MEET THE TEAM

The experts behind the UMS Group’s success

Dedicated professionals committed to excellence in mining and process plant projects

At UMS, our team is the cornerstone of our success. With decades of industry experience, our leadership brings unparalleled expertise and a commitment to innovation, safety, and quality. Meet the individuals guiding UMS to deliver world-class mining and process plant projects.

Nigel Townsend

CHAIRPERSON

Nigel brings 40 years of experience in the Mining, Minerals, Project Management, and Consulting industry to his role as Chairman. He founded one of Africa’s largest EPCM contractors and has successfully delivered some of the industry’s most prestigious projects. Appointed as UMS Chairman in 2023, Nigel is instrumental in steering UMS toward continued success.

The UMS Executive Team – Group Operations

Digby Glover

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

With a BSc in Mechanical Engineering, an MBA (cum laude), and a Government Certificate of Competency (GCC), Digby is a respected industry specialist with over 30 years of experience in Mining, Minerals, Project Management, and Consulting. He has held executive leadership roles for over 20 years, guiding companies through major growth phases. Appointed as CEO of UMS Group in November 2018, Digby leads UMS with a focus on delivering on promises using a world class team.

Digby Glover

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

With a BSc in Mechanical Engineering, an MBA (cum laude), and a Government Certificate of Competency (GCC), Digby is a respected industry specialist with over 30 years of experience in Mining, Minerals, Project Management, and Consulting. He has held executive leadership roles for over 20 year years, guiding companies through major growth phases. Appointed as CEO of UMS Group in November 2018, Digby leads UMS with a focus on delivering on promises using a world class team.

Robert Hull

GROUP CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Robert holds a BSc in Mining Engineering, GDE in Mineral Economics, ECSA Pr.Eng, and PMP certifications. With 22 years of mining experience, Robert oversees UMS’s global operations, ensuring projects are executed to plan and quality.

Robert Hull

GROUP CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Robert holds a BSc in Mining Engineering, GDE in Mineral Economics, ECSA Pr.Eng, and PMP certifications. With 22 years of mining experience, Robert oversees UMS’s global operations, ensuring projects are executed to plan and quality.

Takalani Randima

MANAGING DIRECTOR: UMS Construction

Takalani is an expert in mining construction, contract mining, and project management. With a Bachelor of Engineering in Mining, a Master’s in Project Management, and multiple competency certifications, Takalani brings extensive experience across various commodities. She is also a member of the Southern African Institute of Mining & Metallurgy (SAIMM), and she leads UMS Shaft Sinkers, the Southern African contracting arm of UMS.

Takalani Randima

MANAGING DIRECTOR: UMS Construction

Takalani is an expert in mining construction, contract mining, and project management. With a Bachelor of Engineering in Mining, a Master’s in Project Management, and multiple competency certifications, Takalani brings extensive experience across various commodities. She is also a member of the Southern African Institute of Mining & Metallurgy (SAIMM), and she leads UMS Shaft Sinkers, the Southern African contracting arm of UMS.

Gregory Brook

MANAGING DIRECTOR: UMS Projects

Gregory holds a BSc in Civil & Structural Engineering, a Certificate in Business Project Management, an Executive MBA, and Eng (ECSA). With 25 years of international, multi-disciplinary project experience in mining and minerals processing, Gregory oversees the successful execution of complex professional services projects in UMS’s Projects division.

Gregory Brook

MANAGING DIRECTOR: UMS Projects

Gregory holds a BSc in Civil & Structural Engineering, a Certificate in Business Project Management, an Executive MBA, and Eng (ECSA). With 25 years of international, multi-disciplinary project experience in mining and minerals processing, Gregory oversees the successful execution of complex professional services projects in UMS’s Projects division.

Murray Macnab

GROUP TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

Murray has 40 years of experience in the mining and minerals processing industry. Holding an NHD in Mechanical Engineering, a GCC, and a Diploma in Project Management, he is internationally respected for his expertise in shaft sinking and has been a speaker at numerous global mining conferences. Murray leads technical initiatives at UMS, particularly in capital projects related to shaft sinking.

Murray Macnab

GROUP TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

Murray has 40 years of experience in the mining and minerals processing industry. Holding an NHD in Mechanical Engineering, a GCC, and a Diploma in Project Management, he is internationally respected for his expertise in shaft sinking and has been a speaker at numerous global mining conferences. Murray leads technical initiatives at UMS, particularly in capital projects related to shaft sinking.

The UMS Executive Team – Group Support Services

Esbé Miller

GROUP EXECUTIVE:
Human Resources

Esbé holds a BCom Hons in Industrial Psychology and Business Management. A certified practitioner in HR, Prosci Change Management, and NeuroLife & Transformation Coaching, Esbé leads the Human Resources team at UMS, fostering a culture of growth, collaboration, and employee well-being. She is also a Chartered Reward Specialist and mBit Coach.

