Grindrod Logistics rope in Xolani Mbambo as CEO to succeed Andrew Waller

Grindrod Logistics has announced a new appointment on their board as they rope in an experienced Xolani Mbambo as the new CEO.

The Johannesburg Stock Exchange listed company says Mbambo will start his new duties on 1 January 2023 as he will take over from current CEO Andrew Waller.

The current CEO has been in the hot seat for four years and Mbambo’s employment follows Waller’s revelation that he wanted to retire to the Grindrod board in June 2021. 

Waller will remain in the CEO seat until 31 December 2022 in an aim to facilitate Mbambo’s transition into the role, the company said in a statement on Friday.

According to the statement, the CEO comes to the job as a qualified chartered accountant and Grindrod has expressed excitement about the latest appointment.

Taking a glance at his qualifications, Mbambo boasts an Advanced Management Programme from the Harvard Business School. 

“The board is excited to have Xolani lead Grindrod in its quest to deliver an efficient and cost-effective logistics solution for its customers’ cargo flow, whilst touching the lives of the communities in which we operate,” said board chair, Cheryl Carolus.

Moneyweb reports that the new CEO’s previous work experience includes having roles at Anglo American for more than a decade.

He filled several roles in various departments including finance, procurement, business, and dry-bulk commodity performance analysis.

He has also worked on projects such as greenfield project implementation across South Africa, United Kingdom, and Botswana offices and operations.

The incumbent CEO is currently occupying the executive director position of Grindrod and its subsidiaries, joint ventures, and associate businesses. 

He has been in the company since 2013 and also leads Grindrod’s Freight Services division as CEO.

Main Image: Moneyweb