Management Team
Werner Herbst – Managing Director
Werner is a seasoned IT industry professional with over 27 years of experience, bringing a wealth of knowledge and leadership to his role. His career began at Siltek Distribution Dynamics (SDD), where he discovered his passion for distribution. This passion led to a 17-year tenure at Axiz and a leadership role at Tarsus Distribution.
In 2023, Werner joined First Distribution, embarking on a new chapter with energy and purpose. His career is defined by resilience, innovation, and transformational leadership. With a strong foundation in Cost and Management Accounting, Werner is deeply partner-focused, thriving on collaboration with vendors and engagement across the channel ecosystem.
He is equally passionate about empowering internal teams, fostering a growth-driven environment, and cultivating a healthy, sustainable workplace culture—one where people are inspired to show up and do their best work every day.
Werner’s first full financial year at First Distribution has already been marked by great success, reflecting the positive culture and disciplined approach he champions. He continues to drive transformation and excellence across the business.
Werner Herbst – Managing Director
Werner is a seasoned IT industry professional with over 27 years of experience, bringing a wealth of knowledge and leadership to his role. His career began at Siltek Distribution Dynamics (SDD), where he discovered his passion for distribution. This passion led to a 17-year tenure at Axiz and a leadership role at Tarsus Distribution.
In 2023, Werner joined First Distribution, embarking on a new chapter with energy and purpose. His career is defined by resilience, innovation, and transformational leadership. With a strong foundation in Cost and Management Accounting, Werner is deeply partner-focused, thriving on collaboration with vendors and engagement across the channel ecosystem.
He is equally passionate about empowering internal teams, fostering a growth-driven environment, and cultivating a healthy, sustainable workplace culture—one where people are inspired to show up and do their best work every day.
Werner’s first full financial year at First Distribution has already been marked by great success, reflecting the positive culture and disciplined approach he champions. He continues to drive transformation and excellence across the business.
Malcolm Stewart – General Manager: Datacentre Solutions
Malcolm has spent most of his career in the ICT industry in various Marketing, Sales, Sales Management and Channel Management roles. Starting out in 1997, he worked for the local Hyperion (Oracle) distributor, and over the years he has held positions with various vendors, including Cognos, IBM & SAP. Prior to Joining First Distribution, Malcolm ran the sales team for a software reseller and consulting firm focused on IBM, Oracle, Microsoft and a few other niche technologies. Having worked extensively with many resellers and vendors, he brings a wealth of experience to our business. Malcolm joined First Distribution in 2016 and with the support of his team, continues to grow our Datacentre business.
Malcolm Stewart – General Manager: Datacentre Solutions
Malcolm has spent most of his career in the ICT industry in various Marketing, Sales, Sales Management and Channel Management roles. Starting out in 1997, he worked for the local Hyperion (Oracle) distributor, and over the years he has held positions with various vendors, including Cognos, IBM & SAP. Prior to Joining First Distribution, Malcolm ran the sales team for a software reseller and consulting firm focused on IBM, Oracle, Microsoft and a few other niche technologies. Having worked extensively with many resellers and vendors, he brings a wealth of experience to our business. Malcolm joined First Distribution in 2016 and with the support of his team, continues to grow our Datacentre business.
Andre Human – General Manager: Dell Technologies and Druva
Andre Human is a results-oriented business executive with over 23 years of extensive experience in the ICT sector, recognised for driving innovation and sustainable growth. As the General Manager at Dell Technologies and Druva, Andre leads strategic initiatives and drives business growth, excelling in strategic planning, business development, and partner management. Throughout his career, Andre has held leadership roles in the Information Technology and Services industry, working with global brands such as Dell Technologies, Druva, VMware, Veeam, IBM, and many more across the RSA, SADC, and African markets.
Known for his dynamic leadership and collaborative approach, working closely with teams across marketing, IT, OEM’s and customer service departments to achieve project goals. His innovative thinking and strategic vision have significantly contributed to the success of Dell Technologies, Key Sales teams and with his latest OEM Druva, expected to have the same successful results.
His extensive understanding of channel partners, OEMs, and business ecosystems, combined with his passion for motivating and growing teams, makes them a valuable asset to any organisation.
Andre Human – General Manager: Dell Technologies and Druva
Andre Human is a results-oriented business executive with over 23 years of extensive experience in the ICT sector, recognised for driving innovation and sustainable growth. As the General Manager at Dell Technologies and Druva, Andre leads strategic initiatives and drives business growth, excelling in strategic planning, business development, and partner management. Throughout his career, Andre has held leadership roles in the Information Technology and Services industry, working with global brands such as Dell Technologies, Druva, VMware, Veeam, IBM, and many more across the RSA, SADC, and African markets.
Known for his dynamic leadership and collaborative approach, working closely with teams across marketing, IT, OEM’s and customer service departments to achieve project goals. His innovative thinking and strategic vision have significantly contributed to the success of Dell Technologies, Key Sales teams and with his latest OEM Druva, expected to have the same successful results.
His extensive understanding of channel partners, OEMs, and business ecosystems, combined with his passion for motivating and growing teams, makes them a valuable asset to any organisation.
Brad Stein – General Manager: Cyber Security
Brad started his career in IT over 13 years ago, when he joined Phoenix Distribution. Through dedication and a true drive for business, he worked his way up from Call centre to account manager, and later Channel Africa Sales Manager within the same company. In 2016, he joined First Distribution as the company was undergoing a change in structure – a process in which he added great value and played a significant part. Brad has recently been appointed as General Manager of the Cyber Security division at First Distribution.
