25 most influential CEOs in South Africa
Forbes Africa has listed its top 25 CEOs in South Africa across several sectors, such as retail, banking, telecommunications, auditing and accounting, and food and beverage.
Being a CEO in South Africa in 2024 is no ordinary feat. Leaders face a volatile economic landscape marked by persistent energy crises, socio-political challenges, and the need for rapid technological adaptation.
Yet, these trailblazers manage to drive innovation, financial success, and societal impact.
Their roles demand resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering focus on sustainability amid uncertainty is the basis for Forbes Africa’s 2024 Top CEOs, which is an unranked list of 25 influential and impactful CEOs in South Africa.
The CEOs recognised by Forbes Africa have each served a minimum of four years in their roles, demonstrating the longevity and dedication essential for impactful leadership.
Their corporations have not only delivered robust financial performance but also expanded markets and driven industry advancements.
The businesses they helm exemplify the potential of executive leadership to uplift industries and communities alike.
Eligibility for the list requires businesses to be based in South Africa, showcasing local expertise with global ambitions.
Many of these companies contribute to Africa’s broader growth story, reflecting the intersection of South Africa’s unique challenges and opportunities.
Whether through fostering innovation, creating jobs, or addressing pressing societal issues, these leaders embody the grit and vision required to succeed in a challenging yet rewarding business environment.
Their stories underline that leading in South Africa is not just about corporate success—it is about navigating complexity while making a tangible difference in society.
The 25 CEOs and the reasons for being on this list, as outlined by Forbes Africa, are listed below.
Richard Hirsch – Hirsch’s
Optimism and Customer-Centric Leadership
Appointed CEO in 2020, Richard Hirsch exudes optimism for South Africa’s potential, emphasising the value of resilience and customer focus.
Under his leadership, Hirsch’s, a family business founded in KwaZulu-Natal, celebrated 45 years of growth with 20 branches nationwide.
Hirsch prioritises customer service by spending time in stores to engage with staff and shoppers. He encourages excellence, believing survival depends on standing out in a competitive market.
Passionate about entrepreneurship, the company fosters women and small business networking events.
Hirsch’s approach reflects a commitment to innovation and community, building on his family’s entrepreneurial legacy.
Pieter Engelbrecht – Shoprite Holdings
Balancing Profit and Social Impact
CEO since 2017, Pieter Engelbrecht, champions Shoprite as a transformative institution beyond retail.
Leading Africa’s largest grocery chain, he merges profitability with community upliftment through initiatives like job creation, skills development, and supporting small businesses.
Engelbrecht’s legacy includes launching financial services like Money Market and acquiring strategic assets such as Computicket.
Shoprite’s recognition as News24’s Company of the Year in 2023 reflects its robust strategy and positive societal impact.
Engelbrecht’s leadership emphasises the vital role Shoprite plays in millions of lives, from alleviating hunger to narrowing inequalities, portraying it as a beacon of stability and progress.
Roy Bagattini – Woolworths Holdings Limited
Driving Innovation and Supporting Youth Entrepreneurs
Since 2020, Roy Bagattini has leveraged two decades of global retail expertise to elevate Woolworths.
Under his leadership, the retailer achieved R76.4 billion in turnover in 2024, demonstrating its strength across diverse brands and portfolios.
Bagattini focuses on fostering entrepreneurship through initiatives like the Youth Makers Competition, which invests in young innovators.
His vision centres on deeper customer connections and maximising Woolworths’ potential. Bagattini’s leadership combines operational excellence with social responsibility, reflecting his commitment to both financial growth and fostering innovation within South Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Mpumi Madisa – Bidvest Group
Breaking Barriers and Championing Representation
Appointed in 2020, Mpumi Madisa became the first Black female CEO of a top 40 JSE company.
Leading nearly 130,000 employees, she views her role as an inspiration for others, particularly women and people of colour, to ascend to leadership.
With 18 years at Bidvest, she stresses the importance of paving the way for future female CEOs. Madisa actively contributes to governance, serving on 16 subsidiary boards.
Under her leadership, Bidvest continues to thrive, balancing robust operations with a commitment to representation and breaking glass ceilings in corporate South Africa.
Dawie de Villiers – Alexforbes Group
Leadership as Coaching and Client Trust
CEO since 2018, Dawie de Villiers, likens his leadership to coaching, focusing on strategy, trust, and empowering employees.
