blue chip companies, functioning at the interface between government, local and international organisations. He has unique knowledge of the leadership, dynamics and operational aspects of both the private and public sector. As such he has been able to fulfill the role of honest broker, mediating understanding of the intricate requirements of a fledgling democracy within a free market system.

Watson has a rare aptitude for recognising profitable multi-dimensional economic opportunities. His success may be attributed to his business philosophy. He pursues ventures which reflect seven key criteria: high barriers to entry; the best interests of the country are served; the project is socio-economically sustainable, social responsibility underpins the venture; the environment is not compromised, people are developed and integrated knowledge management systems guarantee delivery.

Watson has been responsible for initiating and driving a venture which revolutionised aquaculture, that of SeaArk in the Eastern Cape. This decision was made as a result of an estimate that the planet is under-delivering 30% of the protein required for human consumption. As aquaculture will play an increasing role in meeting global demand due to world population growth and the decline in wild catch fishery stocks, Watson invested in excess of ZAR200 million for SeaArk internally funded pilot projects. The pilot study developed the world’s first laboratory of its kind for testing the bio secure aquaculture system.

Watson is respected by all stakeholders for his active support of ethical capitalism and integrated social responsibility projects. His ability to translate visionary innovation into strategy and business practicalities with minimum risk has been consistently recognised by his peers. He was also actively involved in the strategic transformation of the South African government within the new democratic paradigm.

Gavin Watson

  Gavin Watson