South Africa’s Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) Limited has announced the appointment of Valdene Reddy as its next Group Chief Executive Officer, effective April 1, 2026.
Reddy will succeed Leila Fourie, who will step down on March 31, 2026, after a six-year tenure marked by financial growth, modernization, and structural reforms within Africa’s largest exchange.
In a statement released on Thursday, JSE Chairman Phuthuma Nhleko commended Fourie’s leadership, noting that under her stewardship, the company delivered strong earnings, diversified its revenue base, and achieved significant technological and regulatory milestones.
“Under her leadership, the JSE has delivered a robust financial performance and has become a more inclusive, collegiate, and future-fit institution,” Nhleko stated.
A Transformative Tenure
Since assuming office in 2019, Leila Fourie has been instrumental in repositioning the JSE to adapt to global market changes. Her administration implemented digital trading enhancements, strengthened compliance systems, and introduced regulatory frameworks that improved market transparency.
The exchange’s expansion into data analytics, post-trade services, and financial technology marked a shift from its traditional dependency on trading fees to a diversified and sustainable revenue model. These reforms helped improve investor confidence and enhance the JSE’s competitiveness in the global financial ecosystem.
During her tenure, JSE also emphasized inclusion and collaboration across Africa’s capital markets, supporting initiatives by the African Securities Exchanges Association (ASEA) to deepen cross-border investment and strengthen regional integration.
Valdene Reddy: Experienced Market Leader
Reddy currently serves as the Director of Capital Markets at the JSE, overseeing its largest revenue-generating division. With more than 20 years of experience in financial markets, Reddy brings an extensive background in capital market operations, trading infrastructure, and international investment strategy.
Before joining the JSE, she held senior roles at leading global investment banks, where she specialized in fixed-income products, structured finance, and strategic market development. Her expertise in managing capital flows and market operations is expected to advance JSE’s mission to deepen liquidity and attract both institutional and retail investors.
Reddy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Actuarial Science from the University of Cape Town and completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School, reinforcing her technical and leadership credentials.
Continuity and Strategic Focus
The appointment of Reddy, an internal candidate, reflects the JSE’s commitment to leadership continuity and the consolidation of reforms initiated under Fourie’s tenure. Analysts expect Reddy to maintain a strategic focus on innovation, technology integration, and sustainable market growth.
Her elevation also signals confidence in JSE’s internal succession planning process and underscores the exchange’s goal of remaining competitive amid rising regional and global market complexities.
Industry observers note that the move is likely to reassure investors and stakeholders, particularly as global capital markets navigate rising interest rates, fintech disruptions, and evolving regulatory demands.
Gender Diversity and Leadership Legacy
With Reddy’s appointment, the JSE continues its strong record of female leadership in Africa’s financial sector. Both Fourie and Reddy have been advocates of gender inclusion and leadership development, further positioning the JSE as a benchmark for diversity in corporate governance.
The transition also aligns with South Africa’s broader push for inclusion within the financial services industry, where the JSE has historically played a leading role.
Outlook
Reddy’s tenure is expected to focus on strengthening the exchange’s digital transformation, expanding its product portfolio, and improving market accessibility. Her leadership will likely build upon Fourie’s foundation of modernization and investor protection while pursuing new growth areas in green finance, digital assets, and cross-border listings.
As Africa’s largest and most advanced stock exchange, the JSE’s leadership transition marks a significant milestone not only for South Africa’s capital markets but also for the continent’s ongoing drive toward financial innovation and inclusion.
