These are

Our People

Fluent in every language including Kafka, Kubernetes and Klingon.

Our people are

Hungry.
Humble.
Smart.

The rumours are true.

We are home to over 200 of the brightest, coolest, innovators, engineers, developers and Star Wars fans with over 400 degrees and certifications. 

Play Video about Synthesis Software Technologies

meet some of

The Team

We support over 200 agile and courageous thinkers along a diverse career path in software where the options are limitless. 

Michael Shapiro
Managing Director of Software Division at the Araxi Group
Managing Director of Synthesis
Michael Shapiro
Managing Director of Software Division at the Araxi Group
Managing Director of Synthesis

Entrepreneur, advisor, executive and mentor. Michael is a seasoned leader with more than 25 years’ experience. He has an honours degree in Electrical Engineering and is passionate about innovation. When he is not in the office or with his family, you will find him doing a trail run or on the road.

Steyn Basson
Executive - Business Operations and Efficiency
Steyn Basson
Executive - Business Operations and Efficiency

Steyn has been with Synthesis for over two decades, and is currently driving out operational strategy and functions within the company. He loves brewing beer, as well as collecting playing cards and board-games.

Michelle Esbend
Executive - Finance
Michelle Esbend
Executive - Finance

Michelle has over 20 years of Finance experience, including planning, monitoring, analysing, financial reporting, budget preparation, forecasts and strategic collaboration with stakeholders to ensure business success.

Tom Wells
Executive - Technology
Tom Wells
Executive - Technology

Tom is a natural technologist, spending his time experimenting and evaluating new ideas, architectures and tools. Responsible for technical strategy and identifying future emerging disruptor.

Tjaard du Plessis
Executive - Professional Services
Tjaard du Plessis
Executive - Professional Services

MSc Computer Science

What Do You Do Daily? "I visit the future of tech often, take some pictures and try to imagine what its value is for our clients. I lead and oversee several teams who are building the future for our clients."

Matthew Crockett
Head of Code
Matthew Crockett
Head of Code

Matthew, a passionate techie and Head of Code, leads a top engineering team, turning customer visions into reality with innovative technology. His empathetic leadership fosters growth, collaboration, and positivity.

Dean Maier
Head of Cloud
Dean Maier
Head of Cloud

Dean is the Head of Cloud at Synthesis Software Technologies, bringing over 16 years of experience across software engineering, architecture, and cloud strategy. With a deep technical foundation and a passion for innovation, Dean leads multidisciplinary cloud teams to deliver scalable, modern solutions that help businesses thrive.

Marais Neethling
Head of Product - Product Incubation
Marais Neethling
Head of Product - Product Incubation

Marais helps turn ideas into real products that make a difference. He believes that great software is built with care — one thoughtful design decision at a time — and that delighting users is the best form of innovation. He believes in craftsmanship, clarity, and creating experiences that delight the people who use them. After hours, you will find him cooking, watching sport, or listening to choir music.

Archana Arakkal
Lead Research Engineer: Technology Office
Archana Arakkal
Lead Research Engineer: Technology Office

Archana has acquired her PhD in Privacy-preserving AI and multi-agent reinforcement learning. She is a thought leader for AI in Africa and has many machine learning community affiliations. She is a specialist engineer within the Data and AI practice.

Claire Dann
Office Manager
Claire Dann
Office Manager

Claire is our dynamic office manager, executive assistant, and legal admin extraordinaire! With a passion for people, she orchestrates seamless operations, spreads positivity, and fosters an inclusive work environment.

Paul Spagnoletti
Executive - Revenue
Paul Spagnoletti
Executive - Revenue

With a keen interest in emergent digital technology, Paul brings enthusiasm and energy to every conversation. He has over 20 years of experience in shaping digital cloud strategies to stay ahead of innovation and change.

Elmarie Grant
Executive - People
Elmarie Grant
Executive - People

Elmarie ensures our superheroes have all the skills they need and works with our clients to make their own teams superheroes too.

What Drives You? Being part of someone’s journey to grow is why I get up each morning.

Darren Bak
Head of Intelligent Data & AI
Darren Bak
Head of Intelligent Data & AI

Darren focuses his time growing a team of passionate data engineers and scientists that build low-maintenance, fully-managed data platforms in the cloud that can deliver machine learning in an easy-to-use way. He believes the secret to successful leadership starts with being aware of your own self.

Byron Phillips
Head of Managed Operations
Byron Phillips
Head of Managed Operations

Byron is an accomplished IT and business leader with over 18 years of experience driving operational excellence and service transformation across diverse industries. As Head of Managed Operations, he leads high-performing teams at the cutting edge of cloud, data, and automation to deliver scalable, technology-driven solutions that enhance client success.

Marsh Middleton
Head of Sales
Marsh Middleton
Head of Sales

Marsh is the Head of Sales at Synthesis Software Technologies, bringing over 20 years of experience across technology, digital innovation, and business development. Marsh drives commercial growth and builds trusted client relationships that deliver measurable results. Known for his encouraging personality, strategic vision, and enthusiasm for tackling complex challenges, he co-ordinates high-impact solutions that help businesses thrive. An avid single malt whisky connoisseur, he is always keen to share with our clients.

Kieron Ekron
Lead Applied Engineer: Technology Office
Kieron Ekron
Lead Applied Engineer: Technology Office

Kieron is a senior technology leader at Synthesis Software Technologies with over 15 years of experience in backend engineering, security, and cloud infrastructure. As Head of Technology for Synthesis’ SoftPOS division for six years, he led the design and implementation of PCI-compliant payment systems that blend strong security principles with scalable architecture. With deep expertise in hardware security modules (HSMs) and AWS, Kieron drives engineering excellence and promotes security-by-design practices across teams.

