Management Ethos
Protherm Systems management are committed to deliver products and services in conformance to customer specifications and the applicable quality standards. Protherm Systems management are also committed to providing best value to their customers and to do all possible to meet customer delivery time requirements. Protherm Systems management are committed to ensuring that all business is conducted with integrity and to the highest professional standards.
Management & Technical Personnel
Leon Koekemoer : Lead Process Engineer / Managing Director
Dr. Leon Koekemoer is a seasoned chemical engineer and accomplished leader with over two decades of experience in process engineering, project management, and academic leadership. He holds a B.Eng, M.Eng, and Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from North-West University (formerly Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education), where he also served as a Senior Lecturer from 1998 to 2005. His academic achievements include the Gencor bronze medal for academic excellence and the Verka-award for teaching excellence (awarded in 1997, 1999 & 2002). During his tenure as a lecturer, Dr. Koekemoer significantly modernized the Process Control curriculum, emphasizing industrial application over theoretical mathematics. Following his academic career, Dr. Koekemoer transitioned to the private sector, holding key roles at Mass and Heat Transfer Technology and subsequently joining Protherm Systems in 2012 as Senior Process Engineer. At Protherm Systems, he has played a pivotal role in upgrading internal systems, implementing product standards, providing technical training, and driving business development, currently serving as Managing Director. His extensive expertise encompasses process design, mechanical design (ASME VIII div 1), project management, procurement, instrumentation, process control, commissioning, and investigative studies.
Michelle Naidu : Financial Director
Michelle Naidu is a seasoned financial professional with over two decades of experience in the accounting sector. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Comm) degree in Accounting and has been an integral part of Protherm Systems since 2001. In her role, Michelle is entrusted with overseeing the company’s financial operations, managing accounting functions, and administering debtors and creditors. Her expertise extends to ensuring taxation compliance and accurate submissions, as well as streamlining shipping, transport, spares, and human resources functions. Michelle’s comprehensive understanding of financial management enables her to effectively address all commercial matters related to tender submissions and contracts, thereby playing a pivotal role in the strategic growth of Protherm Systems. With her dedication and meticulous approach, Michelle Naidu continues to contribute to the success of the organization while fostering strong financial practices within the company.
Andrew Nichols : General Manager
Andrew Nichols is a seasoned professional with a robust background in the engineering and project management sectors. He began his career at Protherm Systems in 2017, where he honed his skills in the drawing office, contributing to the design and development of innovative solutions. Prior to this, Andrew gained valuable experience working with notable companies such as Sandvik Materials Handling and Tenova Pyromet, where he further refined his technical expertise and industry knowledge. Additionally, Andrew possesses significant management experience, having successfully operated his own company, which provided him with insights into the intricacies of business operations and leadership. His journey also includes project management roles at Protherm Systems, where he demonstrated his ability to lead projects from inception to completion, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to quality standards. With a strong foundation in both technical and managerial aspects of the industry, Andrew is committed to driving excellence and innovation in every endeavor he undertakes.
Ziyauddin Panchbhaya : Mechanical Engineer & Contracts Manager
Ziyauddin is a highly accomplished mechanical engineer with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from Stellenbosch University, specializing in computational fluid dynamics and heat transfer. His expertise lies in the design and development of various heat exchange systems, including plate, shell and tube, and finned tube heat exchangers, as well as acid wash and elution columns. He possesses a strong understanding of mechanical and thermal design principles, coupled with practical experience in the execution and fabrication phases of projects. Currently, his responsibilities encompass both engineering design and contract management, demonstrating a well-rounded skill set in both technical and project leadership domains.
Siyabonga Ndwandwe : Process Engineer
Siyabonga Ndwandwe holds a degree in chemical engineering from University of the Witwatersrand and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Business Administration (PDBA), general management, from Gordon Institute of Business (GIBS) University of Pretoria. and He is currently completing his MBA studies also with Wits Business School.
Siya has had several years working experience in the design, selection and construction of heat exchangers, distillation columns and various other process equipment. Over the years he has received training in various product applications including amongst others the design of heat exchangers, pressure vessels, process vacuum systems, column trays selection, pumps selection etc.
Prior to joining Protherm Systems in the beginning of 2018, Siya has worked for Zonke Engineering where he was involved in various Sasol projects. Siya’s responsibilities were around engineering design, project execution, contract management, plant support / trouble shooting and commissioning. During his time at Zonke Engineering Siya designed and was involved with the supply of various process engineering equipment to petrochemical, mining, refrigeration industries.
Lawrence Fienberg : Director (Retired)
Lawrence Fienberg holds a degree in chemical engineering from the University of Natal and is a registered professional engineer. He has also undertaken various management and product application courses. Lawrence was previously employed by APV Kestner where he worked for 17 years. He held the position of Engineering and Technical Director before founding Protherm Systems in 1987. During his career at APV Kestner Lawrence was trained in the UK & Europe in evaporation and Dryer technology and design. He has subsequently been responsible for the design, installation and commissioning of many evaporators and other chemical plant and equipment under the auspices of APV and then with Protherm Systems.
Lawrence Fienberg whilst being retired still retains a significant interest in the company and remains involved with Protherm Systems as director of the company and also as a consultant, being domiciled in Capetown.
Jonathan Peirson : Director (Retired)
Jon Peirson holds a degree in chemical engineering from the University of Surrey and was first employed in Courtaulds (UK) chemical engineering department. During his career in South Africa, Jon has worked for the Anglo American Corporation on gold plants and was involved with pilot plant work as 00well as investigations on base metals and diamond plant installations. He then moved to National Chemical Products where he undertook trouble-shooting and project assignments. Thereafter he worked at Holland Electro Chemicals on carbide production and the manufacture of acetylene based chemicals. During his time at HECI, Jon was site engineer for a large expansion project. Jon then moved into the equipment supply and contracting business, taking up employment at Process Plant (Pty) Ltd where he was involved in the design, contracting and commissioning of crystallisers and other chemical plant. Thereafter Jon worked at APV Kestner with Lawrence Fienberg before joining him at Protherm Systems in 1987 shortly after the company was founded. Jon is an expert in the design and engineering of heat exchangers and thermal systems and has been responsible for many successful plant installations.
Jon Peirson whilst being retired still retains a significant interest in the company and remains involved with Protherm Systems as director of the company and also as a consultant form his base in England. Jon also undertakes for site assignments outside of Africa for consultation and commissioning.