Garth Francis
Managing Director

While he started his career working with a number of leading technology multinationals, Garth Francis was always an entrepreneur at heart. Realising early on that his destiny lay in starting, growing and managing his own business, Francis nevertheless had the savvy to stay long enough in productive and challenging jobs to learn the ropes and gain an understanding of business essentials. He also appreciated that these appointments were essential to accumulate the experience and skills which would form the basis of a value proposition for his future endeavours.

A Cape Town native, Francis completed high school before heading for a Bachelor of Science degree in maths and computer science. Honours at UNISA followed, this time in information systems; always a believer in the value of education, he turned his attention to industry certifications next, specifically on software vendor Novell. Working concurrently with Honours and industry studies, Francis had already started his career, at the 'coal face' of technology - desktop and network support, programming and training all formed part of what he believes remains essential background skills.

His abilities quickly elevated him to senior technical positions within a large insurer and then internationally, in the United Kingdom. Here, large scale consulting engagements gave him the confidence to engage with corporations effectively, further building his conviction to start a concern of his own in South Africa.

In 1999, the time was ripe. On returning to the country, Francis put the necessary foundations in place to open Xepa Consulting for business in mid-2000.

Hands on experience and the formulation of a solid value proposition based on skills and experience made the company an immediate winner in an era where 'smoke and mirrors' marketing was all too common. Francis' personal attributes which include a considered understanding of issues and the exchange of fair value based on mutual personal respect quickly translated into a growing and highly loyal customer base.

Soon enough, the company was growing steadily, to the point where today, it employs 12 people, enjoying close relationships with world renowned vendors It has expanded well beyond its Novell roots, although the software maker remains a core element, and includes Microsoft, VMWare, Google, Symantec, and HP among its supplier partnerships.

Francis links personal and professional success very closely, as he links personal and professional attributes very closely. Integrity and sound values apply equally in the office and at home. As much as he enjoys and is driven by the success and performance of Xepa Consulting, he is equally committed to providing for and spending quality time with his wife and young daughters. An active individual, Francis enjoys golf, motorsport and cycling.

Francis is also the current Regional Chairperson of the Black IT Forum (BITF) whose mandate is to help transform the ICT industry to include more black IT professionals and empower IT SME's.

Email: garthf@xepa.co.za
Cell: 082 499 5318