Leila Fourie is set to retire as Group CEO of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) on 31 March 2026, concluding a seven-year tenure characterized by significant achievements. The JSE announced that Valdene Reddy, currently the Director of Capital Markets, will take over the role beginning 1 April 2026.
During her leadership, Fourie has successfully delivered a turnaround in earnings quality, diversified the group’s revenue streams, and modernized its technology and regulatory frameworks. The JSE highlighted her contributions beyond financial performance, noting her commitment to inclusive leadership, sustainability, transformation, and regulatory excellence.
Under Fourie’s guidance, the JSE has implemented several regulatory improvements, including reforms to listing requirements, the establishment of a voluntary carbon market, and the creation of Sustainability and Actively Managed ETF segments. She has also been instrumental in national private sector initiatives aimed at enhancing capital markets, collaborating with CEOs from major South African companies and the National Treasury on projects like Operation Phumelela.
Phuthuma Nhleko, Chairman of the JSE, praised Fourie’s leadership, stating, “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.” He added that under her leadership, the JSE has experienced robust financial performance and has become a more inclusive institution.
Reflecting on her time at the JSE, Fourie expressed gratitude, stating, “It has been a privilege to lead the JSE, which plays a critical role in directing capital towards growth opportunities in our economy.” She acknowledged her executive team and staff for their dedication to the JSE’s success.
Valdene Reddy has been appointed as Fourie’s successor, with the board expressing confidence in her deep industry expertise, strategic skills, and stakeholder relationships to guide the JSE into its next chapter. Reddy remarked, “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.”
Fourie noted the importance of her role in shaping the national agenda and promoting South Africa’s capital markets on the global stage, stating, “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.”