At the heart of AECI’s success is a leadership team defined by deep industry expertise, strategic vision and a shared commitment to responsible growth. These individuals bring decades of experience across global markets, guiding the Group’s innovation, sustainability and performance. Together, they steer AECI’s businesses and people toward long-term impact in the industries and communities we serve.
Chief Financial Officer
Acting
BCom (Hons) in accountancy at the University of Pretoria. Ian’s expertise spans financial reporting, tax, risk management, IT and treasury functions, as well as extensive experience in the mining sector. In 2022, he was appointed acting CFO for AngloGold Ashanti, after being with the mining giant since 2012 and serving as VP of finance. Prior to that, Ian spent 20 years at KPMG, where he was appointed as the KPMG head of mining for Africa.
Executive Vice President
Mining
Bachelor of Engineering (Mining) from the Western Australian School of Mines
He is a seasoned mining services executive with over 25 years of experience, having worked in more than 20 countries across EMEA and the Asia-Pacific regions. His expertise spans strategic planning, project management, and cross-cultural leadership, coupled with a deep understanding of both the technical and commercial aspects of mining, particularly in the drill and blast sector.
Executive Vice President
AECI Chemicals
Group Executive responsible for AECI Agri Health and AECI Chemicals until 31 December 2023
National Diploma in Chemical Engineering Global Executive Development Programme (GIBS)
Dean has extensive experience within AECI and the chemicals industry.
Dean is an AECI stalwart, celebrating his 18-year anniversary with the company this year. Dean has a National Diploma in Chemical Engineering and has completed the Global Executive Development Programme at GIBS. His extensive experience within the Company and chemicals industry, leadership skills and passion, places Dean ideally to drive the AgriChem business into the next era.
Chief Transformation Officer
AECI Group
Acting Group Chief Financial Officer
Chartered Accountant (SA) with a B.Com Honours degree in Accounting, ACMA qualification from CIMA, Strategic Financial Leadership Programme (Stanford University)
Rafael has held the position of Acting Group CFO since May 2023, and has been Finance Executive for AECI Mining since 2015. He knows our business, its customers and leadership well, and is best placed for this role. In his current role of Group Transformation Officer, he will be responsible for the roll out of the approved Group strategy, across all businesses.
Chief People Officer
AECI Group
BA, a postgraduate qualification in Industrial Relations and various leadership development programmes
Khabonina is a seasoned human capital executive with 30 years relevant experience, 15 of which were at executive leadership level. Her wealth of experience in human capital as well as the mining chemicals industry, places Khabonina in the ideal position to drive the strategic focus of the Group from a people perspective.
Group Company Secretary
General Counsel
Cheryl holds B.Proc and LLB degrees Master of Business Administration (GIBS)
Cheryl is an admitted attorney and GIBS MBA alumna with over 15 years’ experience as a Company Secretary, including the legal, compliance and risk management disciplines. Cheryl started her career at a leading law firm and went on to work at various listed and unlisted companies in a number of sectors. She is also a certified Ethics Practitioner with the Ethics Institute of Southern Africa. Cheryl joined the Board on 1 September 2021.
Chief of Staff
AECI Group
BSc Chemistry (Honours), University of Johannesburg, Diploma in Marketing Management, IMM Graduate School of Marketing. MBA, University of Cape Town, Graduate School of Business
Zanele is a highly experienced business leader with over two decades of executive-level experience in business development, corporate strategy and investor relations. Her career includes leadership roles in leading JSE-listed companies and innovative ventures, where she has consistently driven high-impact projects and transformative strategies. With deep expertise in manufacturing, chemicals and green energy, Zanele brings together strategic creativity and disciplined execution. As Chief of Staff, she plays a critical role in advancing strategic alignment and delivery, enhancing key stakeholder engagement, and ensuring operational coherence across the organisation.
Board Chairperson
Chairperson of the Nominations, Governance and Directors’ Affairs Committee
Chairperson of the Investment, Innovation and Technology Committee
South African
BSc (Agriculture), MSc (Food Science), PhD (Microbiology)
Appointed to the Board in 2016 and appointed Chairperson in 2017
Khotso is recognised nationally and internationally for his role in science, which includes representing South Africa on the executive board of UNESCO, President/CEO of the South African National Research Foundation and as Special Advisor to our government’s Minister of Science and Technology. In recognition of his work strengthening scientific ties between Africa and France. The French admitted him to the National Order of Legion of Honour of the Republic of France. He was Chancellor of the University of the Free State from 2010 to 2020.
His leadership, deep scientific expertise, and unwavering commitment to innovation and sustainability have been instrumental in guiding AECI’s strategic evolution.
Independent non-executive director
Canadian
BEng (Mining)
Appointed to the Board in 2022
Sam Coetzer is a seasoned global mining executive with more than 30 years of international experience across key mining regions, including Canada, the United States, South America, Australia, Tanzania, Fiji and South Africa. He has held multiple senior leadership roles in prominent international mining companies, bringing deep operational expertise, strategic leadership and a global perspective to the industry. As a Director of AECI, Sam’s extensive cross-continental experience and proven leadership strengthen the Company’s strategic direction and international outlook.