Passionate about winning and doing the right thing, De Villiers fosters a culture of transparency, enabling employees to prioritise clients’ best interests—even when solutions extend beyond Alexforbes.
This customer-first ethos strengthens client relationships and bolsters business confidence.
His sports analogy underscores a commitment to teamwork, strategy, and adaptability, qualities that position Alexforbes as a trusted advisory firm under his dynamic leadership.
Sim Tshabalala – Standard Bank Group
Driving African Growth and Sustainability
Sim Tshabalala, Group CEO since 2017, leads Standard Bank, Africa’s largest lender, with a strong focus on the continent’s development.
Under his leadership, the bank reported R22 billion ($1.2 billion) in headline earnings for 2023, bolstered by growth in its banking, insurance, and asset management divisions.
Tshabalala emphasises the bank’s commitment to sustainability, aiming for net-zero carbon emissions by 2040 and investing in renewable energy projects.
His leadership reflects a balance between financial performance and environmental stewardship, cementing Standard Bank’s role as a driver of Africa’s growth and a leader in climate-conscious initiatives.
Kenny Fihla – Standard Bank Group
Championing SMEs and Energy Solutions
Appointed Deputy CEO of Standard Bank Group and CEO of Standard Bank South Africa in 2024, Kenny Fihla is a seasoned leader with over 18 years at the bank.
Fihla focuses on supporting SMEs and implementing sustainability-linked financing. He leads initiatives to expand renewable energy projects, with the bank committing up to R300 billion ($16.9 billion) for the energy transition.
Fihla emphasises collaboration among financial institutions to address Africa’s energy needs responsibly.
His strategic efforts ensure SMEs thrive while advancing the continent’s shift toward renewable energy, solidifying Standard Bank’s leadership in sustainability.
Dr. Gloria Serobe – WIPHOLD
Trailblazing Women’s Empowerment and Investment
Co-founder of WIPHOLD in 1994, Dr. Gloria Serobe champions women’s economic empowerment. Overcoming early challenges, WIPHOLD now boasts over 19,200 Black women shareholders and investments exceeding R3 billion ($169 million).
Serobe’s leadership emphasises strategic involvement in sectors like financial services, mining, and agriculture.
Celebrating 30 years in business, she highlights WIPHOLD’s pivotal role in clearing pathways for women in leadership.
Recognised with a Lifetime Achievement Award and installed as Chancellor of the Tshwane University of Technology, Serobe continues to advocate for greater representation of women in South Africa’s corporate landscape.
Fani Titi – Investec
Leading Through Crisis and Promoting Sustainability
Appointed CEO during the pandemic in 2020, Fani Titi has steered Investec with resilience and vision. With sustainability as a core focus, Titi represents Investec on the Global Investors for Sustainable Development Alliance, working to unlock funding for the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
A veteran leader, he co-founded Kagiso Trust Investments and has chaired Investec since 2011.
Titi’s strategic leadership balances Investec’s core businesses with delivering sustainable outcomes, reinforcing the company’s reputation as a leader in private banking and investment.
Mustaq Brey – Brimstone Investment
Building Community-Focused Investments
Mustaq Brey, CEO since 1995, co-founded Brimstone Investment with a mission of community upliftment. Under his leadership, Brimstone’s portfolio, valued at R2.7 billion ($152 million), includes key assets in the food, health, and insurance sectors.
Brey’s dedication to the community extends to initiatives like the Saabri & Ashrafi Relief Fund and his role with the Mandela Rhodes Foundation, which empowers young African leaders.
Passionate about sustainability and growth, Brey balances reducing debt with expanding high-value assets like Sea Harvest and Oceana Group, driving both corporate success and community impact.
Adrian Gore – Discovery Group
Innovation Through Crisis
Adrian Gore, founder and CEO of Discovery Group since 1992, built the company into a global leader with operations in 41 markets and a market capitalisation of R100 billion $5.6 billion.
Gore attributes Discovery’s success to innovation during adversity, launching amidst South Africa’s political upheaval.
With 2.7 million beneficiaries in Discovery Health, the company also expanded into banking and investments.
Gore’s leadership extends beyond Discovery, serving as Vice President of Business Unity South Africa and championing entrepreneurship and sustainable healthcare.
His forward-thinking approach reflects his belief that crises often catalyse innovation, fostering long-term societal and business impact.
Anton Pillay – Coronation Fund Managers
Fostering Long-Term Growth and Community Impact
Anton Pillay, CEO of Coronation Fund Managers since 2013, focuses on long-term value creation for investors and community development.
