Riaz Haffejee
Metair has appointed Riaz Haffejee to replace outgoing CEO Theo Loock, with effect from February 1.
Metair is an international manufacturer, distributor and retailer of energy storage solutions and automotive components.
The Metair board began the search for a new CEO in the middle of the year, following Loock’s decision to go on early retirement.
Loock will remain a consultant to the group for a period of two years to ensure a seamless handover to the new CEO, as well as continuity with the implementation of the Covid-19 recovery plan and the facilitation of a smooth transition among key customers, technical partners and other stakeholders.
“The process to identify the right calibre candidate with the required specialised industry expertise has been thorough, with both internal and external applicants considered for the role,” says Metair chairperson Brand Pretorius.
“We are pleased to have secured Mr Haffejee as the new Metair CEO, whose knowledge and experience of the automotive sector will serve the group well. On behalf of the Metair board, I welcome Mr Haffejee and look forward to his contribution to drive the group forward.”
Haffejee currently serves as the CEO of Sumitomo Rubber South Africa (Sumitomo Dunlop), a division of the Japanese listed company, Sumitomo Rubber Industries, where he is also the chairperson of its Middle East subsidiary.
Sumitomo Dunlop is responsible for the manufacturing and distribution of Dunlop, Falken and Sumitomo tyres in sub-Saharan Africa, including supply to vehicle manufacturers.
Prior to this, Haffejee was an executive at Vodacom Business from 2008 to 2012. He also held a number of senior managerial positions at BMW Group South Africa between 1996 and 2008.
Haffejee holds an MBA, a postgraduate diploma in business management, and a BSc in mechanical engineering.