The Cape Thoroughbred Sales Company (CTS) have announced significant changes to its management team
Wéhann Smith, who took over as Chief Executive Officer of CTS during a transition period in 2017, and shared his duties as CEO with Kuda Insurance, will be returning to his post as owner and full-time CEO of Kuda.
CTS Chairman Chris van Niekerk will be increasing his involvement in a more hands-on position as Executive Chairman, while industry stalwart Grant Knowles has been brought on board as Marketing and Bloodstock Director and the ever-popular Amanda Carey will be returning to the company in the position of Sales Director.
Chris van Niekerk – getting more involved
Kerry Jack, who along with Smith steered the CTS ship through troubled waters over the last few years, will remain on the team in her capacity as Bloodstock Manager. Jacques Muller stays on as Financial Manager.
CTS will be partnering with gavelhouse.com as its official partner for online auction sales.
Van Niekerk commented: “My fellow director Bernard Kantor and I decided to look at the industry afresh and we agreed that the sales landscape would not be the same without the Cape Premier Sale and the CTS Ready To Run Sale, both of which have become institutions of the industry with exceptional and ongoing success attained by their graduates.
“The industry needs both sales events. SAEHP has informed us that the European Union and the South African government have agreed to a process that will allow a bloodstock protocols audit to be conducted regardless of the travel restrictions imposed by Covid-19.
“We expect more details to be swiftly forthcoming, and with those protocols in place we’re confident of an improved business environment for CTS and the industry at large. We’ve come a long way, recently enduring rocky patches, and we’ll be looking towards a good future.
“In Grant Knowles and Amanda Carey we have two vastly experienced industry executives joining the team. Grant will be relinquishing his position as marketing manager of Klawervlei Stud and Amanda returns to us after a few years away.
Van Niekerk added: “We’re pleased too, to be partnering with gavelhouse.com, who conducted the recent Klawervlei Online Farm sale with great efficiency and a top set of results and is recognised as an international leader in the field. We are in a time of constant change, and our aim is to adapt and grow with technological developments. The sales arena will not be the same as it was last year, and next year it won’t be the same as it is this year.”
Wéhann Smith, who has risen to prominence via his serving of the industry in a number of high-end roles,” said: “My appointment as CEO of CTS came during a period of transition, when I offered to help, and now I will be moving on.
“In addition to CTS I was (and am) a board member of the Racing Association and the Restructuring Task Team. Both have required time and effort, and the time has come for me to return to Kuda, which requires my full-time focus as CEO. Kuda has shown marked growth, but like most other businesses, has been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.”
Grant Knowles stated: “We are entering a very exciting but challenging period for every facet of the Racing Industry. As sad as I am to be leaving Klawervlei after 15 years, I am very excited about joining CTS full time. We have some very exciting ideas and we look forward to sharing them with the industry.”
Amanda Carey, a member of the highly efficient and successful founding team of CTS, commented: “I’m extremely excited to be back with CTS and believe that within the next two years we are going to see massive growth within our industry and look forward to being part of it. Our team needs no introduction and we look forward to providing the same high-class service for which we are renowned.”
The changes at CTS will come into effect immediately.
- Media release by Cape Thoroughbred Sales
