JSE Appoints Valdene Reddy as New Group CEO, Succeeding Leila Fourie in 2026

A New Chapter for Africa’s Leading Exchange

The appointment marks a significant leadership transition for the JSE, which under Fourie’s tenure achieved strong financial growth, expanded revenue diversification, and accelerated its digital and regulatory transformation.

Fourie, who became CEO in 2019, is widely regarded as one of South Africa’s most influential business leaders, having repositioned the exchange to be more agile, inclusive, and globally competitive, while deepening its role within the local capital market ecosystem.

Board Commends Fourie’s Legacy

In a statement released Thursday, JSE Chairman Phuthuma Nhleko praised Fourie’s contributions and expressed confidence in the incoming CEO’s ability to sustain the exchange’s momentum.

“Under her leadership, the JSE has delivered a robust financial performance and has become a more inclusive, collegiate, and future-fit institution,” Nhleko said.
“We are confident that the next phase of growth will continue under Valdene Reddy’s capable leadership.”

Valdene Reddy: Experienced Insider with Global Perspective

Reddy, currently the Director of Capital Markets — the JSE’s largest and most profitable division — brings over two decades of experience in financial markets to her new role.

She has been instrumental in overseeing trading, clearing, and listings operations, while driving strategic innovations that enhanced the exchange’s efficiency, market depth, and investor access.

Before joining the JSE, Reddy held senior positions at international investment banks, where she developed deep expertise in capital markets, trading strategies, and financial product development.

Her academic background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Actuarial Science from the University of Cape Town and completion of the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School.

Continuity, Innovation, and Continental Reach

Industry analysts have described Reddy’s appointment as a move that ensures continuity and stability, given her long-standing role within the exchange and her alignment with its modernization agenda.

Her leadership is expected to focus on:

Expanding product offerings across asset classes.
Deepening market participation by institutional and retail investors.
Driving digital transformation and regional integration.

The transition also reflects a growing trend among African financial institutions to elevate homegrown executives with global experience into top leadership roles.

JSE’s Strategic Importance in Africa’s Capital Markets

Founded in 1887, the Johannesburg Stock Exchange remains a critical hub for capital formation on the continent.

It currently hosts over 400 listed companies, representing a combined market capitalization exceeding $1 trillion — making it the 19th largest exchange globally by market value.

The JSE’s modernization efforts under Fourie, including technology upgrades, new product listings, and enhanced regulatory standards, have helped sustain its leadership position amid intensifying competition from global and regional exchanges.

Transition Timeline

March 31, 2026: Leila Fourie officially retires after completing her tenure.
April 1, 2026: Valdene Reddy assumes office as Group CEO of the JSE.

Fourie’s departure will mark the end of a transformative era for the exchange, while Reddy’s appointment ushers in a new phase of growth and innovation for Africa’s leading financial marketplace.