Sne Dlamini has been appointed Group Chief Information and Digital Officer at Sasol, taking up the position on 1 June 2026 as the energy and chemicals group intensifies its focus on digital transformation, operational efficiency and long-term competitiveness.
The appointment comes at a pivotal time for Sasol and the broader industrial sector. Companies operating in mining, chemicals and energy are increasingly investing in digital technologies to improve productivity, reduce costs, strengthen safety performance and support sustainability objectives. Globally, industrial organisations are accelerating the adoption of artificial intelligence, automation, advanced analytics and predictive maintenance technologies as they seek to modernise ageing infrastructure and improve operational resilience.
Dlamini brings more than two decades of experience in business transformation, technology leadership and digital strategy. Her career spans senior roles across multinational consumer goods companies including Unilever and Danone, as well as executive leadership positions at Discovery and AECI. Her experience covers local, regional and international markets, providing exposure to large-scale operational environments and complex business transformation programmes.
Her appointment signals Sasol’s intention to further embed digital capabilities across its operations at a time when technology is becoming increasingly central to the future of heavy industry. Across the global chemicals and energy sectors, digital transformation is no longer viewed as a standalone technology initiative but as a strategic business function that supports production reliability, supply chain optimisation, energy efficiency and data-driven decision-making.
Industry analysts estimate that digital technologies could unlock billions of dollars in value across the global chemicals sector over the next decade through improved asset utilisation, reduced downtime and more efficient resource management. In South Africa, digital adoption within mining, manufacturing and energy remains uneven, creating opportunities for companies able to successfully integrate technology into core operations.
In her new role, Dlamini is expected to spend her initial months gaining a detailed understanding of Sasol’s operations, workforce, technology landscape and business priorities. Her approach focuses on engaging with operational teams, business leaders and key stakeholders to assess the company’s digital maturity and identify areas where technology can support strategic objectives.
The immediate priority is expected to be maintaining momentum on existing digital initiatives while strengthening collaboration between technology and business functions. Establishing credibility through measurable operational improvements and targeted short-term outcomes is likely to form the foundation for a broader long-term transformation strategy.
The challenge facing Sasol is particularly complex. Unlike organisations operating in less asset-intensive industries, digital transformation within energy, mining and chemicals environments must balance innovation with operational stability. Production facilities often operate continuously and rely on highly specialised systems where disruptions can have significant financial, operational and safety consequences.
This has become a defining challenge across the global industrial sector. While organisations are under pressure to modernise technology platforms and adopt emerging digital capabilities, they must simultaneously ensure uninterrupted operations and maintain rigorous safety standards. The result is a growing emphasis on practical, phased transformation programmes that prioritise business value alongside technological advancement.
Dlamini’s appointment also reflects the evolving role of technology executives. Chief information officers and digital leaders are increasingly expected to contribute directly to business strategy, growth planning and organisational transformation rather than focusing solely on information technology infrastructure.
Research from international consulting firms indicates that technology spending within industrial sectors continues to grow, with companies directing investment towards artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity, industrial automation and advanced data analytics. These technologies are becoming critical tools for improving operational performance, managing risk and supporting long-term competitiveness.
Beyond technology implementation, organisational culture is emerging as a key factor in successful transformation programmes. Industry studies consistently show that digital initiatives are more likely to succeed when supported by inclusive leadership, strong collaboration and environments that encourage innovation and accountability.
Dlamini has established a reputation as an advocate for leadership development and diversity within the technology sector. Alongside her executive responsibilities, she has remained actively involved in mentoring future leaders and contributing to broader discussions around inclusive leadership and workforce development.
For Sasol, the appointment represents more than a leadership change. It forms part of a broader effort to position the company for a future in which digital capabilities increasingly influence operational performance, competitiveness and growth. As industrial companies worldwide continue to integrate technology into every aspect of their businesses, the effectiveness of digital leadership is becoming a critical differentiator in determining long-term success.