OUR TEAM

The Centric Wealth Advisory team is led by its founding members and executive directors, Gené Scott and Charles McAllister, together with senior Wealth Advisors Sean Power and Sean Johnston. Supporting our advisers is an experienced operations and client service team led by Head of Operations Kirsty Grobler, alongside Client Service Manager Celeste Smith, Compliance & Client Service Coordinator Kauthar Amlay, Shireen Losper, Shannon Roode, and Office Manager Taahirah Neumann. Centric Trusts is headed by Mandy Hochfelden, while our SWAN Wealth Management division is led by Steven Nathan and Dave Murray.

All of our Wealth Advisors are required to hold the Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®) professional designation. Charles McAllister is also a CFA Charter holder, widely regarded as the gold standard in investment and financial analysis. Additionally, our Wealth Advisors are members of the Financial Planning Institute of Southern Africa (FPI), the professional body that governs the CFP® designation in South Africa.

MEET THE TEAM

Gené Scott, CFP®

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

With more than 25 years of experience in estate, tax, and investment planning, Gené Scott is a highly respected professional in her field. She was named Top Relationship Manager in South Africa at the prestigious 2023 Intellidex Top Private Banks & Wealth Managers Awards.

Gené’s unique strength lies in her dual qualifications as a Certified Financial Planning® Professional and a Life Coach. This allows her to integrate financial expertise with thoughtful coaching, helping clients achieve not only financial clarity but also confidence in their decisions.

She is equally committed to the growth of those around her, actively mentoring colleagues and contributing to leadership and development programmes within her organisation.

Beyond her professional achievements, Gené leads an active and creative life. She enjoys trail running, mountain biking, and hiking, while also taking pleasure in interior decorating. Travel is another passion, and she particularly enjoys adventure-filled experiences with her husband, Keith.

Charles McAllister, CFP®, CFA, CAIA, TEP, FPSA®

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Charles Mc Allister is a seasoned Wealth Manager with extensive regulatory experience in the UK and South Africa. He specializes in working with professionals and affluent families, assisting them in comprehending and devising intergenerational wealth strategies across various jurisdictions. 

Charles possesses a unique talent for translating intricate financial concepts and terminology into tailored, understandable solutions that are suitable and pertinent to each family’s specific requirements. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) designation and is a Certified Financial Planning® Professional. He has completed the Advanced Diploma in Estate and Trust Administration (with distinction) through the University of the Free State, which makes him eligible to become a Fiduciary Practitioner of South Africa (FPSA®) and a Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP). 

Charles has won numerous awards, including the runner-up title in the Top Relationship Manager category at the esteemed Intellidex Top Private Banks & Wealth Managers Awards in 2021 and 2023, as well as featuring in the Citywire Top 50 Advisors.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Charles has a passion for running, whether between clients, managing his business, sprinting after his kids or running literal marathons. When he isn’t lacing up his running shoes, he is an enthusiastic reader and an avid fly fisherman. However, his greatest joy comes from spending time with his wife and three children.

Sean Power, CFP®

WEALTH ADVISOR

Sean Power is a seasoned Certified Financial Planning Professional with extensive wealth planning experience in the UK and South Africa. Seeking to enhance his client service, Sean decided to transition from the corporate environment to join an independent financial advisory business. With a deep-seated passion for financial planning, Sean adeptly navigates his clients through their planning requirements. In addition to individual planning, Sean specializes in the retirement market, including employee benefits and company retirement funds. He has completed the Advanced Diploma in Estate and Trust Administration (with distinction) through the University of the Free State, which makes him eligible to become a Fiduciary Practitioner of South Africa (FPSA®) and a Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP). 

Outside of his professional pursuits, Sean is an avid sports enthusiast, enjoying activities such as tennis and surfing. He takes pride in his role as a father and shares a love for travel with his wife, Aunnie. Together, they take pleasure in exploring captivating destinations around the globe. During weekends, they particularly enjoy discovering new local areas, with a penchant for exploring the picturesque wine regions in the Western Cape.

