The Team
Collaborating with our clients to harness our
collective strengths and achieve excellence together.
Dany De Barros
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Dany de Barros, a seasoned leader with over 15 years of construction experience, steers Kumunyack’s course as Chief Executive Officer. Prior to assuming the CEO role in 2017, Dany served for three years as Kumunyack’s COO, bringing a strategic understanding of the company’s operations. His qualifications are impeccable, holding a CA (SA) designation and a Leadership and Management Diploma from Gibbs.
Dany’s career trajectory is impressive. He spent three years at Murray & Roberts as General Manager of the Resources and Industrial Division, demonstrating his prowess in managing large-scale projects across diverse industries. Before that, he honed his financial acumen as Financial Director at Kentz Engineers & Constructors for over seven years. His early career involved managing commercial aspects of construction projects in Angola, showcasing his adaptability and global perspective.
Dany’s expertise spans a wide range of sectors, including Petrochemical, Oil & Gas, Metals, Power, and Mining. Throughout his career, he has fostered strong relationships with blue-chip clients such as Anglo, Outotec, Sasol, and Sherritt, to name a few. His ability to navigate complex projects and deliver exceptional results is a cornerstone of Kumunyack’s success.
Benny’s academic foundation is equally noteworthy. He holds a National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from the Durban University of Technology, which, coupled with his extensive real-world experience, positions him as an expert in multi-disciplinary construction across diverse sectors. His portfolio encompasses a wide range of industries, including Petrochemical, Oil & Gas, Metals, Power, Mining, Pulp, and Paper.
Benny’s exceptional leadership is further cemented by his proven track record of success in collaborating with numerous blue-chip clients. His impressive client list features industry giants like Anglo, Sasol, Vale, PetroSA, Natref, Chevron, Engen, and many more. Benny’s focus on innovation, operational excellence, and fostering strong client relationships is a driving force behind Kumunyack’s continued growth and leadership within the construction industry.
Benny Howard
Managing Director (MD)
Karen Cumming
CG Tech Group Chief Financial Officer
Karen’s career is marked by pivotal positions. She was the Head of Asset Management at Red Rocket South Africa (Pty) Ltd and a Financial Consultant at Twilla (Pty) Ltd. Her extensive experience includes being a Part-time Financial Director for Building Energy and holding various leadership roles within Group Five Engineering and Construction (Pty) Ltd, where she managed complex financial portfolios.
Karen began her career at PwC as a Trainee Accountant. This strong foundation in accounting principles, combined with her diverse experience, allows her to bring a wealth of knowledge in financial analysis, risk management, and corporate finance to every role. She is recognised for her dedication to financial excellence and commitment to the success of the organisations she serves.
Emmanuel’s career commenced in 1999 as a Junior Engineer with a leading engineering and construction group in Johannesburg. This initial role provided him with a springboard to delve into diverse engineering and construction projects, encompassing Mining, Power Generation, and Petrochemical infrastructure. His academic qualifications are equally impressive, holding a National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from Pretoria University of Technology and a Programme for Management Development (PMD) from Gibbs Business School.
Emmanuel’s 20-year career trajectory has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of project management across various industry segments. His expertise encompasses both greenfield (new build) and brownfield (existing facility) projects, making him an invaluable asset to Kumunyack. His leadership and focus on meticulous project execution ensure successful delivery for clients.
Emmanuel Ratshikhopha
Executive Director, Construction Projects Divisional Director
Eric Zulu
Executive Director, Electrical & Instrumentation Divisional Director
Eric’s career began with a solid foundation, starting as a Boilermaker apprentice at Genrec, a division of Murray & Roberts. Before joining Kumunyack, he gained valuable international experience working on a coal expansion project in Mozambique for SNC Lavallin. Previously, he honed his project engineering skills at Fluor SA on a Sasol project in Secunda, South Africa. The cornerstone of Eric’s career was his seven years at Kentz SA, where he traversed various departments, including estimation, project planning, and site supervision. These experiences equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of E&I projects from conception to execution.
Eric’s industry expertise encompasses Petrochemical, Oil & Gas, Metal, and Minerals sectors. His impressive client list includes Sasol, PetroSA, Vale, and Mondi, among others. Eric’s leadership and technical prowess are instrumental in driving Kumunyack’s E&I division to new heights.
Gordon is a registered Professional Construction Manager (PrCM) with the South African Council for Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP), a Senior Member of the South African Institute of Electrical Engineers (SAIEE), and a Professional Engineering Technician (Pr Techni Eng) with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA).
