The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) has announced the appointment of Valdene Reddy as its new Group Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 April 2026. Reddy, who currently serves as the JSE’s Director of Capital Markets, will succeed Dr. Leila Fourie, who will retire from her role on 31 March 2026 after a transformative seven-year tenure.
JSE Chairman Phuthuma Nhleko 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. Under her leadership, the JSE has delivered a robust financial performance and has become a more inclusive, collegiate, and future-fit institution. On behalf of the Board, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to Leila for her exceptional stewardship and the enduring legacy she leaves behind.
During her time as CEO, Fourie spearheaded a wide range of initiatives that reshaped the JSE’s strategic direction. These included:
- A turnaround in earnings quality and diversification of revenue streams.
- Modernisation of core technology and regulatory frameworks.
- Strategic acquisitions in fintech, transfer secretary, and share plan businesses.
- The launch of new market segments such as Sustainability and Actively Managed ETFs.
- Development of a private markets platform and a voluntary Carbon Market.
- Active participation in national initiatives like Operation Phumelela, aimed at strengthening South Africa’s capital markets and improving its sovereign credit rating.
Reflecting on her tenure, Fourie said:
It has been a privilege to lead the JSE, a national institution that plays such a critical role in directing capital towards growth and opportunity across our economy. I have sought to channel that purpose and sense of stewardship during my tenure. I am indebted to my executive team and to all our staff for their commitment to the JSE’s success and for their contributions to building better markets. I would like to thank all our market participants and regulators for their trust and engagement, and Phuthuma and the JSE Board for their unstinting support and counsel.
Incoming CEO Valdene Reddy expressed her enthusiasm for the role:
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. I look forward to working with our talented team and valued partners to unlock new opportunities for growth and impact.
Reddy brings over two decades of experience in financial markets, including senior roles at global investment banks. She holds a Bachelor of Business Science in Actuarial Science from the University of Cape Town, is a Certified Director with the Institute of Directors South Africa, and has completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School.
The JSE Board expressed confidence in Reddy’s ability to guide the exchange through its next phase of growth, citing her deep industry expertise, strategic acumen, and strong stakeholder relationships.