 

Sean Johnston CFP®, TEP, FPSA®, FMVA ®

WEALTH ADVISOR

Sean Johnston is a wealth adviser at Centric Wealth with a background that includes serving as Head of Wealth Management for a national property investment group. This gives him a broad perspective on complex financial decisions and long-term client relationships.

A Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®), Fiduciary Practitioner of South Africa® (FPSA®), and Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP), Sean advises on financial planning, fiduciary and tax matters, estate structuring, and investment property. He was named among the Citywire South Africa Top 50 Advisers for 2025 and is currently pursuing the CFA designation.

Sean helps clients understand their financial position and make informed decisions aligned with their long-term goals. He combines strategic thinking with analytical problem-solving to navigate complexity with insight and perspective.

Outside of work, Sean is passionate about endurance sport and has completed multiple Ironman 70.3 events, as well as the full Ironman 140.6.

Kirsty Grobler

GROUP OPERATIONS MANAGER

Kirsty Grobler is Head of Operations at Centric, where she oversees the firm’s day-to-day operations and drives a range of special projects. An experienced operations and client service professional, she brings a strong background in financial services, accounting and compliance.

Kirsty began her career as Operations and HR Manager at IRR Properties Group, before relocating to London, where she spent five years as a Junior Corporate Accountant at Rockspring Property Investment Managers LLP. As Director at Centaur Asset Management (Pty) Ltd, she developed operational strategies, oversaw all legal, compliance and staffing matters, and built strong, lasting client relationships.

Kirsty holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management (with Distinction) and an Honours degree in Psychology (Clinical and Organisational), and is an Associate Member of London’s Institute of Certified Bookkeepers.

Outside of her professional life, Kirsty enjoys spending quality time with her husband and daughter, and has a passion for adventure — whether travelling, hiking, or anything sea-related.

Steven Nathan CA(SA), CFA

FAMILY OFFICE CONSULTANT

Steven Nathan’s journey commenced as an equity research analyst in Johannesburg and ultimately led him to the position of Managing Director at Deutsche Bank in London. Motivated by a desire to utilize his expertise for the betterment of others, he established the groundbreaking South African firm 10X Investments. At 10X, Steven and his team prioritized clients’ interests, advocating for uncomplicated investment solutions, nominal fees, and complete transparency.

As the founder of Swan Wealth Management (Sleep Well At Night), closely affiliated with Centric Wealth Advisory, he is instilling the same ethos and passion in a new set of clients. He is embarking on new endeavours in the US, with a focus on a Private Real Estate Fund and an innovative healthcare company with a mission to revolutionize the global healthcare industry.

A former national squash champion, Steven takes pleasure in adventure motorcycling, traveling, and quality time with his children. Entrepreneurship propels his ambitions, and he is deeply engaged in community endeavours.

Dave Murray CA(SA), CFA

FAMILY OFFICE CONSULTANT

Dave Murray has spent over 35 years in financial services. Dave is a highly experienced Head Of Equity Research and Investment Strategist, with a demonstrated history of working in the banking and asset management industry. He is skilled in Equity Research, Portfolio Management, Corporate Finance, Banking, and Investment Banking. A strong business development professional with a H Dip Acc focused in Accounting and Finance from Rhodes University. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and a Chartered Accountant CA (SA).

His post auditing career began in UAL Asset Management before 16 years with Deutsche Bank in Johannesburg, the US, and Asia, in several senior roles including Head of Investment Strategy, and Head of Research, culminating in being appointed Head of Emerging Market Research in Hong Kong. He then moved to Singapore for 8 years as Head of Global Research for Standard Chartered Bank, before returning to South Africa as Strategist and Head of Equity Research for Investec Bank.  In the last three years, Dave has been investing in private equity and global markets.

Dave is a keen golfer, with cycling, tennis, and flyfishing also included as favoured hobbies.