His career spans leadership roles at some of the country’s most prominent construction firms, most recently as Chief Operating Officer, Managing Director, and General Manager at OptiPower, a division of Murray & Roberts, where he led the Electrical, Instrumentation, and Transmission divisions.
Known for his steady leadership style and hands-on approach, Gordon brings a deep understanding of the technical and human aspects of project delivery. “No matter how complex the scope, success always comes down to the team,” he says.
Now at Kumunyack, Gordon is spearheading the company’s strategic expansion into the Renewable Energy and Data Centre markets, sectors where he sees huge potential for innovation, impact, and long-term growth.
Gordon Sneddon
Divisional Director – Data Center & Renewables
Carmen Larsen
Support Services Executive
Carmen transitioned from Operations Manager to Support Services Executive, bringing a background in project execution and resource optimisation. Previous roles in commercial dynamics and project management at Bevline Mechanical Projects, Group Five – Oil and Gas Division, and Murray & Roberts have shaped her detail-oriented, forward-thinking approach to contract management. Carmen is recognised for her adaptability, stakeholder relationships, and team leadership skills.
Carmen’s skillset, encompassing contract administration, project planning, risk management, and client liaison, positions her as a pivotal member of Kumunyack’s support services team. Her unwavering commitment to excellence and her strategic acumen continue to propel the company forward in its mission to deliver top-tier projects within set budgets and timelines.
Wayne’s career spans several key roles, including General Manager and Quantity Surveyor, and he has led major projects in South Africa, Canada, Qatar, Abu Dhabi, and Sakhalin Island, Russia. Prior to joining Kumunyack in 2018, he spent four years at Group Five leading the Inland Oil & Gas Sector and Proposals Management. Wayne’s journey began at Kentz Engineers and Constructors, where he rose through the ranks, ultimately becoming the Technical Support Services Global Commercial Manager.
Wayne has also gained experience as a Cost Engineer, Quantity Surveyor, and Estimator at Babcock Africa and Sydcor Engineering (a subsidiary of Grinaker LTA). His international experience is further reflected in his holding British, Portuguese, and South African passports.
Outside of his professional achievements, Wayne is a celebrated photographer, with numerous local and international awards. He holds an LPSSA (VERS) honours title from the Photographic Society of South Africa, further showcasing his dedication to excellence in all areas of life.
Wayne’s global perspective, combined with his strategic leadership, continues to enhance Kumunyack’s operations and ensure the company’s success across the Middle East and Asia regions.
Wayne Dos Santos Niz
Regional Director – Middle East and Asia
Raymond Eva
Alternative Director
Prior to his current role, Raymond consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership as the Business Unit Manager at Kumunyack Maintenance & Shutdowns. His expertise encompasses a wide range of project management aspects, including meticulous planning and preparation, resource management, and ensuring the implementation of stringent quality control measures. Raymond’s commitment to excellence is further reflected in his proven ability to deliver successful project outcomes.
Joseph’s career began with a focus on quality management and welding procedure qualification for Sasol in Secunda, South Africa. His expertise extends beyond procedure development, as he has a proven track record of certifying and approving welding procedures for various companies, including Kentz (SNC Lavalin), DB Thermal, Trotek, Eskom, and many others.
Joseph’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish New Age Engineering in 2002, initially providing specialised welding support services to Sasol. His vision extended beyond a single client, and New Age’s services have expanded to include specialised welding support in Germany, nuclear projects, and collaborations with major corporations like Chevron, Eskom, NECSA, Sasol, Natref, Hitachi, Areva, Ponticelli, and Kumunyack itself.
Joseph’s global experience and exceptional skills in welding position him as a valuable asset to Kumunyack. His ongoing commitment to innovation and quality in the welding industry contributes significantly to the company’s success.
Joseph Zinyana
Non-Executive Director
Suzan Zinyana
Non-Executive Director
Currently serving as New Age’s Business Development Director, Suzan oversees and manages the administrative teams in both Cape Town and Secunda offices, along with the marketing department. Her passion for social development is woven into the fabric of New Age, where she spearheads all company initiatives in this area. Suzan’s commitment to empowering others is further exemplified by the youth incubation program she introduced in 2016, fostering the growth of a young South African-owned company, Isotec. Furthermore, Suzan actively supports a female-owned business specialising in the production of household cleaning products.
Suzan’s interests extend beyond the corporate world, and she is a savvy businesswoman with a portfolio of lodging facilities in various locations. Understanding the value of work-life balance, Suzan can arrange unforgettable experiences for those seeking rejuvenation after a demanding professional season, including Big 5 game viewing, exquisite meals, and a selection of South Africa’s finest wines. At Kumunyack, Suzan’s social conscience, business acumen, and ability to connect with people are invaluable assets.