Coronation’s 2023 Sustainability Report highlights its commitment to primary education and food security, addressing South Africa’s socio-economic challenges.
Pillay emphasises a holistic approach, supporting teachers, parents, and students to unlock potential.
With extensive experience in investment and banking, Pillay also leads industry transformation as Chairperson of ASISA.
Under his leadership, Coronation balances financial performance with meaningful corporate social investment, earning the trust of investors while contributing to sustainable societal progress.
Paul Hanratty – Sanlam Group
Strategic Growth and Global Expansion
Since 2020, Paul Hanratty has led Sanlam Group through transformative growth, focusing on strengthening South African operations and expanding into Africa and Asia.
In 2024, the group launched SanlamAllianz in Ghana and acquired a majority stake in MultiChoice’s insurance business. These strategic moves contributed to a 19% increase in net financial services results, exceeding $396 million in 2023.
Hanratty prioritises leveraging Sanlam’s scale and market positions in high-growth economies. With a focus on stakeholder value creation, Hanratty’s leadership ensures Sanlam’s position as a dynamic, globally competitive financial services provider.
Gerrie Fourie – Capitec
Innovation and Entrepreneurial Leadership
Gerrie Fourie, CEO of Capitec since 2014, attributes the bank’s success to a culture of innovation and client-centric solutions.
Ranked South Africa’s best bank in 2018, Capitec reported $599 million in headline earnings in 2024. Fourie views entrepreneurship and innovation as integral to Capitec’s DNA, driving its rapid growth and transformative impact. He fosters a culture where staff make client-focused decisions intuitively.
His leadership reflects his passion for building value-driven businesses, ensuring Capitec remains a market leader by consistently delivering innovative and accessible banking solutions.
Ajen Sita – Ernst & Young (EY)
Resilience Through Leadership Challenges
Ajen Sita, EY Africa CEO since 2010, guided the firm through the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic by prioritising agility, client service, and staff motivation.
Described as a strategic thinker, Sita champions the development of people and transformation across Africa’s auditing profession.
He believes in consistency, curiosity, and embracing opportunities, which are values he instills within EY’s culture.
Under his leadership, EY maintained strong business performance despite uncertainties, positioning itself as an adaptable and resilient professional services firm dedicated to supporting clients and empowering staff across the continent.
Shirley Machaba – PwC Southern Africa
Empowering Women and SMMEs
Shirley Machaba, CEO of PwC Southern Africa since 2019, is a trailblazer as the first woman in this role.
She emphasises confidence and purpose-driven leadership, leveraging PwC’s resources to support SMMEs and promote corporate governance.
Through initiatives like the Faranani Program, Machaba has empowered over 4,200 women, with 68% running profitable businesses that address unemployment and inequality.
Her focus on inclusivity and climate-conscious supply chains demonstrates a commitment to both economic transformation and sustainability.
Under her guidance, PwC strengthens entrepreneurship and collaboration, leaving a lasting impact on South Africa’s economic and social landscape.
Victor Sekese – SNG Grant Thornton
Modeling Corporate Responsibility
Victor Sekese, CEO since 1998, has positioned SNG Grant Thornton as a leader in diversity, inclusion, and sustainability.
With 75% Black and 25% female ownership, the firm reflects South Africa’s transformation journey.
Sekese leads with the vision of making SNG a benchmark for corporate responsibility, fostering an inclusive culture and meaningful stakeholder engagement.
His focus on ethical leadership and societal contributions ensures the firm remains a model for equity and excellence.
SNG’s commitment to gender and racial diversity, coupled with Sekese’s strategic leadership, underscores its role as a transformative force in the business landscape.
Shameel Joosub – Vodacom Group
Driving Innovation in Telecoms and Financial Services
Shameel Joosub, CEO of Vodacom since 2012, has steered the company to groundbreaking innovations in telecommunications and financial services. Vodacom reported R151 billion ($8.5 billion) in revenue in 2024, serving over 200 million customers.
Joosub’s strategic investments during crises like Covid-19 positioned Vodacom ahead of competitors.
With initiatives like the Super App, he integrates telecommunications with digital payments, fostering financial inclusion and redefining mobile money in Africa.
His leadership emphasises connectivity, entrepreneurship, and youth development, ensuring Vodacom continues to address pressing socio-economic challenges while driving technological progress across the continent.
