Ms Tanya Cohen operates at the critical intersection between government and business, offering strategic and pragmatic advice through her firm, Cogent Advisory (Pty) Ltd. Renowned for navigating multifaceted developmental challenges, she collaborates with organisations like Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator and the Public Private Growth Initiative. Her active involvement with key government programs, including the National Sector Masterplan Coordinating Committee, the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention, the Red Tape Reduction Unit and Operation Vulindlela has honed her ability to work across diverse sectors to find pragmatic solutions.

As the former CEO of Business Unity South Africa (BUSA), Cohen's leadership was pivotal in forming significant social compacts such as the National Minimum Wage and the Presidential Jobs Summit Framework Agreement. Her involvement over many years with the International Labour Organisation on the impact of demographic change, decent work and the future of work further underscores her influence in socio-economic development on the global stage.

Cohen's governance roles include currently serving on the boards of the Khula Education Trust, NextUp and the SA UK Chamber of Commerce. Previously she has served as a commissioner at the Commission for Employment Equity and chairperson of the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration Governing Body. Cohen is an attorney, and holds a BA, LLM, LLM (Laws) from the University of the Witwatersrand. She is driven by a deep commitment to the country’s development.