Dany’s career trajectory is impressive. He spent three years at Murray & Roberts as General Manager of the Resources and Industrial Division, demonstrating his prowess in managing large-scale projects across diverse industries. Before that, he honed his financial acumen as Financial Director at Kentz Engineers & Constructors for over seven years. His early career involved managing commercial aspects of construction projects in Angola, showcasing his adaptability and global perspective.
Dany’s expertise spans a wide range of sectors, including Petrochemical, Oil & Gas, Metals, Power, and Mining. Throughout his career, he has fostered strong relationships with blue-chip clients such as Anglo, Outotec, Sasol, and Sherritt, to name a few. His ability to navigate complex projects and deliver exceptional results is a cornerstone of Kumunyack’s success.
Jason’s impressive tenure at Kumunyack began in 2012 when he assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer. Prior to that, Jason spent over a decade at a leading international engineering company, where he spearheaded international development and strategic projects across diverse countries as the Global Project Development Director for Technical Support Services. His leadership extended to overseeing site project operations in South Africa and Africa, where he successfully managed large-scale shutdowns and projects across various sectors, including Petrochemical, Mining, and Power. The list of blue-chip clients Jason has collaborated with throughout his career is extensive, featuring Chevron, Sasol, BP, Shell, Engen/Petronas, Queensland Gas, British Gas, Bamangwantu Copper Limited, and Fluor.
A proud South African, Jason holds qualifications in Mechanical Engineering, Project Management, and a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from Milpark Business School. He actively participates in the Johannesburg and Dubai chapters of YPO, serving on executive boards for several initiatives. Jason’s strategic vision, global experience, and extensive network within the construction industry make him a valuable asset to Kumunyack’s continued growth and success.
Jason English
Non-Executive Director
Niall Carroll
Non-Executive Director
Niall’s career began at Deutsche Bank South Africa, where he steadily rose through the ranks to become the head of investment banking and joint head of the South African business. His academic qualifications are equally impressive, holding a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Cape Town and a Master’s degree from Trinity College London. Niall is a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Financial Analyst, showcasing his in-depth understanding of financial complexities.
Niall’s expertise encompasses various sectors, including financial services, natural resources, and the non-profit sector. His dedication to ethical and sustainable business practices is a cornerstone of his leadership philosophy. At Kumunyack, Niall’s financial acumen, strategic vision, and extensive experience in leading successful organisations contribute significantly to the company’s growth and stability.
Dany’s career trajectory is impressive. He spent three years at Murray & Roberts as General Manager of the Resources and Industrial Division, demonstrating his prowess in managing large-scale projects across diverse industries. Before that, he honed his financial acumen as Financial Director at Kentz Engineers & Constructors for over seven years. His early career involved managing commercial aspects of construction projects in Angola, showcasing his adaptability and global perspective.
Dany’s expertise spans a wide range of sectors, including Petrochemical, Oil & Gas, Metals, Power, and Mining. Throughout his career, he has fostered strong relationships with blue-chip clients such as Anglo, Outotec, Sasol, and Sherritt, to name a few. His ability to navigate complex projects and deliver exceptional results is a cornerstone of Kumunyack’s success.
Fostering a Culture of Safety
Maurice Ubhibhi the Meerkat is Kumunyack’s cheerful and vigilant safety mascot, embodying our core values of safety, agility, responsibility, and putting people first. Maurice is ever-ready to share valuable safety tips and reminders, ensuring that everyone, from our team to our clients, understands the importance of safety in all aspects of life.
We chose a meerkat as our safety mascot because meerkats are known for their teamwork, alertness, and protective nature—traits that align perfectly with our commitment to safety. In the wild, meerkats work together to keep their community safe, with some standing guard while others forage for food.
Similarly, Maurice represents the vigilant and collaborative spirit of Kumunyack, always on the lookout to ensure a safe environment for everyone.
Maurice’s friendly and approachable demeanour helps make safety protocols engaging and accessible, fostering a culture where safety is paramount. His presence symbolises Kumunyack’s dedication to maintaining the highest safety standards while highlighting our innovative spirit.
By inspiring positive change, Maurice plays a crucial role in helping us achieve our vision: empowering our people to inspire positive change and serve our stakeholders by delivering excellence with purpose.
Stay tuned to see where Maurice will pop up next, continuing to champion safety and innovation within Kumunyack and beyond.
Maurice Ubhibhi
Safety Mascot