SNG Grant Thornton appoints Agnes Dire as CEO to lead next phase of growth
Johannesburg, 23 April 2026 – SNG Grant Thornton is pleased to announce the appointment of Agnes Dire as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective 1 July 2026. This appointment reflects the firm’s long-standing commitment to developing and elevating leadership from within.
Dire, currently Chairperson of the Board and National Leader for General Assurance, assumes the role after more than 17 years with the firm. Her journey, from trainee accountant to CEO, demonstrates a sustained record of performance, leadership, and institutional commitment.
A distinguished Chartered Accountant (SA), Dire has built extensive experience across advisory and assurance. Her sector expertise spans financial services—including banking, central banking, asset management, and treasury—as well as the education sector across both public and private institutions. She also serves on key SAICA and IRBA committees, contributing to the advancement of the profession at a national level.
“It is an honour to lead an institution that has shaped my entire professional journey,” says Dire. “Our strategic direction remains clear: to deepen execution, strengthen client impact, and continue building a digitally enabled, future-focused firm grounded in our purpose of Turning Growth into Shared Progress. We are building on a strong foundation, with a clear responsibility to sustain what has been created while leading the firm into its next phase of growth.”
A leadership transition grounded in institutional strength and stewardship
Dire’s appointment forms part of a deliberate leadership transition designed to reinforce continuity, accountability, and responsible leadership as the firm advances its Vision 2030 ambition.
Following a sustained period of stewardship, outgoing CEO Victor Sekese will transition from executive leadership, having played a pivotal role in shaping one of South Africa’s most respected and enduring Black-owned professional services firms. Sekese expressed full confidence in the appointment: “This transition strengthens the firm’s ability to execute. Agnes is a proven, homegrown leader who understands the institution end-to-end and is well-positioned to lead with clarity, confidence, and purpose.”
Sekese’s legacy spans decades of contribution to the profession, including championing transformation and fostering high-impact collaboration across the private and public sectors. He also played a central role in the firm’s merger and growth journey, strengthening its international reach and institutional credibility. This legacy continues through a leadership approach grounded in stewardship and institutional strength.
About Agnes Dire
Dire joined SNG Grant Thornton in 2007 and progressed through the ranks to director in 2014. She has since held several senior leadership roles, including Acting Chairperson (2020–2023), Chairperson (from 2023), and National Leader for General Assurance.
She brings deep technical expertise, proven operational leadership, and a forward-looking perspective. Her leadership is underscored by a commitment to building a digital-first, future-ready firm, advancing Africa-centric solutions, and developing the next generation of leaders.
SNG Grant Thornton remains firmly on its growth trajectory, underpinned by disciplined execution, continuity of excellence, alignment to Vision 2030, and an unwavering commitment to Turning Growth into Shared Progress.
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