Paul Damant, CFP®
Group CEO & Director of Investment Advisory
With more than 28 years of experience in the financial services industry, Paul has completed various qualifications including a postgraduate diploma in financial planning and holds the CFP designation. Having worked across many specialist financial service fields, Paul recognises the need for the discerning client to enjoy the convenience of having an expert holistic financial service offering.
As a result, Paul has been instrumental in building Cornerstone into a multi-disciplinary financial services ecosystem, offering 8 specialist financial services businesses.
Lauren Damant
Group Managing Director
I am honoured to have been recognized as one of the 32 most influential women in South African digital marketing and a digital all-star award by Memeburn and Ventureburn in 2016. Additionally, I was the country winner in the business and professional service sector of CEO & Global Most Influential Women in Business and Government 2018/19.
With over 30 years of experience in executive management roles, I have developed advanced skills in operations, client management, administration, HR, and finance. I possess a well-rounded understanding of the real-world intricacies of local and global business.
One of my greatest strengths is my ability to ensure that companies can build relationships and deliver outstanding service to all clients. I am currently the Group Managing Director of Cornerstone Financial Services Group. I am proud to lead our purpose of assisting both individuals and businesses in achieving comprehensive financial wellness.
I am widely recognised for my business acumen, excellent grasp of financials, commitment to quality, effective leadership style, and unshakeable integrity. My “consider it done” attitude, passion for developing people, and ability to match my keen sense of pragmatism with empathy, humour, and insight have earned me the respect of my colleagues and peers throughout my career.
Letlhogonolo Lesiba
Director of Employee Benefits
Letlhogonolo started his career in employee benefits with Alexander Forbes in 2013, working in both operations and consulting on retirement funds.
Since joining the Cornerstone Group, Letlhogonolo has been instrumental in growing his team and client base. He has provided our clients with priceless value, thanks to his many years of experience and remarkable credentials.
He graduated from the University of the Free State with a BCom in Finance, two honours degrees, a postgraduate diploma in financial planning, and an advanced postgraduate diploma in investment planning.
Even though he is a dedicated, career-driven man, he has many interests outside of work, including travelling, cycling, reading biographies, and kicking back in front of the latest Netflix series.
Malyssa Hattingh
Director of Corporate Services
Malyssa has over 23 years of experience in company secretarial and corporate governance consulting at executive board level. She is passionate about creating order and clarity in the management of SME and MLE businesses operating in the private sector. She studied Advanced Corporate and Securities Law through Unisa and has worked primarily in the audit sector.
Her clientele has varied considerably over the years, and she has had the privilege of working with entities in the manufacturing, aviation, luxury goods, agricultural, medical and food processing sectors. During her career, she has worked beside very prominent and influential company directors and non-executive chairpersons. Her areas of expertise include Board and Shareholder meeting management (including the minuting thereof), share restructures and B-BBEE consulting.
Malyssa has been happily married for 22 years and she has 2 children.
Hobbies and Interests: Malyssa’s interests include hiking, reading, cooking, and spending time with her family and friends. She is an active member of her local community and volunteers for the Kenmare Kloof Conservation Association in her spare time.
Chanel Raath
Director of Tax & Accounting
I am a highly motivated business accountant who adds significant value to any business, whether a start-up or an established corporate company. Passionate about growing South Africa’s economy, Chanel believes the best way to do so is to help develop small and medium enterprises.
Chanel has a B.Com. in Financial Management focused on business accounting and tax matters and a B.Com. Hons. in Business Management with a focus on international business. She is passionate about growing South Africa’s economy through the grassroots development of SMEs. Chanel is pursuing her ACCA qualification to be registered with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants; the global body for professional accountants.
As a natural entrepreneur and analytical thinker, she has mastered the balance between solving complex operational problems and finding new ways to develop revenue streams.
Hobbies and interests: playing with her children, studying, doing home DIY projects, and sharing a braai with friends and family.
Keamogetswe Masimong
Manager Healthcare Consulting Services
Keamogetswe Masimong is a dedicated professional with a diverse background in financial services and healthcare consulting. Graduating from Rosebank College with a Diploma in Public Relations, Keamogetswe began her career journey with an internship at Odi Water Service, where she honed her communication skills.
In 2014, Keamogetswe transitioned to Old Mutual as a Financial Planner, where she gained valuable experience and obtained her RE5 certification in 2016. Seeking new challenges, she ventured into the medical aid industry, starting with Hippo Advisory Services as a medical aid sales agent in 2017.
Her passion for healthcare consulting led her to Aon South Africa, where she served as an internal healthcare consultant from December 2017 to August 2021. Despite a brief stint as a Claims Administrator at Ambledown, Keamogetswe found her true calling back in the medical aid and consulting space, joining Cornerstone Financial Services Group as a Senior Healthcare Advisor from March 2022 to April 2023.
With a commitment to continuous learning, Keamogetswe holds her NQF Level 5 in Wealth Management and has completed her Class of Business in Health Services, Short-term Insurance, Long-term Insurance, and RE1. Beyond her professional endeavours, she finds joy in outdoor adventures, exploring new restaurants, and creating memorable experiences with her son. Keamogetswe’s work ethic is driven by her desire to provide a comfortable life for her son and ensure he receives the best education possible. She values excellence in customer service and strives to make a positive impact in every aspect of her professional journey.