Esbé Miller

GROUP EXECUTIVE: Human Resources

Esbé holds a BCom Hons in Industrial Psychology and Business Management. A certified practitioner in HR, Prosci Change Management, and NeuroLife & Transformation Coaching, Esbé leads the Human Resources team at UMS, fostering a culture of growth, collaboration, and employee well-being. She is also a Chartered Reward Specialist and mBit Coach.

Cherine Hoffman

GROUP EXECUTIVE:
Legal

Cherine holds an LLB (Cum Laude), LLM in Tax, and a postgraduate certificate in Mining Law. With 16 years of post-admittance experience, Cherine has worked at top law firms and listed companies, handling Corporate, Commercial, Mining, Construction, and Logistics Law. She is an admitted attorney in the High Court of South Africa and brings national and international experience to UMS.

Cherine Hoffman

GROUP EXECUTIVE: Legal

Cherine holds an LLB (Cum Laude), LLM in Tax, and a postgraduate certificate in Mining Law. With 16 years of post-admittance experience, Cherine has worked at top law firms and listed companies, handling Corporate, Commercial, Mining, Construction, and Logistics Law. She is an admitted attorney in the High Court of South Africa and brings national and international experience to UMS.

Dr. Pieter Louw

GROUP EXECUTIVE:
Project Services

With an MSc in Engineering and a PhD, Dr. Louw has a broad international background in executive, operations, engineering, and project management roles. He holds a Government Certificate of Competency (Electrical & Mechanical) and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). With 39 years of experience across hydrocarbons, mining infrastructure, and metals sectors, Dr. Louw leads UMS’s Project Services division with expertise and innovation.

Dr. Pieter Louw

GROUP EXECUTIVE: Project Services

With an MSc in Engineering and a PhD, Dr. Louw has a broad international background in executive, operations, engineering, and project management roles. He holds a Government Certificate of Competency (Electrical & Mechanical) and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). With 39 years of experience across hydrocarbons, mining infrastructure, and metals sectors, Dr. Louw leads UMS’s Project Services division with expertise and innovation.

Karl Wiehl

GROUP EXECUTIVE:
Engineering Technical Services

Karl holds a BSc (Eng) (Mech), MSc (Eng) (Mech), and is a registered PrEng. With 30 years of experience in the mining industry, he has managed multi-disciplinary engineering projects in Southern Africa, Australia and the USA. The projects ranged from concept studies through to project execution. In addition to his engineering work, he has also managed engineering departments, that included engineers and designers from all the engineering disciplines.

Karl Wiehl

GROUP EXECUTIVE: Engineering Technical Services

Karl holds a BSc (Eng) (Mech), MSc (Eng) (Mech), and is a registered PrEng. With 30 years of experience in the mining industry, he has managed multi-disciplinary engineering projects in Southern Africa, Australia and the USA. The projects ranged from concept studies through to project execution. In addition to his engineering work, he has also managed engineering departments, that included engineers and designers from all the engineering disciplines.

Chris du Toit

GROUP EXECUTIVE:
Risk Management

Chris brings 32 years of experience in risk management, focusing on enterprise risk and integrated safety, health, environment, and quality management systems. He holds an NDipl in Safety and Management (NADSAM), a Mine Overseer’s Certificate of Competency, and a Diploma in Enterprise Risk Management. Chris has extensive experience across mining, mineral processing, and construction sectors, ensuring UMS’s risk management practices are robust and effective.

Chris du Toit

GROUP EXECUTIVE: Risk Management

Chris brings 32 years of experience in risk management, focusing on enterprise risk and integrated safety, health, environment, and quality management systems. He holds an NDipl in Safety and Management (NADSAM), a Mine Overseer’s Certificate of Competency, and a Diploma in Enterprise Risk Management. Chris has extensive experience across mining, mineral processing, and construction sectors, ensuring UMS’s risk management practices are robust and effective.

Pieter de Frey

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
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Pieter is a Chartered Accountant (CA) with 27 years of financial experience. As a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of South Africa, Pieter ensures that UMS’s financial operations are sound and aligned with the company’s strategic goals.

Pieter de Frey

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Pieter is a Chartered Accountant (CA) with 27 years of financial experience. As a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of South Africa, Pieter ensures that UMS’s financial operations are sound and aligned with the company’s strategic goals.

Our Commitment to Our People

At UMS, we know that our people are the reason for our success. We invest in ongoing training, development, and well-being to ensure that every member of our team is empowered to perform at their best. This commitment extends to maintaining a culture of safety, collaboration, and innovation, where each employee plays a critical collaborative role in our success.

Want to learn more about how our team can support your next project? Contact us today to meet with one of our experts.