Chairperson of the Environment, Health and Safety
Independent non-executive director
Australian
BSc (Hons), MBA, Graduate Australian Institute of Company Directors
Appointed to the Board in 2020
Steve Dawson is an independent non-executive director of AECI, appointed to the Board in January 2020. He is the chief executive officer of Nomad Breads. His extensive international career spans executive leadership roles at Incitec Pivot Limited and Dyno Nobel, where he oversaw operations, safety and risk management in the explosives and fertilisers sectors. Earlier in his career, Steve gained valuable experience in South Africa’s mining sector, including a tenure at AECI as Operations and Marketing Manager in the company’s explosives business. Steve’s expertise in operational management, strategic growth and risk oversight contributes significantly to AECI’s governance and strategic objectives.
Chairperson of the Social, Ethics andSustainability Committee
Independent non-executive director
South African
BA Economics and Accounting, FCCA (UK)
Appointed to the Board in 2019
Fikile De Buck brings over 23 years of executive financial experience to the AECI Board, having held senior roles including chief operating officer and chief financial officer at the Council for Medical Schemes, and Treasurer at the Botswana Development Corporation. Fikile currently serves as the lead independent director of Mercedes-Benz South Africa and is a director of Attacq Limited. A passionate advocate for women’s empowerment in business, Fikile was the founding president of the South African Chapter of the Global Forum of Women Entrepreneurs and is an active member of Women in Mining South Africa. Her broad experience and leadership across sectors, as well as her deep expertise in governance and financial oversight, bring valuable insight and stewardship to AECI.
Chairperson of the Risk Committee
Independent non-executive director
German
MEng (Industrial)
Appointed to the Board in 2020
Walter Dissinger is an independent non-executive director of AECI and serves as Chairperson of the Risk Committee. He joined the Board in 2020, bringing over three decades of global leadership experience in the industrial and chemical sectors. Walter previously served as global chief executive officer of Votorantim Cimentos S.A., a leading international building materials and sustainable solutions company based in Brazil. Prior to that, he held senior executive roles at BASF across Argentina, Brazil and Germany, including President of the Nutrition and Health division, with responsibilities spanning strategy, business development, and performance chemicals. Walter also serves as an independent director on the boards of several international companies in Brazil. His extensive expertise in governance, risk oversight and strategic innovation contributes significantly to AECI’s long-term growth and resilience.
Independent non-executive director
South African
BSc Electrical Engineering
Appointed to the Board in 2025
Billy Mawasha is a highly accomplished mining executive whose leadership experience spans some of South Africa’s most prominent mining houses. He has held senior roles at De Beers, AngloGold Ashanti, and Kumba Iron Ore, and served as country head of Rio Tinto South Africa as well as managing director of Richards Bay Minerals. As the founder and chief executive officer of Kolobe Nala Investment Company, Billy brings deep industry insight, strategic acumen and a strong track record of value creation. His wealth of experience and visionary leadership make him a valuable asset to AECI in his role as Non-Executive Director.
Independent non-executive director
South African
BSc (Electrical and Electronics Engineering), Stanford Executive Program (Stanford University)
Appointed to the Board in 2024
Nombulelo has more than 30 years of experience in the South African corporate sector. She previously served as the CEO of Telkom SA Limited. In 2013, Nombulelo embarked on a career as a non-executive director and has served on the boards of Anglo American Platinum Limited, AVI Limited, Engen and Old Mutual. She brings strong ICT, governance and leadership expertise to the AECI Board, with deep insight into strategy and risk oversight at listed company level.
Independent non-executive director
South African
BSc (Metallurgical Engineering), MBL (UNISA)
Appointed to the Board on 1 January 2025
July Ndlovu is a seasoned mining executive with over 30 years of experience across multiple commodities and global markets. Since 2007, he has held senior leadership roles, successfully leading large-scale projects and mergers and acquisitions in Southern Africa and Australia with multiple listings. His international mining leadership and commitment to safety and innovation support the Board’s strategic and sustainability priorities.
Independent non-executive director
American
BSBA Industrial Marketing, MBA
Appointed to the Board in 2021
Patty gained her experience in the chemicals and advanced materials industry in her former position as chief commercial officer at UBQ Materials, a climate tech developer of advanced materials made from waste, and as chief commercial officer at CoorsTek, chief marketing officer at A Schulan (now LyondellBasell) and as global director of marketing excellence at Dow Inc. She brings valuable international commercial and sustainability experience to support AECI’s innovation and ESG ambitions.
Chairperson of the Remuneration & Human Capital Committee
Independent non-executive director
South African
BCom (Hons), University of Pretoria
Certificate in Theory of Accountancy, University of Pretoria
CA (SA)
Appointed to the Board in 2020
Marna Roets is an accomplished business leader with deep expertise in financial services, banking and corporate finance, gained through executive roles at leading banking institutions across the African continent. She brings extensive experience in audit, operational efficiency and programme governance, with a strong focus on leveraging digital and data-driven solutions to enable strategic transformation. Her ability to balance innovation with disciplined execution adds significant value to the AECI Board.
Chairperson of the Audit Committee
Independent non-executive director
South African
BCom (Hons), University of Natal
CA (SA)
Appointed to the Board in 2018
Philisiwe is the founder and chief executive officer of the Shingai Group, an investment holding company focused on empowering African-owned brands. With nearly two decades of executive leadership experience across the African continent, Philisiwe has held senior roles including chief financial officer of MTN South Africa and chief executive officer of MTN Cameroon, where she made history as the first woman appointed to a CEO position within the MTN Group. Her expertise spans finance, governance, risk management and strategic investment. She brings deep expertise in financial leadership, strategic investment, and governance, alongside a proven ability to navigate complex regulatory and operational environments across Africa. Her experience adds to AECI’s oversight of audit, risk, and capital allocation, while her entrepreneurial perspective enhances the Board’s focus on growth and innovation.
