In FORBES AFRICA’s inaugural list of South Africa’s top CEOs, corporate leaders showcase their ability to navigate a nation marked by highs and lows, proving that success lies in embracing opportunities and transforming challenges into tangible achievements. From retail giants to financial services and technology innovators, these CEOs highlight how visionary leadership, strategic decision-making, and a commitment to social responsibility are driving South Africa’s economic recovery and growth.
Retail Sector: Leading the Charge in South African Business
- Richard Hirsch – CEO of Hirsch’s (Appointed 2020)
Since his appointment in 2020, Richard Hirsch has brought a dynamic and hands-on leadership style to Hirsch’s, South Africa’s largest independent appliance and electronics retailer. Under his stewardship, Hirsch’s has maintained a strong presence with 20 branches across KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, and Cape Town. Hirsch believes in South Africa’s vast potential and remains committed to the growth of the business through customer engagement, small business support, and women entrepreneurship initiatives. As Hirsch’s celebrates 45 years since its founding in KwaZulu-Natal, Hirsch’s leadership underscores the importance of striving for excellence in a competitive market.
- Pieter Engelbrecht – CEO of Shoprite Holdings (Appointed 2017)
Pieter Engelbrecht’s leadership of Shoprite, Africa’s largest grocery retailer, is marked by a focus on social impact and community connections. Under his guidance, Shoprite has expanded its footprint across Africa, recently being recognized as “Company of the Year” at the News24 Business Awards. Engelbrecht believes that Shoprite’s success is built on its commitment to job creation, skills development, and social responsibility. His initiatives like Money Market and USave have strengthened the company’s position as a leader in the retail sector while addressing key issues such as financial inclusion.
- Roy Bagattini – CEO of Woolworths Holdings (Appointed 2020)
As CEO of Woolworths, Roy Bagattini has steered the company through a period of remarkable growth, achieving a turnover of R76.4 billion in fiscal year 2024. Under Bagattini’s leadership, Woolworths has maintained its status as a top retailer in South Africa, investing in youth entrepreneurship through initiatives like the Youth Makers Competition. Woolworths’ continued focus on customer relations and sustainable growth is a testament to Bagattini’s commitment to excellence across multiple markets.
Diversified Sector: Innovation and Leadership Driving Transformation
- Mpumi Madisa – CEO of Bidvest Group (Appointed 2020)
Mpumi Madisa made history in 2020 as the first Black woman to lead a JSE top 40 company. Under her guidance, Bidvest has become a major player in South Africa’s diversified business sector, with a workforce of nearly 130,000. Madisa has been vocal about the need for more women in leadership positions, not only within Bidvest but across the broader business landscape. She believes that diversity is essential to driving the company’s growth and to inspiring future generations of women leaders.
- Dawie de Villiers – CEO of Alexforbes Group (Appointed 2018)
Dawie de Villiers leads Alexforbes with a focus on transparency and trust-building, empowering his team to make decisions that prioritize clients’ interests. His approach has strengthened the company’s reputation as a trusted advisor, particularly in the areas of financial services and consulting. De Villiers compares his role as CEO to that of a sports coach, aiming to create a culture where every decision enhances client relationships.
Financial Services: Pioneering Growth and Innovation
- Sim Tshabalala & Kenny Fihla – Standard Bank Group
Sim Tshabalala, the Group CEO of Standard Bank since 2017, and Kenny Fihla, Deputy CEO and CEO of Standard Bank South Africa, have led the company’s impressive growth trajectory. As Africa’s largest lender, Standard Bank’s recent financial results saw a 4% rise in earnings, attributed to growth in banking services and robust performance in insurance and asset management. Both Tshabalala and Fihla are committed to supporting sustainable finance, with plans to invest R250–R300 billion in renewable energy projects over five years. Their leadership aligns Standard Bank’s success with Africa’s broader development goals, particularly through its focus on financial inclusion.
- Dr. Gloria Serobe – WIPHOLD (Appointed 1994)
Dr. Gloria Serobe, co-founder of Women Investment Portfolio Holdings (WIPHOLD), has been a champion for women’s empowerment in South Africa’s financial and business sectors. Under her leadership, WIPHOLD has empowered over 19,000 Black women shareholders, with investments exceeding R3 billion. Serobe’s work has paved the way for greater female representation in business, with a particular focus on breaking barriers in male-dominated industries.
