Naspers and Prosus appoint Nico Marais as Group CFO

Veteran finance executive takes the helm after serving as interim CFO since December 2024, reinforcing leadership continuity at a pivotal moment in the Group's evolution.

Nico Marais. Photo: Naspers. Portal ERP South Africa. 

Naspers, a global consumer internet group and one of the largest technology investors in the world, announced the unanimous appointment of Nico Marais (51) as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Prosus and Naspers Group, with immediate effect. The decision, approved by both company boards, marks a significant leadership confirmation as the Group continues its strategic transformation and global expansion efforts.

Marais, a seasoned finance executive with over 25 years of experience within the Group, had been serving as interim CFO since December 2024. His appointment underscores the Group’s commitment to stability and financial discipline. Previously General Manager of Finance, Marais played a central role in several high-impact initiatives, including the successful listing of Prosus, the simplification of crossholdings, ongoing share repurchase programs, and Prosus’ debt capital market strategies.

A Chartered Accountant by training, Marais holds an accounting degree from Stellenbosch University and brings deep institutional knowledge and operational expertise to the Group’s executive leadership team.

Effective immediately, Marais also joins the Naspers board as financial director and is set to join the Prosus board following the annual general meeting in August 2025, pending shareholder approval.

Commenting on the appointment, Koos Bekker, Chair of Prosus and Naspers, said:

“On behalf of the Boards of Prosus and Naspers, I am delighted to confirm the appointment of Nico as Group CFO on a permanent basis. He brings invaluable expertise and experience to the role, which he has built up over more than two decades with the Group. The strong working relationship he has developed with our CEO Fabricio Bloisi puts us in good stead as we look ahead with excitement to the next phase of our growth journey.”

Details of Marais’ remuneration will be published in the 2025 Naspers Integrated Annual Report, expected on or around 23 June 2025.