From the moment he completed his articles at Malan du Preez Inc. (now Middel & Partners), Dirk’s path has been defined by a commitment to excellence and service. His early appointment as Assistant Audit Manager at the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) marked a pivotal moment—introducing him to the world of public sector auditing and igniting a passion for audits that serve the public interest.
Driven by a personal mission to become a better version of himself each day, whether as a child of God, husband, father, leader, or auditor, he leads with humility and purpose. His core values of integrity, accountability, and respect are not just personal ideals but professional pillars that guide his decisions, shape his leadership, and strengthen the strategic impact he brings to the firm.
Outside the boardroom, he finds balance through golf, action cricket, running, and fishing. While mastering work-life balance remains a journey, he prioritizes presence with loved ones and advocates for daily exercise as a grounding ritual before the day begins.
As a Director at SNG Grant Thornton, he is most energized by the opportunity to influence both the quality of client engagements and the growth of the firm’s people. His leadership is deeply rooted in the CLEARR values—from fostering collaboration and agility to upholding responsibility and respect. For him, the Director role is more than a title; it’s a stewardship of trust, culture, and long-term impact.
Reflecting on his journey, he offers this advice to his younger self: “Trust the journey and don’t rush the process. Growth comes from embracing challenges, asking questions, and learning from setbacks as much as successes.” He reminds aspiring professionals that relationships and integrity are just as vital as technical skills and that life is meant to be lived fully, with purpose and joy.
