Former Principal Executive Officer: Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF)
John Oliphant is a seasoned investment professional, entrepreneur, and thought leader in responsible investing, with more than two decades of experience across asset management, pension fund governance, private markets, infrastructure, property, and sustainability. He is widely recognised for advancing impact investing and responsible capital allocation in South Africa and across the African continent.
John serves as Executive Chairman of the Third Way Asset Management Group, an investment holding company overseeing c. R65 billion in assets under management. He has played a pivotal role in founding, building, and growing innovative investment businesses, including Third Way Investment Partners, a specialist infrastructure-focused fund-of-funds platform, and Boxwood Property Fund, a high-impact property fund focused on commercial and industrial investments. He is a founding Partner and Director of Maia Capital, a high-impact mezzanine investor, co-founder of Student Living Asset Management, and a student housing investment manager. John is also a Director of All Weather Capital, an established asset manager with expertise across hedge funds, long-only equity, emerging markets, and global balanced strategies.
John previously served as Principal Executive Officer of the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF), Africa’s largest pension fund.
A recognised champion of responsible investment, John has contributed significantly to the development of ESG and stewardship practices within the investment industry. He served on the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) Advisory Council and was the Founding Chairman of the Code for Responsible Investing in South Africa (CRISA), where he helped shape both the original CRISA framework and the updated CRISA 2 Code. His leadership continues to influence industry best practice by promoting investment approaches that deliver long-term financial returns while contributing meaningful societal impact.
John holds a BSc (Actuarial Science), a BSc (Hons) in Advanced Mathematics of Finance from the University of the Witwatersrand and an MSc in Finance and Economic Policy from SOAS, University of London.
John serves as Executive Chairman of the Third Way Asset Management Group, an investment holding company overseeing c. R65 billion in assets under management. He has played a pivotal role in founding, building, and growing innovative investment businesses, including Third Way Investment Partners, a specialist infrastructure-focused fund-of-funds platform, and Boxwood Property Fund, a high-impact property fund focused on commercial and industrial investments. He is a founding Partner and Director of Maia Capital, a high-impact mezzanine investor, co-founder of Student Living Asset Management, and a student housing investment manager. John is also a Director of All Weather Capital, an established asset manager with expertise across hedge funds, long-only equity, emerging markets, and global balanced strategies.
John previously served as Principal Executive Officer of the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF), Africa’s largest pension fund.
A recognised champion of responsible investment, John has contributed significantly to the development of ESG and stewardship practices within the investment industry. He served on the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) Advisory Council and was the Founding Chairman of the Code for Responsible Investing in South Africa (CRISA), where he helped shape both the original CRISA framework and the updated CRISA 2 Code. His leadership continues to influence industry best practice by promoting investment approaches that deliver long-term financial returns while contributing meaningful societal impact.
John holds a BSc (Actuarial Science), a BSc (Hons) in Advanced Mathematics of Finance from the University of the Witwatersrand and an MSc in Finance and Economic Policy from SOAS, University of London.
Selected Career Highlights
- Executive Chairman, Third Way Asset Management Group
- Former Principal Executive Officer, Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF)
- Founding Chairman, Code for Responsible Investing in South Africa (CRISA)
- Member of the Board, UN-Supported Principles for Responsible Investment (2011–2014)
- Head of Stanlib Alternative Investments Franchise (2006–2008)
- Member, Public Investment Corporation African Infrastructure Development Fund (PAIDF) Investment Committee (2008–2013)
- Member, JSE Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) Advisory Committee (2009–2012)
- Industry Person of the Year, Batseta (2012)
- Africa’s Top Emerging Leader, Africa Investor (2013)
- Recognised among EY’s Top 200 Young South Africans (2011)
- Named Top Emerging Talent by the Association of Black Securities and Investment Professionals (2007)
