Outgoing JSE CEO Leila Fourie Delivers Historic R1 Billion Profit Before Pursuing Global Sailing and Boardroom Ambitions

Leila Fourie concludes her JSE tenure with a historic R1.07 billion profit as Valdene Reddy prepares to lead the exchange into its next era of growth.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 29, 2026, 8:35 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Luke Fraser

A Record-Breaking Departure from the Bourse

Leila Fourie is set to retire as the Group CEO of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) at the end of March 2026, leaving the institution at a financial zenith. For the first time in its history, the JSE has surpassed the R1 billion profit milestone, a feat achieved during the 2025 fiscal year. According to the group's latest financial results, Net Profit After Tax rose by 16.7% to reach R1.071 billion, driven by a significant resurgence in national confidence and a renewed global appetite for South African assets. Fourie’s departure marks the end of a transformative seven-year era characterized by the modernization of regulatory frameworks and a strategic diversification of the exchange’s revenue streams.

The Strategic Transition to New Leadership

The JSE board has confirmed that Valdene Reddy, currently the Director of Capital Markets, will succeed Fourie as the new Group CEO. Reddy’s appointment is seen as a move toward continuity, leveraging her deep industry expertise and existing stakeholder relationships to maintain the bourse's upward trajectory. According to the board's strategic outlook, Reddy is uniquely positioned to build upon the modernized technology platforms established during Fourie's tenure. This transition occurs at a moment of high operational momentum, with major business lines—including Capital Markets and Post-Trade Services—each recording 18% growth in the final year of the outgoing administration.

Personal Ambitions and Continued Corporate Influence

While stepping down from her executive role, Fourie does not intend to exit the South African corporate landscape entirely. She has signaled plans to serve on multiple boards and continue her advocacy for sustainable investment through her role as Co-Chair for the United Nations Global Investors for Sustainable Development Alliance. Beyond the boardroom, Fourie plans to indulge in adventurous personal pursuits, including rock climbing and an ambitious plan to sail around the world. According to her recent statements, these hobbies represent a long-awaited shift toward personal fulfillment after a demanding career at the helm of Africa’s largest stock exchange.