Transnet's acting CEO Michelle Phillips has been appointed as the company's new boss, Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan announced on Wednesday.
The Minister also announced the appointment of Nosipho Mahhumulo as Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
“These are important developments that demonstrate the Government’s firm commitment to equip Transnet with a competent and experienced executive team to drive the strategic interventions introduced by the Board as part of the Transnet turnaround plan. It’s personnel,” Gordan said.
Ms Phillips is currently Group Chief Executive Officer of Transnet, and during her role the performance of ports and rail has improved.
She leads the entire business operations and leadership team.
Philips is highly regarded in the market as a problem-solving company with great networks. She has a proven track record as a team player and collaborator in achieving business goals.
She has over 20 years' experience in a variety of roles at Transnet and knows what it takes to turn a business around.
From 2001 to 2010, Phillips held positions including Continuous Improvement Manager for Transnet National Ports Authority, Regional Legal and Contracts Manager for Transnet Port Terminals, and Business Unit Executive for Pier 1 Container Terminals.
Phillips then served as Executive Director and General Manager of Transnet Port Terminals until November 2017. She then held the role of General Manager of Transnet's Customer Growth and Freight Solutions division until August 2019. From August 2019 until June 2020, she held the following positions:Transnet Chief Executive
Port Terminals and is currently Chief Executive Officer of Transnet Pipelines since August 2020.
When she joined Transnet Pipelines as Chief Executive Officer, she noticed poor operational governance, theft, breaches and poor performance, which she has since worked to improve. Transnet Pipelines achieved Green Audit Report status for its supply chain for the first time. This means that the business is clean and does not deviate from governance.
She saved the business R1.5 billion in 18 months.
When she was appointed to CE: Transnet Pipelines, she quickly completed the long-backlog of LNG terminals and SAPREF tanks.
Meanwhile, Mr. Mahhumulo is a highly accomplished business leader, financial manager, operational strategist, change facilitator, and trusted advisor, offering a wealth of experience and sound financial and service delivery.
Commercial guidance in complex and demanding environments.
She has experience in financial management in large and complex commercial organizations.
“Transnet plays an important catalytic role in the South African economy. We are confident that these appointments will give Transnet strategic direction and support for freight logistics, which we envisage will soon allow access to private rail operators. We are confident that it will provide the ability to carry out ongoing reforms, including implementation of the provisions of the roadmap,” Gordhan said.