Ralph Mupita – MTN Group
Championing Digital and Financial Inclusion
Ralph Mupita, MTN Group CEO since 2020, prioritises digital and financial inclusion across Africa.
Under his leadership, MTN reported $12 billion in revenue in 2024, expanding connectivity and transforming rural and urban lives.
Mupita leverages MTN’s mobile money and fintech platforms to foster financial empowerment, aligning with the company’s pan-African ethos.
Despite his unconventional path from civil engineering to telecoms, his vision emphasises dignity and opportunity through digital transformation.
Mupita’s commitment to scalable solutions ensures MTN continues to bridge the digital divide and unlock economic potential for millions across the continent.
Darren Hele – Famous Brands Limited
Resilience and Growth in Food Services
Darren Hele, CEO since 2016, has led Famous Brands to resilience amid economic challenges, adding 137 new restaurants in 2024. The company reported assets worth R3.5 billion ($197 million), maintaining market leadership with iconic brands like Steers and Wimpy.
Hele supported franchise partners during load-shedding, providing R21.6 million ($1.2 million) in relief while also promoting sustainable development through initiatives like the YES Programme.
With significant investments in Black-owned and women-owned businesses, Hele drives economic empowerment.
His strategic focus on innovation and sustainability ensures Famous Brands remains a cornerstone of South Africa’s food services industry.
Anthony M. Leeming – Sun International
Navigating Challenges and Driving Growth
Anthony Leeming, CEO since 2017, has successfully guided Sun International through the hospitality sector’s challenges, particularly during and after the pandemic.
Under his leadership, the group achieved R6 billion ($339 million) in revenue for the first half of 2024, with a 71.8% growth in SunBet income.
Leeming emphasises supporting Black female-owned SMMEs as part of Sun International’s sustainability goals. Key achievements include the $16 million Sun City Vacation Club expansion, which incorporated local contractor involvement.
With strategic planning and stakeholder collaboration, Leeming ensures the group’s resilience while fostering community upliftment and economic growth.
Chris Du Toit – Tsogo Sun Group
Sustainability and Recovery
Chris Du Toit has been leading Tsogo Sun Group since 2019, guiding it through pandemic recovery. In 2024, the group reported R11.5 billion ($651 million) in revenue and outlined ambitious sustainability goals, such as expanding solar power generation and optimising water and energy use.
Du Toit has a strong background in gaming and entertainment, which aids in navigating challenging economic conditions.
His leadership ensures Tsogo Sun remains a key player in South Africa’s hospitality industry while focusing on environmental responsibility and long-term viability in an evolving energy landscape.
Dr. Thulani Dlamini – CSIR
Championing Local Innovation
Dr. Thulani Dlamini, CEO of CSIR since 2017, focuses on strengthening South Africa’s industrial and scientific capabilities.
A former research scientist, he contributed to advancing photonics and innovation strategies. Dlamini emphasises reducing import dependency and stimulating local production to drive economic growth.
As a leader in science and innovation, he champions homegrown solutions for sustainable development. His involvement with the UNDP and ASSAf highlights his dedication to fostering global partnerships.
Dlamini’s leadership ensures CSIR remains at the forefront of supporting South Africa’s technological and industrial progress.
Nompumelelo ‘Mpumi’ Mpofu – ACSA
Revitalizing South Africa’s Aviation Sector
Since becoming CEO of ACSA in 2020, Mpumi Mpofu has revitalised the aviation sector, recording a 16% revenue increase to R7 billion ($395 million) in 2023-2024.
With extensive public sector experience, Mpofu focuses on restoring confidence in South Africa’s airports post-pandemic.
Her leadership supports business and leisure travel growth, which is vital for economic recovery.
Mpofu’s focus on operational efficiency and infrastructure development positions ACSA as a key player in Africa’s aviation landscape, driving connectivity and economic activity despite global challenges.
Serge Sacre – L’Oréal South Africa
Celebrating Diversity in Beauty
As CEO since 2019, Serge Sacre champions inclusivity and authenticity in South Africa’s $6 billion beauty industry.
L’Oréal South Africa’s initiatives celebrate African heritage, empowering communities through locally inspired products.
Sacre emphasises creating beauty solutions “designed by Africans for Africans,” fostering representation and cultural pride. Under his stewardship, L’Oréal aligns business goals with social impact, seeking opportunities to uplift underprivileged communities.
Sacre’s leadership ensures the brand resonates with diverse consumers while contributing to the country’s socio-economic growth.
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