JSE-listed electrical, electronics, and technology group Reunert has announced that long-serving CEO Alan Dickson will step down from his role at the end of February 2026, marking the end of an era for the company.
The announcement was made on Thursday alongside the release of Reunert’s annual financial results for the year ended 30 September 2025. According to the statement, Dickson will transition out of the CEO role over the next three months through a structured and managed process.
After nearly 12 years of exceptional service as Group CEO and almost 30 years within the organization, Alan will hand over leadership responsibilities to Anthonie de Beer on 1 March 2026.
Alan Dickson will remain on the Reunert board as an executive director until 31 May 2026, after which he will continue in an advisory capacity until 30 November 2026.
De Beer, a chartered accountant, brings extensive leadership experience to the role. He most recently served as CEO of Ethos Capital Partners, a JSE-listed private equity firm. His appointment signals Reunert’s commitment to strengthening its strategic and financial positioning amid challenging market conditions.
Reunert’s leadership transition comes as the group reported muted financial results, citing macroeconomic headwinds in South Africa. While domestic performance was under pressure, international operations provided some relief.
- Group revenue: Down 2% to R13.9 billion
- Headline earnings per share (HEPS): Fell 5% to R6.49
Segmental Performance
- Electrical Engineering (largest segment):
- Revenue: R7.5 billion (↓ 3%)
- Operating profit: R461 million (↓ 31%)
- Key challenges: Reduced fixed investment in South Africa, US tariff changes, forex volatility in Zambia
- Bright spot: Strong circuit breaker exports to the US
- ICT Segment:
- Revenue: R3.9 billion (flat)
- Operating profit: R644 million (↓ 9%)
- Mixed performance: Business communications improved, but Nashua, finance, and system integration clusters underperformed
- Applied Electronics:
- Revenue: R2.8 billion (↓ 7%)
- Operating profit: R500 million (↑ 21%)
- Drivers: Better margins, efficient production, well-managed forex positions on long-term export contracts
Reunert highlighted renewable energy and defence clusters as key growth areas, driven by exposure to international markets such as the US, Middle East, and Europe.
Cash Flow and Strategic Outlook
Despite revenue pressures, Reunert maintained strong cash generation:
- Free cash flow: R1.2 billion
- Net cash position: R743 million
Dickson expressed confidence in the group’s future:
We have built meaningful momentum heading into 2026, supported by growing international income streams, strengthening our ICT offering, and expanding our renewable energy footprint. Our strategy positions the group well for sustainable growth.
