Refined Science, African Ambition.

A scientist at heart and a builder by nature, Dr. Tertius Cilliers has spent three decades at the intersection of food science and commercial innovation. He holds a doctorate in Biochemistry from Stellenbosch University and built his expertise across the ARC Dairy Laboratory, Parmalat, Woolworths, and Danisco/DuPont — where he served as Technical Applications Director.

In 2016, he co-founded Synercore Holdings with a clear mission: to deliver world-class ingredient and product solutions to the food industry. His deep scientific foundation, combined with sharp entrepreneurial instinct, has shaped Synercore into a respected force in the sector. He remains connected to academia and serves as an external advisor to the Faculty of Science at Stellenbosch University and a board member at Agri-Expo.

Hannes Visser brings a formidable combination of financial depth and strategic acumen to Synercore's leadership. A Chartered Accountant CA(SA) with an MBA from Henley Business School (UK) and ACMA/CGMA designations, his career spans some of the most demanding financial environments in the world — from PricewaterhouseCoopers in Dubai, to Bidvest's Bidfood Group, to Mwana Africa PLC.

His tenure as Head of Mergers & Acquisitions at PepsiCo Food Group (previously Pioneer Foods) honed his ability to navigate complex transactions and drive long-term value creation. At Synercore, Hannes provides the financial rigour and strategic oversight that underpins the group's sustained growth and investment confidence.

André Muller is a seasoned operations strategist with 35 years of experience transforming business performance across some of South Africa's most demanding industries. Holding an Honours degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Pretoria, André has spent the last two decades as a high-impact consulting leader — working with organisations in mining, agri-processing, consumer goods, retail, and manufacturing to unlock efficiency, reduce costs, and build operational capability.

His track record includes turning loss-making operations profitable, establishing integrated planning departments, and leading large-scale supply chain optimisation initiatives. As Synercore's Operations Executive, he applies this hard-won expertise to drive excellence across the group's operational footprint.

Wayne Patton's career is defined by versatility, commercial instincts, and an exceptional ability to build and manage supplier relationships. With an IMM Diploma and experience spanning fresh and frozen seafood supply, FMCG retail, market research (GfK), and media monitoring (Precise Media), Wayne has always operated at the commercial pulse of business.

His time with African Food Industries as General Manager gave him the operational depth and procurement expertise that he now brings to Synercore. As Procurement and Supply Chain Executive, Wayne is the engine behind Synercore's sourcing strategy — ensuring supply reliability, cost competitiveness, and supplier partnerships that support the group's commercial ambitions across markets.

Few people in the South African food industry combine technical mastery with sales leadership as effectively as Helmut Burger. Raised in the heartland of South Africa's wheat-farming country, Helmut's passion for baking is authentic and lifelong. Qualified through both the SA Chamber of Baking and the prestigious American Institute of Baking (AIB), he built his career from learner baker to General Manager: Innovation (Bakery & Dairy) at Danisco/DuPont — a progression that speaks volumes about his expertise and drive.

His deep product knowledge, industry credibility, and ability to connect with customers at every level make him a powerful force in growing Synercore's commercial reach. As Sales Executive, Helmut brings energy, authority, and genuine passion to every customer engagement.

Alex Zabbia is Synercore's innovation engine — a food scientist with an incisive mind and a track record of turning research into real-world solutions. He holds an M.Sc. in Food Science (cum laude) from the University of Pretoria, with postgraduate research that resulted in a registered patent for immobilised protein technology in packaging.

His career progressed through Flavourome, Danisco, DuPont Nutrition & Health (where he led the Dairy & Beverage Innovation Team and a Global Application Specialist role in industrial bio-science), and Mane Flavours. At Synercore, Alex channels this expertise into driving innovation and quality across the entire group — ensuring that Synercore's solutions remain ahead of the curve in a fast-evolving food landscape.

Adv. Frikkie Erasmus brings a rare and valuable blend of legal authority, financial literacy, and deep industry knowledge to Synercore's leadership team. Admitted as an Advocate of the High Court of South Africa, he holds a BA and LLB from Stellenbosch University, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning (cum laude).

His career spans financial services in the UK and Mauritius, seven years in senior management at Old Mutual, and more than a decade embedded in the Synercore group. Currently pursuing an LLM with a focus on Food Law, Frikkie ensures that Synercore's Africa trade activities and legal affairs are guided by precision, integrity, and a thorough understanding of the regulatory landscape in which the group operates.