Chemicals and energy group Sasol has announced the appointment of Simon Baloyi as its new president and CEO effective from April 1, 2024, when he will succeed Fleetwood Grobler, who will continue to play an executive advisory role until the end of 2024.
The JSE-listed group reported on Friday that Baloyi had been selected following a comprehensive recruitment programme, during which both internal and external candidates were considered for the role.
Baloyi, who holds master’s degrees in engineering management and in chemical engineering, has served in various management positions since joining Sasol in 2002 and is currently executive VP for energy operations and technology.
Stephen Westwell, who stepped in as interim chairperson of Sasol after Sipho Nkosi resigned on November 10, said the board had full confidence in Baloyi’s ability to lead the group, which is coming under intense pressure to improve its environmental performance and reduce its carbon emissions.
“We believe that his strategic outlook, excellent leadership skills, technical and business acumen and deep experience of our operations will stand him in excellent stead to take over the helm,” Westwell said of Baloyi in a statement.
He also praised Grobler, who would mark his fortieth anniversary at Sasol in January, as a resolute leader who had placed the group “on track to be more resilient”.