Business Partners Limited Appoints Jeremy Lang as New Managing Director
People | Dec 12, 2024 | Business Partners Internationa
Business Partners Limited, a leading financier for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa, has announced the appointment of Jeremy Lang as its new Managing Director effective January 1, 2025. Lang succeeds Ben Bierman, who retires after over 35 years of service. Bierman led the company through a challenging period marked by a low-growth economy and the COVID-19 pandemic, successfully implementing initiatives like the Sukuma Relief Fund that disbursed over R1 billion and safeguarded more than 32,500 jobs. During Bierman's tenure, the firm approved over R8 billion in business finance to support SMEs, fostering 93,000 jobs. Notably, Business Partners Limited re-affirmed its commitment to equitable entrepreneurship by significantly increasing finance approvals for women-owned and black-owned businesses. Jeremy Lang, who has been with the company for 17 years and was pivotal in executing its five-year strategic plan, aims to further enhance the firm's engagement with SMEs by leveraging technology and focusing on inclusivity and transformation.
Sectors
- Financial Services
- SME Finance
Geography
- South Africa – Business Partners Limited operates primarily within South Africa, providing financial services to SMEs and playing a significant role in the local economic landscape.
Industry
- Financial Services – The article revolves around Business Partners Limited, a financier providing financial services to SMEs in South Africa, particularly focusing on leadership changes and strategic direction.
- SME Finance – The article discusses Business Partners Limited's focus on financing small and medium enterprises (SMEs), highlighting their approach and achievements in this sector.
Financials
- R8 billion – The total business finance approved to SMEs by Business Partners Limited during Ben Bierman's tenure.
- R1 billion – The amount disbursed through the Sukuma Relief Fund to alleviate the impact of the Covid-19 lockdown on SMEs.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Partners Limited | SME Financier | Company | A leading financier of small and medium enterprises in South Africa, known for its impact on the SME sector through strategic initiatives and investments. |
| Jeremy Lang | New Managing Director | Person | The newly appointed Managing Director of Business Partners Limited, with over 20 years of experience in financial services, aiming to enhance firm's focus on inclusivity and SME finance. |
| Ben Bierman | Retiring Managing Director | Person | The outgoing Managing Director who led Business Partners Limited through challenging times, enhancing its impact on SMEs during his tenure. |