Leila Fourie will retire as the Group CEO of the JSE on 31 March 2026. Fourie has led the JSE through a transformative period marked by strategic innovation, operational resilience, and inclusive leadership.
Phuthuma Nhleko, JSE chairman, notes: “Leila has led the JSE with strategic clarity and an unwavering commitment to transformation. Her tenure has been marked by innovation, operational resilience and a deep sense of purpose. Under her leadership, the JSE has delivered a robust financial performance and has become a more inclusive, collegiate and future-fit institution. On behalf of the Board, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to Leila for her exceptional stewardship and the enduring legacy she leaves behind.”
The board has appointed Valdene Reddy, currently the director of capital markets, as the group CEO, effective 1 April 2026.
Nhleko comments: “I am confident that Valdene’s deep industry expertise, strategic acumen and stakeholder relationships will position the JSE for continued success in a rapidly evolving financial landscape. The Board is looking forward to working with Valdene to deliver transformative growth for the JSE.”
Reddy says: “It is an honour to be appointed as Group CEO, and I am delighted to lead this institution into its next chapter. My focus will be on accelerating innovation and enhancing our competitiveness through ongoing strategic transformation. I look forward to working with our talented team and valued partners to unlock new opportunities for growth and impact.”
Fourie states: “It has been a privilege to lead the JSE, a national institution that plays such a critical role in directing capital towards growth and opportunity across our economy. I have sought to channel that purpose and sense of stewardship during my tenure. I am indebted to my executive team and to all our staff for their commitment to the JSE’s success and for their contributions to building better markets. I would like to thank all our market participants and regulators for their trust and engagement, and Phuthuma and the JSE Board for their unstinting support and counsel.
“Leading an institution like the JSE provides a unique platform to contribute to our national agenda and the positioning of South Africa’s capital markets on the global stage. Having served as Group CEO since 2019, I feel the time is appropriate to pass the baton to Valdene as one of our own talents to step forward into this important leadership role.”