WeBuyCars, South Africa’s leading online used-car supermarket, has promoted group chief digital officer Dr Wynand Beukes to the newly created role of deputy chief executive, effective 1 January 2026. The appointment recognises Beukes’ pivotal contribution to the company’s rapid digital evolution since 2018, when he joined to spearhead its technology and data transformation strategy.
Under his leadership, WeBuyCars has built a sophisticated data-driven operating model that has slashed processing times, boosted inventory turnover, and powered the platform’s growth from a handful of branches to more than 80 nationwide. As reported by BusinessTech, these digital foundations were instrumental in the company’s successful JSE listing in April 2024, which valued the group at R16.5 billion and remains one of the bourse’s standout debut performances.
Beukes will continue to oversee the chief digital officer portfolio while assuming broader strategic responsibilities. He will work closely with chief executive Faan van der Walt, who will personally mentor him during the transition period to ensure a seamless handover of expanded duties.
The promotion comes at a pivotal moment for WeBuyCars, which now transacts over 180,000 vehicles annually and has seen its online valuation and buying platform become the go-to destination for South African motorists. According to MyBroadband, the company’s proprietary pricing algorithm – refined under Beukes – processes more than one million valuation requests every month with industry-leading accuracy, giving it a clear edge over traditional dealership networks.
Before joining WeBuyCars, Beukes held senior technology and digital leadership roles at Telkom and BCX, where he managed enterprise-wide IT operations and large-scale digital platforms. He holds a doctorate in informatics from the University of Pretoria, underscoring his blend of academic rigour and practical business application.
The creation of the deputy CEO position reflects confidence in the company’s next growth phase, which includes deeper integration of artificial intelligence, expansion into vehicle finance and insurance products, and potential regional rollout across southern Africa. With Beukes stepping up, WeBuyCars signals that digital capability will remain at the heart of its ambition to dominate the R400-billion second-hand vehicle market.