Jens Montanana, founder and chief executive officer of Datatec Limited, received $12.47 million in total compensation for the year ended Feb. 28, 2026, as the South African technology group delivered sharply higher earnings.

His package rose 52.7% from $8.16 million a year earlier, reflecting higher performance-linked awards rewarded to its long time chief.

Pay rises with profits

Montanana’s package included a $1.35 million base salary, $3.37 million short-term incentive and $7.48 million long-term incentive.

The increase came as Datatec reported profit of $108.73 million, up 56.94% from $69.28 million, while revenue rose to $3.67 billion from $3.55 billion.

Gross profit climbed to $997.8 million from $910.32 million, supported by demand for cybersecurity, network upgrades and artificial intelligence infrastructure. Software and services accounted for about 71% of gross income, highlighting the growing contribution of higher-value technology services across Datatec’s international operations.

Technology demand lifts results

Datatec’s balance sheet also strengthened during the year. Total assets increased 16.91% to $4.65 billion from $3.97 billion, while total equity reached $618.48 million. The group provides networking, cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure and technology services across Africa, North America, South America, Europe and Asia-Pacific.

The company operates in more than 50 countries through businesses including Westcon International, which focuses on technology distribution, and Logicalis International and Logicalis Latin America, which provide technology integration and managed services. Datatec is headquartered in South Africa and has been listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange since 1994.

A long run at Datatec

Montanana founded Datatec in 1986 and has led the company for more than three decades. He served as chairman and CEO after its 1994 listing before an independent nonexecutive chair position was introduced in 2001. He remains CEO and chairs the boards of several major Datatec subsidiaries.

Before building Datatec, Montanana served as managing director and vice president of U.S. Robotics (UK) Ltd. From 1989 to 1993. In 1993, he co-founded U.S.-based Xedia Corp., which was acquired by Lucent Technologies in 1999. He also serves as chairman of Logicalis International.

Montanana remains major shareholder

Montanana held 44,937,489 Datatec shares, representing 19.01% of issued shares and valued at about $228.27 million at the reporting date. His substantial holding gives him a significant financial interest in the group’s performance, alongside his executive role and long-standing involvement in its operations.

Datatec also announced a dividend distribution of R7.053 billion, or about $435 million, with cash payments and scrip distribution shares scheduled for Oct. 19, 2026. The distribution followed a $400 million refinancing and minority investment transaction involving General Atlantic that reshaped Datatec’s Westcon International business.