Minister Gordhan Announces Transnet Group Chief Executive Officer

In a media statement issued on the evening of 28 February, the Minister of Public Enterprises, Mr Pravin Gordhan, announced the appointment of Ms Michelle Phillips as Transnet’s Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO)

“These are critical appointments which represent our steadfast commitment as government to equip Transnet with a competent and experienced executive leadership team to drive the strategic interventions that the Board has put in place as part of the Transnet recovery plan,” Minister Gordhan said.

Michelle has been acting as the Group Chief Executive of Transnet since October 2023. With over 20 years of experience in Transnet in various roles throughout the business, Michelle is both experienced and well-positioned to turn the business around.

Minister Gordhan thanked the Board led by the Chairperson, Mr Andile Sangqu, for expeditiously steering the recruitment process and for ensuring that the requisite skills and experience are brought into Transnet to add impetus to the reforms aimed at recovering rail volumes, improving port operations and stabilising Transnet finances.

“Transnet plays an important catalytic role in the South African economy. We are confident that these appointments will provide Transnet with the strategic direction and the ability to execute its ongoing reforms, including the implementation of the provisions of the Freight Logistics Roadmap which envisages the granting of access for private rail operators soon,” said Minister Gordhan.