After an early career at Oliver Wyman spanning New York, London, and Dubai, Sandra Villars stepped into senior industry roles before returning to spearhead the growth of our Johannesburg office. Today, as a partner and member of the IMEA Alumni Committee, she plays a pivotal role in shaping our presence in South Africa and strengthening alumni connections across the region.
You first joined Oliver Wyman back in 2004. What do you remember about those early years?
I joined the New York office at a time when the firm still ran a single global consultant training, bringing together an entire cohort from around the world in one go. This created an immediate sense of belonging and global connection. What struck me most was how flat and non-hierarchical the culture felt. Even as a new consultant, I was encouraged to share my views, challenge ideas and help shape the work. It was an energizing environment for someone early in their career as a consultant.
Your first “chapter” at the firm took you from New York to London and then on to Dubai. How did working across those different regions shape you?
I was fortunate to work across those offices, and on projects in places like Dublin and, importantly, South Africa — a market I had always wanted more exposure to. Those years taught me the value of adaptability and introduced me to diverse client contexts, cultures, and working styles.
What drew you toward work in Africa?
I grew up across Africa, so I always had a strong connection to the region. I wanted to apply my skills to emerging markets where growth, dynamism, and impact are tangible. That desire to work more deeply in Africa eventually led me to take a sabbatical — and later, a role in the industry — to gain the on-the-ground experience I was looking for.
You then spent eight years in industry at Standard Bank and Ecobank. What did you take from that period?
Working on the other side of the table was invaluable. You gain a much deeper appreciation of what it really takes to implement ideas: the politics, the sequencing, the resource constraints, the cultural dynamics. It fosters empathy and a practical understanding of the challenges clients face. I think every consultant would benefit from seeing that side at some point in their career; it makes you far more grounded in how you present recommendations and collaborate with people.
What ultimately brought you back to Oliver Wyman?
I stayed in touch with Paul Calvey, a partner and South Africa lead, over many years as he explored the opportunity to build an office in Johannesburg. It was a lengthy process, as opening in the region required a great deal of careful thought. But once everything fell into place, it felt like the right moment. I was excited by the opportunity to help build the office and to shape a market I care deeply about.
You’ve been part of the Johannesburg office for four years. How would you describe that journey?
It’s been incredibly rewarding. The office officially opened just before the pandemic, so the early days were unusual: remote onboarding, limited face-to-face contact, and a lot of uncertainty. However, watching the office grow into a thriving and stable team has been a career highlight. We’ve built a strong local presence, matured our processes, and created a culture that reflects both Oliver Wyman’s global strengths and South Africa’s unique energy.
What stands out as a proud moment(s) from your overall time at the firm?
Some of the early off-sites and experiences, working and traveling in Africa, stand out; the kind of challenging, high-energy environments where you bond as a team and learn a great deal very quickly. More broadly, being part of the journey to establish a lasting footprint in South Africa gives me immense pride.
Describe Oliver Wyman in one word.
Impactful. Work, the people, and the culture are centred on making a real difference.
As part of our IMEA Alumni Committee, we aim to help drive alumni activities in India, the Middle East, and Africa. Why was that important to you?
Having left the firm once, I know how powerful an engaged alumni community can be, and how much value it can unlock for both alumni and the firm. In this region in particular, relationships matter. There are numerous opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and business development. I wanted to help change that and create a more connected, active alumni ecosystem across IMEA.
What opportunities do you see for alumni engagement in South Africa and across the region?
The South African alumni population is growing, and we’re now at a point where we can bring people together more frequently and meaningfully. There’s an appetite for reconnection, and there’s a lot of pride in being part of the Oliver Wyman story here. As the office continues to grow, I’d love to see more touchpoints — such as gatherings, knowledge exchanges, and community-building moments — that celebrate the journeys our alumni have taken across the continent.
Any final reflections?
It’s been exciting to see how far we’ve come as an office and a region. We’re building something with real longevity and impact, and alumni are a fundamental part of that. I’m looking forward to seeing our community continue to grow in the years ahead.
This page was originally published on December 10, 2025.