Cobus joined Transparency International in 2004 and was appointed Managing Director in 2007. His experience spans the fields of globalisation, development policy, international relations and business management. Cobus has taught and worked at universities, multinational corporations, trade unions and research institutes in managerial and research related roles around the world. During the 1980s and early 1990s, he was active in the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa including as Chair of the African National Congress in Cape Town. He is Chair of the International Civil Society Centre, member of the Board of the UN Global Compact and member of the International Integrated Reporting Council. Cobus is also a member and former chair of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Global Agenda Council on Transparency & Anti-Corruption. In addition he serves on the Board of the WEF Partnering against Corruption Initiative (PACI).