Shireen Losper

TRAINEE-PARAPLANNER

Shireen studied a BA in Humanities at Stellenbosch University, followed by an Honours degree in Psychology. Having a psychology background has assisted her in the workplace as it provides her with an understanding of human behaviour and social dynamics. This solid grounding has enabled her to succeed in an entirely new field.

Shireen joined Centric Wealth Advisory in January 2018. Prior to that, she worked with Sean Power for over five years in the corporate environment. She is a wife and mother of two little girls who she loves spending time with. She finds reading meaningful books a great escape. Other hobbies include binge-watching Netflix, cooking and honing her baking skills.

Outside of her professional role, Shireen is a devoted wife and mother to two daughters. She values quality time with her family and enjoys reading inspiring and thought-provoking books.

In her spare time, she can often be found experimenting with new recipes, refining her baking skills, or unwinding with a good series.

Celeste Smith

CLIENT SERVICE MANAGER

Celeste studied at Stellenbosch University, where she completed a BCom and a BCom Honours in Economics, followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning through Stellenbosch Business School. She is also a Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®). This strong academic and professional foundation has provided her with a well-rounded understanding of the industry.

Prior to joining Centric Wealth Advisory, Celeste gained experience in the engineering field, where she worked within the finance department and developed a strong analytical and structured approach to her work. She later spent nine years at Allan Gray, where she gained valuable industry experience across both product operations and high net worth adviser servicing. These experiences contributed significantly to her ability to collaborate effectively, work with precision, and maintain a high standard in all that she does.

Outside of her professional life, Celeste enjoys creative and hands-on activities, particularly knitting, where she can combine attention to detail with creativity. She values time spent unwinding and recharging, whether that’s enjoying a good series, exploring new hobbies, or spending quality time with loved ones.

Taahirah Neumann

OFFICE MANAGER

Taahirah began her career in the financial services industry in 2011. Throughout the years, she has taken on various administrator and assistant roles at different Liberty franchises. She became part of Centric Wealth in May 2019, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the administrative and client services team.

As a mother of five children, Taahirah’s life can get really busy. During her free time, she enjoys weekend getaways, spontaneous adventures, dancing, and listening to music. Taahirah also aims to expand her skills and knowledge by completing more study courses within the financial services sector.

Shannon Roode

CLIENT SERVICES COORDINATOR

Shannon grew up in Walvis Bay, Namibia, and completed her matric before relocating to Cape Town, where she earned a Diploma in Marketing Management.

She began her career in financial services in 2016, gaining broad experience across banking, long-term insurance, and claims during her time at Old Mutual Finance — expertise she now brings to her role as our Client Services Coordinator.

Outside of work, Shannon is a dedicated wife and mother to two daughters. She enjoys reading, crime documentaries, collecting comic books, and all things Marvel, and has a creative streak she expresses through experimenting with different hair colours.

Kauthar Amlay

COMPLIANCE & CLIENT SERVICE COORDINATOR

Kauthar holds a BA in Social Studies, complemented by Higher and Advanced Certificates in Financial Planning. This background equips her to combine technical financial knowledge with robust foundations in ethics, law, research, communication, and critical thinking. She brings these multifaceted skills to her role every day.

Beyond her professional career, Kauthar is passionate about continuous learning, community development, and education, as well as contributing to research, social justice initiatives, and charitable projects. In her personal time, she enjoys reading, writing, attending cultural events, and spending quality time with her family.

Mandy Hochfelden

FIDUCIARY MANAGER
CENTRIC TRUST SERVICES

Mandy has worked in the financial services industry for the past 36 years, starting off her career at Syfrets / BoE / Nedcor. Before joining Centric, Mandy worked for a firm of Accountants, gaining experience as a trust, wills and deceased estates administrator for 12 years.

Mandy is a nature and animal lover, who enjoys spending time on the beach and outdoors, and going for long walks. Mandy and her husband, Brent, enjoy travelling in and around South Africa and abroad, where she has family ties in the UK.

CFP® and Certified Financial Planner® are certification marks owned outside the U.S. by the Financial Planning Standards Board Ltd. (FPSB) and used with permission.