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Chairpersons

AECI CEO Holger Riemensperger to Step Down, Dean Murray Appointed Interim CEO

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

AECI CEO Holger Riemensperger is stepping down due to personal and family-related reasons, effective October 15, 2025. Recognizing his achievements, Chairperson Philisiwe Sibiya praised Riemensperger for delivering on the company's strategy, simplifying the portfolio, improving operational efficiencies, and increasing earnings. Sibiwe also thanked Riemensperger for his dedication to the company, which came at great personal sacrifice. Interim CEO Dean Murray has been appointed, bringing 18 years of leadership experience to the role. Murray is a seasoned executive with a long track record within AECI and the chemicals industry. The Board aims to find a permanent CEO who can deliver on its strategy, capitalize on the company's capabilities and assets, and drive improved performance, growth, and shareholder returns.

Key Takeaways:

  • AECI CEO Holger Riemensperger is stepping down due to personal and family-related reasons.
  • Riemensperger delivered on the company's strategy, achieving successes in portfolio simplification, operational efficiency improvements, cost savings, and debt reduction.
  • He also led the Company to a strong 132% increase in headline earnings per share in the first half of 2025 and the resumption of H1 dividend payments.
  • Dean Murray, Executive Vice President of AECI Chemicals, has been appointed as the interim CEO until a successor is appointed.
  • Murray has 18 years of leadership experience within AECI and the chemicals industry.
  • He holds a National Diploma in Chemical Engineering and has completed the Global Executive Development Programme at the University of Pretoria's Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS).
  • The Board's Nominations Committee, supported by a leading executive search firm, is initiating a process to find a permanent CEO, considering both internal and external candidates.

Statistics:

  • 132% increase in headline earnings per share in the first half of 2025.
  • 18 years of leadership experience by Dean Murray.
  • 2 decades of track record within AECI and the chemicals industry by Dean Murray.

Sources:

  • PR Newswire (October 15, 2025)
  • AECI Limited (JSE Listings Requirements, paragraph 3.59)
  • AECI Chairperson Philisiwe Sibiya

- "During his tenure, Mr. Riemensperger delivered on the strategy with marked successes in portfolio simplification, improving operational efficiencies, driving both cost savings and debt reduction, while increasing EBITDA."

- "On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Mr. Riemensperger for his impact and commitment to the Company, which often came at great personal sacrifice, and wish him well for his future endeavours."

- "We are delighted that Mr. Murray has been appointed interim CEO. He is a highly seasoned executive, who knows all aspects of AECI and the chemicals business, having spent almost two decades in leadership positions within the Company."

- "The Board is committed to finding a permanent CEO who can fully deliver on its strategy, capitalise on its best-in-class capabilities and assets, and continue to drive a culture that will deliver improved performance, growth and shareholder returns."

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