Appointment of Chief Finance Officer Designate
Tharisa PLC announces the appointment of Jacques Breytenbach as Chief Finance Officer Designate, effective May 1, 2026, and as Chief Finance Officer and executive director from August 1, 2026, succeeding Michael Jones who retires on July 31, 2026. Breytenbach brings over 25 years of experience in integrated mining operations, including significant roles at Petra Diamonds and Anglo American Platinum, and has a strong background in financial strategy, capital structuring, and listed environments. The company has completed a fit and proper assessment for Breytenbach, confirming his suitability for the role.
Select text to share a quote on X · sign in to keep highlights & notes in your THS notes
JSE share code: THA
LSE share code: THS
A2X share code: THA
('Tharisa' or 'the Company' or 'Group')
APPOINTMENT OF CHIEF FINANCE OFFICER DESIGNATE
Shareholders are referred to the announcement published on 3 February 2026, wherein shareholders were advised of Michael Jones' pending retirement from his position as Chief Finance Officer and executive director of Tharisa and its subsidiaries effective 31 July 2026.
In compliance with the JSE Listings Requirements, and following an extensive selection process, the board is pleased to announce the appointment of Jacques Breytenbach as Chief Finance Officer Designate with effect from 1 May 2026, and as Michael's successor as Chief Finance Officer and as executive director of the board with effect from 1 August 2026. This appointment provides for a comprehensive handover period to ensure continuity and stability within the finance function.
Jacques holds a B. Compt. (Hon)/CTA from the University of South Africa and is a qualified Chartered Accountant (South Africa). He is a seasoned Chief Finance Officer and non-executive director with over 25 years' experience in integrated mining operations including the diamond and PGM sectors across Africa. He has extensive experience in the listed environment, across both the Johannesburg and London stock exchanges, as well as capital structuring. His broader expertise encompasses the shaping of financial strategy, optimising return on investment, leading full financial functions across diverse geographies, including South Africa, Tanzania, and other geographies within Sub-Saharan Africa, debt and equity fundraising, and implementing robust governance frameworks and digital systems to support growth in multinational, asset-based organisations.
Jacques served as the Chief Financial Officer of Petra Diamonds Limited for eight years from 2016 to 2024, having previously served as Group Finance Manager between 2006 and 2016. Prior to this, he served as Finance Manager at Anglo American Platinum Limited (now Valterra Platinum Limited) from 2001 to 2006. He served as a non-executive director and member of the Audit Committee of Afrimat Limited, a JSE listed company, from 1 June 2025 to 21 April 2026.
Jacques' strong strategic and operational finance experience will add considerable value to the Tharisa Group.
The board confirms that, in compliance with paragraph 6.73 of the JSE Listings Requirements, a fit and proper assessment has been conducted and that the board is satisfied with the outcome thereof. Tharisa further confirms that there are no positive statements to report in respect of the integrity information contained in the director's declaration.
The board congratulates Jacques on his appointment and looks forward to the valuable contribution he will make to the Group.
The board wishes to place on record its sincere gratitude to Michael Jones for his exceptional and dedicated service as Chief Finance Officer over the past 13 years. His tenure has been defined by an unwavering commitment to the Tharisa Group that went far beyond the execution of his responsibilities, one that helped shape Tharisa into the integrated, resilient, and financially disciplined business it is today. The legacy he leaves is one of financial rigour and institutional strength, and the board extends its sincere appreciation for everything he has given to Tharisa, wishing him a well-earned and fulfilling retirement.
Paphos, Cyprus
JSE Sponsor
Investec Bank Limited
Connect with us on LinkedIn to get further news and updates about our business.
Cleaned text: letterheads, contacts and legal notices removed. View the original announcement ↗ · Company filings. Not investment advice.