Executive Leadership

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™, 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 120M West African Mine Divestment – Full regulatory and stakeholder compliance
USD 65M Mine Closure & Handover – Seamless transition to government agency
Gold Mine Operational Turnaround – Reduced All-In-Sustaining-Cost by ~50% and extended life of mine by four profitable years
USD 2B Expansion Programme – Created jobs, local development, and sustainable community impact
USD 400M Global Cost Savings – Lean redesign, asset optimisation, and performance transformation
Launched healthcare and wellness initiatives improving access and community outcomes
Developed intergenerational wealth preservation and legacy programs
ERP Rollout Excellence – Multi-country deployment recognised internationally
Recipient of the African Mining Leadership Award

Qualifications

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.”