- Fani Titi – Investec (Appointed 2020)
Fani Titi, CEO of Investec since 2020, is a strong advocate for sustainability in business. He is a member of the UN’s Global Investors for Sustainable Development Alliance and focuses on promoting investments that align with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Titi’s leadership aims to solidify Investec’s role as a key player in driving sustainable financial practices across the African continent.
- Mustaq Brey-Brimstone Investment Corporation (Appointed 1995)
Since taking the reins nearly three decades ago, Mustaq Brey has led Brimstone Investment to an Intrinsic Net Asset Value of R2.7 billion ($152 million) as of June 2024. Brimstone’s portfolio, with 76% invested in food, includes Sea Harvest and Oceana Group. In August, Brey shared with CNBC Africa plans to cut debt while staying active in the market. Beyond business, he uplifts communities through the Saabri & Ashrafi Relief Fund and serves as a Mandela Rhodes Foundation trustee, backing young African talent.
- Adrian Gore – Discovery Group (Appointed 1992)
As the founder and CEO of Discovery Group, Adrian Gore has transformed the healthcare landscape in South Africa. Since 1992, Gore has led Discovery through political and economic challenges, expanding it into a company operating in 41 markets with a market capitalization of R100 billion. Gore’s commitment to innovation has made Discovery a leader in health insurance and wellness programs, ensuring the company’s continued success in the global market.
- Anton Pillay-Coronation Fund Managers (Appointed 2013)
At Coronation, Anton Pillay has led for over a decade, emphasizing trust and a long-term focus on social impact. The firm’s 2023 report highlights initiatives in literacy, numeracy, and food security for youth, aiming to empower future generations. Pillay, with deep experience in finance, also chairs the ASISA Board and serves on Coronation’s subsidiaries.
- Paul Hanratty-Sanlam Group (Appointed 2020)
Since becoming CEO, Paul Hanratty has expanded Sanlam’s reach, including launching the SanlamAllianz brand in Ghana. In 2023, Sanlam acquired 60% of MultiChoice’s insurance arm, contributing to a 19% growth in profits in 2024. Hanratty prioritizes strengthening Sanlam’s South African and pan-African operations.
- Gerrie Fourie-Capitec (Appointed 2014)
Gerrie Fourie, driven by innovation, has grown Capitec into a leading bank with R10.6 billion ($599 million) in earnings in 2024. Under his leadership, Capitec fosters a client-focused, entrepreneurial culture where staff are empowered to make proactive decisions, embodying the company’s values.
Telecommunications: Expanding Connectivity Across Africa
- Shameel Joosub – CEO of Vodacom (Appointed 2012)
Shameel Joosub has led Vodacom to become a market leader in mobile communications, reporting R151 billion in revenue and a customer base exceeding 200 million. Joosub’s leadership has focused on expanding mobile money services and driving financial inclusion through Vodacom’s Super App. Despite challenges posed by the pandemic, Joosub ensured that Vodacom remained ahead of competitors, positioning the company for long-term growth in South Africa and across Africa.
- Ralph Mupita – CEO of MTN (Appointed 2020)
Ralph Mupita, CEO of MTN since 2020, is committed to improving connectivity and financial inclusion across Africa. Under Mupita’s leadership, MTN has seen impressive growth, reporting $12 billion in revenue and a customer base of over 19,000 employees. His vision for MTN is one that prioritizes digital communication, aiming to bridge the digital divide and create greater access to mobile services for African communities.
Auditing and Accounting: Leadership in Innovation and Transformation
- Ajen Sita – CEO of Ernst & Young (EY) (Appointed 2010)
Ajen Sita, leading Ernst & Young (EY) since 2010, has been instrumental in guiding the firm through both challenges and opportunities in the auditing and accounting sector. During the COVID-19 pandemic, EY was at the forefront of helping businesses innovate and adapt to new economic realities, with Sita championing efforts to provide clients with strategic financial and operational insights. His focus on diversity and transformation has ensured EY’s role in shaping South Africa’s corporate landscape, even amidst the global disruptions.
- Shirley Machaba-PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Southern Africa (Appointed 2019)
Shirley Machaba is the first woman to lead PwC Southern Africa. Known for her confidence and purposeful leadership, she views challenges as opportunities. She serves on the boards of Business Leadership South Africa and the Institute of Directors South Africa, advancing corporate governance. Under her leadership, PwC supports SMMEs and promotes entrepreneurship, particularly through the Faranani program, which has empowered over 4,200 women in rural areas, helping them run profitable businesses and contribute to economic growth.
