Business Partners, a leading small business financier, which has a regular column in Business Report, on Thursday announced the appointment of Jeremy Lang as its new managing director, effective January 1, 2025. Photo: Supplied
Business Partners, a leading small business financier, which has a regular column in Business Report, on Thursday announced the appointment of Jeremy Lang as its new managing director, effective January 1, 2025.
Lang will succeed Ben Bierman, who is retiring after a distinguished 35-year tenure.
Bierman, who has served as managing director since April 2016, successfully guided the company through significant challenges, including a sluggish South African economy and the Covid-19 pandemic.
During his leadership, Business Partners approved over R8 billion in SME financing, creating or sustaining more than 93 000 jobs, the company said in a statement.
One of Bierman’s notable achievements was the implementation of the Sukuma Relief Fund during the Covid-19 lockdowns. This initiative provided more than R1bn in grants and soft loans to small businesses, preserving over 32 500 jobs. Bierman also spearheaded efforts to support previously disadvantaged entrepreneurs, with financing to women-owned businesses rising from 23.5% to 39.3% and black-owned businesses reaching 63.1% of approvals in the past year.
Bierman said he was confident in Lang’s ability to further Business Partners's mission.
“Jeremy’s leadership, passion, and commitment will undoubtedly build on our legacy and extend our contribution to SMEs,” he said.
Lang brings more than two decades of financial services experience, 17 of which he spent with Business Partners. Holding a BCom degree from the University of Cape Town and qualifications from SAICA, Stellenbosch University, and Harvard Business School, Lang has been instrumental in shaping the company’s strategic direction. As CEO, he oversaw investment and portfolio management and played a key role in executing the company’s five-year strategy.
Lang’s aims to leverage technology to expedite SME financing and drive transformation by prioritising inclusivity.
“My goal is to expand our offering of innovative financing, technical assistance, and support for entrepreneurs. By building on past successes, we aim to achieve significant growth and job creation,” Lang said.
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