Mr. Jean Y. Marais

Founder & Group Executive Chairman, Sanodea Group

Globally respected executive with over 30 years of leadership across mining, commodities, digital transformation, e-commerce, and strategic consulting. In addition to his role at Sanodea, Jean serves as Head of Africa for an International Mining Technology Group, is recognised globally as a CEO and mining digital transformation leader, and is also a lifestyle coach and author. He has built a legacy of operational excellence, board-level stewardship, and transformative impact across Africa, Europe, the Americas, and Australasia. Creator of the Digital Readiness Toolkit for African Mines™ and SanoMineIQ™, he continues to shape the industry’s premier digital transformation framework.

Expertise Across Sanodea Divisions

Advisory & Innovations

• Provided high-level consulting and advisory services to governments, DFIs, and multinational corporations

• Delivered strategic turnarounds, organisational efficiency programs, and digital transformation frameworks

Commerce & Resources

• Led full value chain operations across mining, commodities, and cross-border trade

• Managed P&L portfolios exceeding USD 2.1 billion and workforces up to 5,000 staff, and surrounding communities of 100,000+ residents.

• Developed scalable trade and e-commerce platforms connecting African and global markets

Life & Legacy

• Oversaw initiatives in healthcare, wellness, and intergenerational wealth preservation

• Supported African entrepreneurs and families through legacy-building and empowerment programs

• Recognised for governance, ethical leadership, and sustainable impact

Digital & Technology Leadership

• Deployed AI, IoT, ERP, and asset-optimisation platforms across mining, e-commerce, and asset-intensive sectors

• Advised boards and governments on technology adoption, innovation, and strategic investments

Selected Achievements

• • USD 100M West African Mine Sale & Handover – Executed a successful divestment with full regulatory approval and multi-stakeholder alignment

  • USD 120M West African Mine Divestment – Delivered end-to-end transaction management with zero compliance breaches

  • USD 65M Mine Closure & Government Handover – Led a seamless, responsible transition to state authorities

  • Gold Mine Operational Turnaround – Reduced All-In Sustaining Costs by ~50% and extended mine life by four profitable years

  • USD 2B Capital Expansion Programme – Enabled large-scale growth while creating jobs, strengthening local economies, and delivering long-term community value

  • USD 400M Global Cost Savings – Achieved through lean operating model redesign, asset optimisation, and performance transformation

  • Health, Wellness & Community Programmes – Launched initiatives improving access to healthcare and measurable community outcomes

  • Intergenerational Wealth & Legacy Structuring – Designed programmes supporting long-term value preservation beyond operations

  • ERP Rollout Excellence – Delivered multi-country ERP deployments, internationally recognised for execution quality

  • Industry Recognition – African Mining Leadership Award: Best Mining Company in Ghana during COVID-19

Qualifications

Master of Business Leadership | Advanced Business Studies | Senior Management Development | Advanced Project Management | Six Sigma | Bachelor of Commerce (Financial Management) | Published articles in Accounting & Finance, Certified Life Coach and Author.

Professional Philosophy

“Championing sustainable growth, innovation, and Africa’s global emergence through Sanodea’s integrated approach to strategy, technology, trade, wellness, and long-term impact.”