- Victor Sekese – CEO of SNG Grant Thornton (Appointed 1998)
Victor Sekese has steered SNG Grant Thornton since 1998, leading it to become one of the largest Black-owned accounting firms in South Africa. Sekese’s leadership reflects South Africa’s journey towards inclusivity, with the firm embodying transformation through its 75% Black ownership and 25% shares held by women. Sekese emphasizes a corporate responsibility model that incorporates diversity, race, gender equality, and environmental sustainability—pillars that have helped SNG Grant Thornton maintain its relevance and leadership in the field.
Food and Beverages: Resilience and Social Impact
- Darren Hele – CEO of Famous Brands (Appointed 2016)
Darren Hele’s leadership of Famous Brands has been pivotal in the group’s resilience through economic pressures, achieving continued success despite external challenges. Famous Brands has expanded its restaurant network while maintaining a strong commitment to supporting Black-owned enterprises and women-owned businesses. Hele has overseen the group’s focus on sustainable initiatives and its investment in Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs), ensuring that the company contributes to South Africa’s broader socio-economic growth.
Hospitality: Leading Recovery and Sustainable Growth
- Anthony Leeming – CEO of Sun International (Appointed 2017)
Anthony Leeming has led Sun International through a significant recovery following the pandemic, with the company achieving increased revenue and growth in its SunBet division. Leeming has championed sustainability and community inclusion, focusing on projects that support Black female-owned SMMEs. His leadership reflects the evolving nature of South Africa’s hospitality industry, where recovery is balanced with a strong commitment to environmental responsibility.
- Chris Du Toit – CEO of Tsogo Sun (Appointed 2019)
Since 2019, Chris Du Toit has navigated Tsogo Sun through the economic challenges of the pandemic. Under his leadership, the group has focused on energy-saving initiatives and expanding solar power to ensure both sustainable growth and environmental responsibility. Tsogo Sun’s resilience under Du Toit’s direction highlights the company’s commitment to innovation and growth within South Africa’s dynamic hospitality and gaming sectors.
Science and Technology: Innovation and Industrial Development
- Dr. Thulani Dlamini – CEO of CSIR (Appointed 2017)
Dr. Thulani Dlamini has led the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) with a clear vision to reduce South Africa’s dependence on imports by fostering local innovation. His leadership focuses on industrial development and sustainability, emphasizing the importance of homegrown innovations to drive economic growth. Dlamini’s role in advancing science and technology has been key to positioning CSIR as a critical driver of South Africa’s long-term development strategy.
Civil Aviation: Strengthening South Africa’s Aviation Sector
- Nompumelelo ‘Mpumi’ Mpofu – CEO of ACSA (Appointed 2020)
Nompumelelo Mpofu’s appointment as CEO of Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has placed a significant focus on strengthening South Africa’s aviation sector. Recognizing the growth opportunities within Africa’s developing aviation industry, Mpofu has emphasized the importance of building a resilient, innovative, and sustainable aviation infrastructure. Under her leadership, ACSA aims to enhance connectivity and maintain high standards of customer service, driving growth in the regional aviation sector.
Beauty Retail: Embracing African Heritage and Empowerment
- Serge Sacre – CEO of L’Oréal South Africa (Appointed 2019)
Serge Sacre has led L’Oréal South Africa with a mission to redefine beauty for African consumers. Since 2019, Sacre has steered the brand towards deeper cultural engagement, emphasizing inclusivity and social impact. With the South African beauty industry valued at over $6 billion, Sacre’s leadership has focused on developing products that reflect Africa’s diverse beauty while also empowering local communities. L’Oréal’s commitment to sustainability and social responsibility aligns with Sacre’s vision of creating meaningful change through the power of beauty.
Leadership That Drives South Africa’s Future
The CEOs featured in FORBES AFRICA’s list exemplify the diverse and resilient leadership that is driving South Africa’s economic recovery and growth. Whether through retail, diversified business sectors, financial services, or technology, these leaders are not only navigating challenges but are actively shaping the future of South Africa and the broader African continent. Their commitment to social impact, innovation, and sustainable growth underscores the important role that effective leadership plays in fostering long-term success.
