Meet Our Executive Team
Scientia Holdings has always prided itself on its leadership team, which collectively boasts over 83 years of experience in private equity, asset management, and corporate finance. Our team has successfully executed over 10 transactions together, showcasing not only their experience but also their effectiveness. Each member brings a wealth of knowledge and a skill set to the table, providing a well-rounded and comprehensive approach to managing our portfolio and executing acquisitions. Scientia’s leaders remain dedicated to driving growth while maintaining innovation across the sectors we operate in.
The team’s collective track record spans a diverse range of industries, including real estate, infrastructure, energy, and technology. This depth of experience enables Scientia to actively & consistently identify high-value opportunities and execute complex transactions with precision. Our leadership exemplifies the values of integrity, straightforwardness, and impact, and their foresight has positioned Scientia as a trusted partner in way we operate our business. Below, we provide an overview of each leader's professional journey and their vital contributions to the firm.
Matshepo Modise, CEO & Executive Board Member
Matshepo Modise, CEO and Board Director of Scientia Holdings, is a seasoned leader with over 18 years of expertise in corporate finance, asset management, and equity transactions. Her vision and decisive leadership have been instrumental in positioning Scientia with a strong and reliable foundation, driving both transformation and growth across multiple sectors. Over the course of her career, Matshepo has collectively managed asset portfolios exceeding R10 billion, demonstrating her exceptional ability to oversee complicated financial operations and deliver stable returns for stakeholders. Her expertise extends to structuring high-value corporate transactions, optimizing capital allocation, and leading initiatives that align with our long-term organizational objectives.
Before joining Scientia, Matshepo held executive positions at Nedbank, IMAS Finance, and MFC, a division of Nedbank, where she successfully managed a wide range of asset classes, including real estate, infrastructure, and diversified equity investments. At these institutions, she was recognized for driving operational efficiencies, scaling multi-billion-rand portfolios, and executing research-driven strategies to build profitability and minimize risk. Matshepo’s achievements include spearheading initiatives that resulted in significant revenue growth and enhanced portfolio resilience during volatile market conditions. As CEO of Scientia, she continues to leverage her industry knowledge and extensive network to drive well put together acquisitions and expand the firm’s influence across Southern Africa and international markets. Her relentless commitment to excellence ensures that Scientia remains at the forefront of private equity, with a reputation for delivering exceptional value and impact.
"In every challenge, there lies an opportunity to create lasting value." – Matshepo Modise
Nello Sera, CFO & Executive Board Member
Nello Sera, CFO and Board Director of Scientia Holdings, is a leader with a sharp focus on financial strategy, risk management, and value creation. Over his 11-year career, Nello has played a pivotal role in crafting Scientia’s financial strategies, enabling the firm to execute high-impact transactions and achieve consistent growth. Throughout his career, Nello has successfully managed and structured financial operations involving portfolios collectively exceeding R4 billion, showcasing his expertise in balancing risk and reward while maintaining focus on profitability. Known for his approach to financial management, Nello specializes in crafting bespoke financial foundations that align with our objectives and create long-term value.
Nello’s background spans a diverse range of sectors, including private equity, venture capital, and real estate. He has been instrumental in leveraging debt and equity financing to pursue growth opportunities for Scientia’s portfolio companies. His academic pursuits include studying management accounting and corporate strategy, providing him with the analytical rigor necessary to navigate complex transactions. Nello has also demonstrated a strong commitment to societal impact, engaging in various non-profit initiatives and fostering community development projects. A member of the Wharton Global Youth Program and both ICB and IQB, Nello brings a global perspective to Scientia’s financial operations. His leadership and financial acumen continue to position the firm as a leader in private equity, with a reputation for reorganization and excellence in the industry.