Michael Grant
Executive - Product Development
Michael Grant
Executive - Product Development

Mike was the AI Leader of the Year in 2021 and leads business to deliver real value through novel solutions. Mike is also the co-founder of the disruptive launchpad for Capital Appreciation and a non-executive director for AssetPool.

Gareth Corbishley
Managing Director - Halo Dot
Gareth Corbishley
Managing Director - Halo Dot

Gareth is a CA(SA) with over 10 years’ experience in finance, commerce, strategy, business development, operations, technology consulting, mergers & acquisitions, risk and compliance.

Harsha Maloo
Head of Payments
Harsha Maloo
Head of Payments

Harsha does not just conquer the payments ecosystem, her bubbly personality as a passionate foodie makes for great conversation and innovative ideas. She leads the team with a wealth of experience and continues to shape the future of payments.

Salvatore Errera
Head of Product - Regtech
Salvatore Errera
Head of Product - Regtech

Salvatore Errera is the Head of RegTech at Synthesis Software Technologies, bringing 17 years of fintech experience and over a decade in product management. He leads the strategic vision for Synthesis’ RegTech solutions, enabling financial institutions to streamline regulatory reporting, enhance compliance, and manage risk.

Tayla Boni
Head of the Project Management Office (PMO)
Tayla Boni
Head of the Project Management Office (PMO)

Tayla Boni, Head of the Project Management Office leveraging 8+ years in program management to drive high-performance teams, ensuring efficient project execution and fostering collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Sharon Andrews
HR Manager
Sharon Andrews
HR Manager

Sharon has a passion for people and their well-being and ensuring the growth, development and success of our team while aligning with the company strategy and mission.
Advice for Life: Be somebody who makes everybody feel like a somebody.

Marais Neethling
Principal: Artificial Intelligence
Marais Neethling
Principal: Artificial Intelligence

MSc Computer Science

Experience: Combining 20 years of technology experience, cutting edge AI and solutions delivery with a focus on the human side.

Favourite Quote: Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.

Jualande Brink
RegTech: Commercial Lead
Jualande Brink
RegTech: Commercial Lead

Jualande's passion is to shape and grow great companies by delivering value and peace of mind to customers. She leads the RegTech Team with over 15 years of experience in Finance, and Operations.

Helesha Moodley
Marketing Manager
Helesha Moodley
Marketing Manager

Helesha spends her days bringing Tech stories to life. She is an MCom B2B Software Marketing enthusiast with over 7 years of experience using creative concepts to explain business solutions.

Jeanette Fevrier
Senior Software Developer
Jeanette Fevrier
Senior Software Developer

BSc (Hons) Computer Science
Her passion for collaboration drives her focus to help clients achieve true business value.
Favorite Quote: Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.

Ariel Weber
Head of Growth
Ariel Weber
Head of Growth

Ariel brings great ideas and positivity wherever he goes to deliver value and successful collaborative opportunities. He heads up customer growth and partnerships with a keen eye, strong network, and proven commercial acumen.

Nathenia Watson
Senior Operations Manager
Nathenia Watson
Senior Operations Manager

Nathenia enjoys getting people excited about the things she is excited about, so a smile is guaranteed around her. Having over 10 years of experience in Recruitment & Operations, she leads with high energy and a passion for people.

Tracy Morris
Head Solutionist
Tracy Morris
Head Solutionist

Tracy manages the growing solutionist team to enhance consulting experiences with customers and to ensure alignment of strategies and vision by closing the gap in selection of partnerships, products, technical capabilities and team compilation.

Advice for Life: Be kind, it's free.

Belinda Preston
Events Manager
Belinda Preston
Events Manager

Belinda is skilled at blending extraordinary experiences at every event she brings to life. With over 14 years in the industry, her passion and expertise shine through, creating unforgettable memories that linger long after the last guest has departed.

Neil Thomas
Head of Sales
Neil Thomas
Head of Sales

Neil brings over 20 years of strategic sales experience and leadership from SA's top technology companies. He’s focused on building trusted relationships, passionate about creating business value for clients, and driven to develop high-performing teams.

Darryl Govender
Director
Darryl Govender
Director

Darryl is an avid people and purpose leader and oversees the delivery divisions of Synthesis. Personal Mission Statement: Job zero is to create an environment for people to be successful while shaping purpose and actualising their inherent potential.

Howard Feldman
Head of Marketing
Howard Feldman
Head of Marketing

Howard is an author, columnist and speaker. Media is his passion. He is a lawyer by training. He is obsessed with people and their wellbeing but is sadly always one step behind on anything tech. That said, he tries really hard. He is a daily talk show host, and that’s not because he has a face for radio.

Carl Singleton
Head of Business Development & Commercial Partnerships
Carl Singleton
Head of Business Development & Commercial Partnerships

Carl brings to the team over 20 years of technology consulting and personal business experience mixed with customer obsession.

Hidden Talent: Qualified Chef

Deborah Miller
Head of Talent
Deborah Miller
Head of Talent

Seasoned Headhunter boasting extensive experience gained in Finance and Information Technology. Honours Degree obtained in Clinical Psychology. Adaptable and dynamic. Cancerian. Passionate about transforming lives through employment.

 

Join The
Synthesis Team

If you are interested in joining our innovative team, please email your CV to [email protected].

Please note that if we do not contact you within 14 days you should please consider your application to be unsuccessful.