Valdene Reddy announced as new JSE CEO, taking over from retiring Leila Fourie

LEILA Fourie, the dynamic leader of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), has announced her retirement as Group Chief Executive Officer effective 31 March 2026.

- ASHLEY LECHMAN

As Fourie prepares to step down, the JSE Board has appointed Valdene Reddy, the current Director of Capital Markets, as the new Group Chief Executive Officer effective 1 April 2026.

The Board expressed confidence that Reddy's extensive industry expertise and strategic insights will enable the JSE to navigate the challenges of an evolving financial landscape successfully.

Since her appointment in 2019, Fourie has guided the JSE through a significant transformation, characterised by strategic innovation, operational resilience, and, notably, a strong commitment to inclusive leadership.

Fourie's tenure has not only been defined by robust financial outcomes but also by a fervent dedication to sustainability and regulatory excellence. Under her stewardship, the JSE has experienced a remarkable turnaround in earnings quality, broadened its revenue base, and modernised its technology and regulatory frameworks, positioning the institution as a cornerstone of South Africa's capital markets.