Leila Fourie, Chief Executive Officer of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), will step down on March 31, 2026, after serving nearly seven years in the role. The JSE Board has announced Valdene Reddy, currently Director of Capital Markets, as her successor, effective April 1, 2026, according to Reuters.
Since her appointment in 2019, Fourie has led the JSE through a period of transformation marked by digital modernization, operational efficiency, and sustainability initiatives. Under her leadership, the exchange strengthened its market infrastructure and expanded its global relevance, even amid fluctuating economic conditions. The Board praised her contributions to transparency and market integrity, as noted in the JSE’s official statement.
Valdene Reddy, who has been with the JSE for over a decade, brings extensive experience in capital markets, product development, and listings management. She expressed her gratitude for the appointment, saying she is “deeply honored to build on the legacy of innovation and resilience that has defined the JSE’s growth,” Bloomberg reported.
JSE Chairman Phuthuma Nhleko said the Board is confident in Reddy’s leadership, describing her as a “visionary with deep industry knowledge.” As the transition approaches, market analysts say the JSE’s new leadership will focus on expanding investment access, strengthening competitiveness, and sustaining the exchange’s momentum in Africa’s evolving financial landscape.
