About Us
Team Tabono
The alchemy of growth
Combining unmatched experience and entrepreneurial insights, the Tabono team forms the very foundation of our success.
Our core
The literal meaning of Tabono is an oar or a paddle. For Tabono, the name and icon represent the difficult task of rowing a boat to reach your destination with just the right balance of tension between the oars and the team working together to forge ahead. Our leaders are the alchemy that catapults the growth of highly specialised businesses, with deep experience and robust entrepreneurial insights.
Meet the team
Founded by Liran Assness and Reon Barnard, Tabono has invaluable experience, layered expertise, and entrepreneurial intuition, catapulting the growth of highly specialised businesses. Our 30+ years of shared experience in mining, logistics and commodities trading have fine-tuned a versatile collective instinct for tackling formidable territories and complex industries.
Reon Barnard - CEO & Co-Founder
Reon Barnard is a seasoned mining entrepreneur whose passion for the discovery, acquisition, and mining of natural resources spans Southern and Central Africa. With a B.Com in Finance from Stellenbosch University and an Executive MBA from Tsinghua INSEAD, complemented by certifications from GIBS Business School, the Ethics Institute, and the Institute of Directors Southern Africa, Reon blends financial acumen with entrepreneurial insight. His belief that "opportunity is everywhere" drives him to uncover prospects in untapped areas, and his strategic investments ensure sustainable, profitable growth. Reon's track record of building successful ventures is underscored by his deep experience in mining and resource management, making him a pivotal figure in the sector.
Liran Assness - Director & Co-Founder
Liran Assness is an international commodity trader with vast experience spanning EMEA and Asian markets, with a specialist focus on chrome, manganese, and iron ore. His career has been built by identifying high-value opportunities and scaling investments and acquisitions in complex industries.
Liran holds an Honours in Accountancy from the University of Johannesburg and is a Certified Director, serving on multiple boards. A true Afro-optimist, Liran believes that teamwork, industry expertise, and strategic decision-making are essential for unlocking potential in intricate business environments. His hands-on approach positions him as a forward-thinking leader in critical sectors.
Riaan van Dyk - Director
Riaan van Dyk's career trajectory began in the public sector, where he was involved in engineering, design, and project management for critical turnaround projects. His drive for continuous growth led him to private enterprise, where he held roles in consulting, manufacturing, and project management, ultimately earning Professional Engineering (Pr.Eng) and Project Management Professional (PMP) qualifications. Riaan holds a BEng in Civil Engineering, PrEng in Structural Engineering, and a Masters in Engineering Management. Known for his results-driven approach, Riaan is passionate about using his engineering and project management expertise to deliver growth across Africa. His philosophy—being stubborn about goals but flexible in methods—has helped him navigate and lead complex projects with precision and innovation.
If we sound like your kind of people, then let’s talk.
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