Leila Fourie will retire as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) on 31 March 2026. The JSE Board has officially announced the appointment of Valdene Reddy as the new Group Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 April 2026.
Leila Fourie has been at the helm of the JSE since 2019, driving critical transformations, including strategic innovations, operational improvements, and fostering inclusive leadership. Under her tenure, the JSE experienced revenue diversification, technological modernisation, and regulatory advancements, positioning the exchange as a competitive and future-fit financial market platform.
Impactful leadership by Leila Fourie
Since 2019, Leila Fourie’s leadership transformed the JSE, enhancing earnings quality and operational resilience beyond financial success. Her initiatives included modernising regulatory frameworks and championing sustainability, transformation, and inclusive leadership. These innovations have solidified the JSE’s commitment to transparent, robust regulation.
During her tenure, significant reforms were made, such as updates to the Listings Requirements, the launch of a voluntary Carbon Market, and the establishment of private market platforms. These achievements have marked the JSE as a global frontrunner for diversified capital formation.
Fourie also played a pivotal role in national private sector initiatives like Operation Phumelela to improve South Africa’s capital markets and bolster its global economic reputation.
The JSE Chairman, Phuthuma Nhleko, expressed gratitude for Fourie’s tenure, stating:
“Leila has led the JSE with unwavering commitment and has left a lasting legacy. Her impact has been transformative, positioning the JSE as an agile and inclusive organisation prepared for the future.”
Valdene Reddy appointed Group CEO
Stepping into the new role as Group CEO is Valdene Reddy, currently serving as the JSE’s Director of Capital Markets. With a proven track record in the industry, Reddy’s expertise will support the JSE’s adaptation to the evolving needs of South Africa’s financial landscape.
Phuthuma Nhleko emphasised the Board’s confidence in Reddy’s appointment, stating:
“Valdene’s strategic vision and stakeholder relationships make her the ideal leader to position the JSE for transformative growth.”
Reddy shared her vision for her upcoming role, saying, “It is an honour to be appointed as Group CEO. I aim to enhance the JSE’s competitiveness through innovation and strategic transformation while unlocking growth opportunities.”
Leila Fourie reflects on her leadership
Outgoing CEO Leila Fourie remarked, “Leading an institution like the JSE has been a privilege. I extend my gratitude to the team and board for their support during my tenure. I am confident that Valdene will drive the JSE forward into a new era.”
Having delivered significant achievements since her appointment, Fourie leaves behind a strengthened, agile organisation prepared for its next chapter.
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