Capricorn fills wealth, communication roles

Staff Reporter
  • 17 Hours Ago

Capricorn Group has made two senior appointments across its banking divisions, naming new heads for its private wealth and strategic communication functions.


Capricorn Private Wealth announced on Tuesday the appointment of Elize Smith as its Head, effective 1 May 2026. Smith brings more than 35 years of experience in the banking and financial services industry.

She began her career at Standard Bank Namibia, where she held several leadership roles, including becoming the first to be appointed Business Banking Manager for the Coastal Area and later Branch Manager of the Swakopmund Branch. She subsequently served as Financial Manager at Siemens South Africa before joining Bank Windhoek as an Account Executive.


Smith joined First National Bank Namibia in 2011, where she played a pivotal role in establishing and leading the Group's Private Clients and Private Wealth divisions. Under her leadership, both segments grew significantly.


Bank Windhoek's executive officer of business banking and acting executive officer of retail banking services, Leon Koch, said Smith brings deep industry expertise and a proven track record in building high-performing private wealth businesses. "Her appointment reinforces our commitment to delivering a boutique, client-focused experience whilst driving sustainable profitability and strategic growth across Capricorn Private Wealth," Koch said.


Smith received multiple Chief Executive Officer Awards for exceptional contribution and exemplary leadership. She has completed Management Development and Senior Management Development Programmes at the University of Stellenbosch, as well as specialised training in credit, professional selling and the oil and gas sector.


A day later, on Wednesday, Bank Windhoek announced the appointment of Bronwyn Moody as Head of Strategic Communication and Social Impact. The role encompasses strategic communication, stakeholder engagement, corporate social responsibility, sponsorships and events.

Moody brings 17 years of experience in strategic communication, public relations and corporate social responsibility, with a track record spanning several Capricorn Group entities, including Bank Gaborone in Botswana, Cavmont Bank in Zambia and Nam-mic Financial Services. Most recently, she served as acting head of strategic communication at Bank Windhoek.


Bank Windhoek's executive officer of marketing and corporate communication services, Jacquiline Pack, said the appointment reflects the bank's continued focus on integrated communication and purpose-driven impact. "Bronwyn Moody's depth of experience across the Group and her proven leadership in strategic communication positions her well to strengthen our stakeholder engagement, elevate our reputation, and advance our social impact priorities," Pack said.


Moody holds a Bachelor of Communications from the Namibia University of Science and Technology and has completed programmes including the Management Development Programme at the University of Stellenbosch Business School, as well as training in Reputation Risk Management and Public Speaking.