Brad Stein – General Manager: Cyber Security
Brad started his career in IT over 13 years ago, when he joined Phoenix Distribution. Through dedication and a true drive for business, he worked his way up from Call centre to account manager, and later Channel Africa Sales Manager within the same company. In 2016, he joined First Distribution as the company was undergoing a change in structure – a process in which he added great value and played a significant part. Brad has recently been appointed as General Manager of the Cyber Security division at First Distribution.
Cobus Trauernicht – General Manager: Cloud
Cobus joined First Distribution’s management team as General Manager for Cloud, having previously held several key roles within the organisation, including Brand Executive for Amazon Web Services, where he drove significant growth through strategic partnerships, operational excellence, and go-to-market innovation, and Pre-Sales and Professional Services Manager, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s technical and service capabilities. He has spent over 20 years in the IT industry and brings deep expertise in vendor management across cloud, networking, infrastructure, and software solutions, consistently delivering measurable business impact. Recognized for his extensive knowledge of the value-added distribution and resell landscape, Cobus is highly skilled in building, positioning, and scaling brands within competitive markets.
Cobus Trauernicht – General Manager: Cloud
Cobus joined First Distribution’s management team as General Manager for Cloud, having previously held several key roles within the organisation, including Brand Executive for Amazon Web Services, where he drove significant growth through strategic partnerships, operational excellence, and go-to-market innovation, and Pre-Sales and Professional Services Manager, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s technical and service capabilities. He has spent over 20 years in the IT industry and brings deep expertise in vendor management across cloud, networking, infrastructure, and software solutions, consistently delivering measurable business impact. Recognized for his extensive knowledge of the value-added distribution and resell landscape, Cobus is highly skilled in building, positioning, and scaling brands within competitive markets.
Andrew Dobie – General Manager: Networking
Andrew Dobie is a seasoned professional with over 21 years of experience in the ISP and MSP IT services industry, with a proven track record in both technical and commercial roles. His comprehensive background includes network infrastructure, client services, and operational excellence, equipping him with a deep understanding of technology-driven solutions. Driven by a passion for innovation and growth, Andrew brings his expertise to the team to enhance our networking capabilities, deliver measurable results, and help clients successfully navigate the rapidly evolving IT landscape.
Andrew Dobie – General Manager: Networking
Andrew Dobie is a seasoned professional with over 21 years of experience in the ISP and MSP IT services industry, with a proven track record in both technical and commercial roles. His comprehensive background includes network infrastructure, client services, and operational excellence, equipping him with a deep understanding of technology-driven solutions. Driven by a passion for innovation and growth, Andrew brings his expertise to the team to enhance our networking capabilities, deliver measurable results, and help clients successfully navigate the rapidly evolving IT landscape.
Johann Toerien – General Manager: Sales
Johann is the General Manager for Sales at First Distribution that brings a wealth of experience to the table. With a career spanning over 23 years in the IT industry. His journey includes a significant stint of six and a half years at
one of the largest distributors in the United Kingdom, where his main focus was enabling customers in the
Enterprise Vendors offerings. Prior to that, Johan build his career in the markets of South Africa and Southern Africa with being involved in the leading brands on offer. Being experienced in leading teams from Product and Sales adds to his understanding of the industry and commitment to the channel to enable partners to navigate through the complex offerings in the market in partnership with First Distribution.
Johann Toerien – General Manager: Sales
Johann is the General Manager for Sales at First Distribution that brings a wealth of experience to the table. With a career spanning over 23 years in the IT industry. His journey includes a significant stint of six and a half years at
one of the largest distributors in the United Kingdom, where his main focus was enabling customers in the
Enterprise Vendors offerings. Prior to that, Johan build his career in the markets of South Africa and Southern Africa with being involved in the leading brands on offer. Being experienced in leading teams from Product and Sales adds to his understanding of the industry and commitment to the channel to enable partners to navigate through the complex offerings in the market in partnership with First Distribution.
Wayne Dannheisser – Financial Manager
With a proven track record of driving financial success, operational excellence, and strategic growth for organisations of varying scales, Wayne brings over 21 years of comprehensive financial and business leadership experience to the First Distribution team. He is adept at transforming finance functions into strategic business partners, aligning financial management with organisational goals to maximise shareholder value. Prior to joining FD, amongst other roles, Wayne was the CFO for a leading FMCG group, a SaaS company as well as key member of the executive team for a private equity enterprise with investments in Agriculture, Aviation, Wholesale Distribution and Mainstream Retail.
Wayne has recently been appointed as Financial Manager of First Distribution.
Wayne Dannheisser – Financial Manager
With a proven track record of driving financial success, operational excellence, and strategic growth for organisations of varying scales, Wayne brings over 21 years of comprehensive financial and business leadership experience to the First Distribution team. He is adept at transforming finance functions into strategic business partners, aligning financial management with organisational goals to maximise shareholder value. Prior to joining FD, amongst other roles, Wayne was the CFO for a leading FMCG group, a SaaS company as well as key member of the executive team for a private equity enterprise with investments in Agriculture, Aviation, Wholesale Distribution and Mainstream Retail.
Wayne has recently been appointed as Financial Manager of First Distribution.
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