Multotec names Johan Robbertse as new CEO at Electra Mining Africa 2026

After 20 years of dedicated leadership from Thomas Holtz, Multotec announces the appointment of Johan Robbertse as its new Group Chief Executive Officer, during a formal handover at Electra Mining Africa 2026, marking the beginning of a new chapter for one of South Africa's leading mineral processing equipment manufacturers.

Robbertse succeeds Thomas Holtz, who has led the business for the past 20 years and will remain Chairperson of the Multotec Board, ensuring continuity as the company builds on more than five decades of innovation, global growth and customer partnership.

The leadership transition follows two decades of sustained international growth that transformed Multotec from a predominantly South African manufacturer into a globally integrated business serving customers in more than 70 countries. Under Robbertse's leadership, the company will build on this foundation while continuing its customer-focused strategy, global collaboration and product innovation.

A legacy of growth, vision and global expansion

Holtz joined the company in 1996 as a Project Manager before progressing through a series of leadership roles across the business. In 2008, he succeeded his late father and Multotec co-founder, Ernst Joachim (EJ) Holtz, as Group CEO, becoming only the second CEO in the company's 53-year history.

During his tenure, Holtz led Multotec through a period of significant transformation, guided by a vision to build a globally competitive manufacturing business from Africa, powered by African talent. At a time when deindustrialisation was reshaping domestic manufacturing and the South African mining market remained largely static, he remained steadfast in his belief that sustainable growth could be achieved through international expansion while continuing to invest in local manufacturing capability.

Under his leadership, Multotec achieved a cumulative annual growth rate of 9% growing from a business that exported approximately 15% of its production to one that now exports around 60% of its equipment to more than 100 countries worldwide. Supported by manufacturing operations across Africa, South America, Asia and North America, alongside sister companies in Europe and Australia, Multotec evolved into a globally integrated business while retaining its South African roots. This foundation positions the company for its next phase of growth under Robbertse's leadership.

As part of the planned leadership transition, Holtz will focus on strengthening the Board's independence and governance while supporting the company's long-term strategic direction and continued international growth.

Experienced leadership to maintain Multotec’s global growth

Robbertse brings with him extensive experience and a deep understanding of Multotec’s operations, customers and markets. Having joined the company in 2010, he has played an integral role in the company's strategic growth and recent organisational restructuring. As Group CEO, he will build on the strong foundation established under Holtz's leadership while driving the company's next phase of customer-focused growth, innovation and global collaboration. His appointment reflects Multotec’s commitment to leadership continuity and ensures that the company’s values, customer focus, product development and innovation, and long-term growth ambitions remain firmly embedded as it enters its next phase of growth.

Outgoing Group CEO Thomas Holtz says: “The energy, commitment and purpose demonstrated by an organisation’s leadership team set the tone for the entire business. Taking an organisation into its next era requires ambition, integrity and a deep understanding of its people, customers and purpose. I believe Robbertse embodies the qualities needed to lead Multotec forward, along with the trust of our shareholders and the respect of our people. He has been an integral part of our journey, and I am confident that he will build on what we have achieved while leading the company through its next phase of global growth and success."

Johan Robbertse says: “Our success at Multotec comes from being close to our customers and understanding the challenges they face in their specific environment. We are, first and foremost, a relationship-driven business, and those relationships with our customers, employees and partners remain at the heart of everything we do. Being a global business helps us to support our local markets, partner with our customers, and use our collective global expertise to create better solutions. Our ability to think globally while acting locally is what will enable us to keep innovating and delivering value across the mining industry. As we build on Multotec's strong foundation, we will continue developing solutions alongside our customers, combining global knowledge with local expertise to support their long-term success.”

As Multotec enters this next chapter, the company remains committed to developing innovative, customer-focused solutions that improve productivity, efficiency and sustainability across the global mining industry. Backed by experienced leadership, a globally integrated manufacturing footprint and a clear long-term strategy, Multotec is well positioned to strengthen its partnerships and continue delivering lasting value to customers around the world.

The leadership transition reflects Multotec's commitment to continuity, ensuring the company remains well positioned to build on its legacy while shaping the future of mineral processing through innovation, engineering excellence and trusted customer partnerships.