Discover the journey of Stellenbosch Business School's MBA alumnus Etienne Pieterse, the new Group CEO at Colcacchio.
Recently appointed as the Group CEO of Col'Cacchio, Etienne Pieterse has a people-first approach with a values-driven leadership style shaped by a career that spans nearly 15 years across various industries, the world over.
Born into an entrepreneurial family, Pieterse's upbringing laid the foundation for his business acumen and leadership ethos. It is this entrepreneurial spirit that led him to pursue a career in finance and ultimately become a Chartered Accountant (CA).
"My dad worked his way up at Pick n Pay, and my mom built her career with various businesses, particularly with the Woolworths group," Pieterse shares. "From a young age, I was exposed to leadership conversations. My parents taught me that putting people first, being respectful, and focusing on development is a winning recipe for success."
An early passion for business
Pieterse's passion for business was evident from an early age. "In primary school, I loved making and selling things. At 12, I won the best small enterprise award at our school’s Market Day. My mom convinced me to study for a CA degree because it would give me the right tools to excel in business and open up travel opportunities. Over the past 15 years, I’ve worked in nine African countries, lived in New York and Bermuda, and observed countless businesses and strategies."
Choosing the MBA journey
When it came to furthering his education, Pieterse's choice was clear. "I chose the Stellenbosch MBA for its focus on leadership, particularly responsible leadership," he said. "The programme’s reflective approach has fine-tuned my leadership and strategies, allowing me to apply multiple subjects and competencies to my current role."
"My CA training provided the foundation of my business acumen, while exposure to top companies’ strategies gave me a unique playbook. Combining this with my studies and experiences has set me up for success."
Career milestones and leadership lessons
Over a 15-year career spanning sectors and continents, Pieterse has honed his leadership style. Starting in retail operations gave Etienne key insights into consumer behaviour and market dynamics.
"At EY [Ernst & Young], I learned how to work with diverse groups, meet deadlines, and have fun along the way. Later, at Mr Price, the company’s LEAD programme sparked my interest in 'vulnerable leadership' and the teachings of Brené Brown. Leading with dignity, vulnerability, and care became central to my philosophy.
"Clear communication and truly listening to the customer are critical. Often, businesses lead with the product or commercial agenda. When you focus on the customer experience, everything else follows."
Scaling businesses and driving innovation
His time at EY Bermuda and Mr Price Money involved leading expansions and new revenue initiatives. "Scaling a business is never smooth," Etienne confirms. "Some of the biggest challenges include non-existent or misaligned company culture, cash management issues, and a lack of long-term strategy or innovation. To overcome these, businesses need to prioritise people development, strategy, and agility."
At Col'Cacchio, Pieterse has embraced innovation while staying true to the company’s people-first ethos. "Effective communication and an agile mindset are key. We’ve reset our values, purpose, and vision to build a solid foundation for sustainable growth and innovation. Watch this space - we’re reshaping the dining industry!"
Leading with empathy and empowerment
Pieterse's leadership philosophy prioritises empathy, trust, and empowerment. Monthly one-on-ones with direct reports focus on coaching and personal development rather than daily tasks.
"We start every day with a stand-up meeting where we share how we’re feeling and any challenges we’re facing. We’ve fostered a culture of openness, learning, and accountability. Our silent Fridays and breakfast Mondays help create a supportive environment where everyone can thrive."
Aligning cross-functional teams is another area where Pieterse excels at, he continued: "We set quarterly strategic priorities that are inter-departmental. Team members volunteer to lead and participate, gaining cross-departmental experience and driving collaboration. This unboxing of traditional hierarchies allows people to step up and lead."
A vision for the future
As Group CEO of Col'Cacchio, Pieterse's primary objectives include enriching the company’s culture, enhancing the customer experience, and driving innovation. "We’re obsessed with the customer experience, whether it’s dining in our restaurants or enjoying our food at home. Our new learning and development strategy, product development team, and emphasis on fun in the workplace are all geared toward sustainable growth.
"When people feel safe and aligned with what they love to do, they push themselves to be better versions of themselves. Understanding why something feels like a challenge helps me reset and pivot."