"A sound strategy isn’t just about numbers, it’s about building a framework for transformation, resilience, and long lasting success. " – Nello Sera
Hector Doans, COO & Executive Board Member
Hector Doans, COO and Board Director of Scientia Holdings, brings over 25 years of unmatched experience in asset management, operational strategy, and large-scale project execution. Hector has been at the frontlines of managing high-value assets and operations, having overseen portfolios collectively worth over R12 billion during his career. Known for his precision in operational frameworks, he has a proven track record of driving efficiency, improving asset performance, and delivering consistent value to stakeholders. Hector’s ability to merge technical expertise with financial insight has made him an indispensable part of Scientia’s leadership team, ensuring that every investment operates at peak potential.
Before joining Scientia, Hector crafted his skills at Anglo American, where he spent a decade managing asset portfolios across diverse industries and geographies. His leadership extended beyond asset management, as he was responsible for streamlining operations, injecting advanced technologies, and aligning teams to achieve goals. At Scientia, Hector is the driving force behind operational excellence, ensuring that the firm's diverse portfolio meets its performance and growth targets. His pragmatic approach to problem-solving, coupled with a visionary mindset, has positioned Scientia as a firm that delivers both short-term results and long-term impact. Hector’s ability to align operational strategies with the firm’s overarching mission continues to reinforce Scientia’s standing as a leader.
"Planned operations are the backbone of any successful investment. The objective I have for Scientia, is to not just acquire assets; but to refine, optimize, and elevate them to realize their full potential." – Hector Doans
Itumeleng Annie, Senior Vice President & Executive Board Member
Itumeleng Annie, Senior Vice President and Executive Board Member of Scientia Holdings, is a visionary leader with over a decade of experience in investments, governance, and portfolio management. Her career has been marked by a relentless drive for the pursuit of excellence and innovation, which has played a vital role in shaping Scientia’s investment strategies and long-term growth. Itumeleng has been instrumental in structuring and managing transactions worth over R17 billion throughout, using her expertise to identify high-value opportunities and ensure their successful execution. Known for her acumen and leadership style, she has been pivotal in building a resilient and forward-thinking cultural foundation at Scientia.
Prior to joining Scientia, Itumeleng served an impressive two decades at Deloitte, where she held various positions that allowed her to develop expertise in advisory, financial structuring, and stakeholder engagement. As a co-founder of Scientia’s Investment Committee, she has worked closely with the executive team to develop governance frameworks and ensure alignment between the firm’s objectives and operational execution. Her focus on sustainable investments and ESG compliance has helped Scientia maintain its position as a responsible and impactful firm. Her ability to balance analytical rigor with creative problem-solving has made her an indispensable member of Scientia’s leadership team.
"True leadership is about creating opportunities that extend beyond financial returns." – Itumeleng Annie
Neo Modukanele, CMO, CCO & Executive Board Member
Neo Modukanele, CMO, CCO, and Board Member of Scientia Holdings, brings over 15 years of expertise in marketing, corporate communications, and brand management. Her leadership has been pivotal in growing Scientia’s narrative as a forward-thinking private equity firm, aligning the company’s messaging with its core values of integrity, and impact. Neo’s role encompasses developing and executing comprehensive marketing strategies that enhance Scientia’s brand presence across local and international markets, ensuring that every communication resonates with investors, stakeholders, and portfolio companies. Her extensive experience in events management, client engagement, and stakeholder collaboration has positioned Scientia as a trusted partner in the competitive private equity space.
Before joining Scientia, Neo spent 12 years as a Shareholder and Marketing Director at XIBA Global Events, where she led high-profile projects, including state banquets, international summits, and multi-million-rand corporate events. Additionally, her term as Marketing Manager at Tati Investment Corporate further crafted her skills in managing complicated networks and executing campaigns that deliver measurable outcomes. At Scientia, Neo leads the charge in crafting meaningful partnerships and creating impactful narratives, ensuring alignment between the firm’s vision and its stakeholders. Her ability to combine creativity with precision ensures Scientia remains a thought leader in the industry, with a commitment to not only financial growth but also cultural and societal impact.
"Branding isn’t just about perception, it’s about trust, authenticity, and creating a lasting impression. At Scientia, we aim to be a brand that doesn’t just grow portfolios but leaves a meaningful impact on industries and communities." – Neo Modukanele