JOHANNESBURG: AECI, a diversified industrial group, on Monday named Alan Ernest Dickson as its next group chief executive officer and executive director, effective July 1, 2026.
Dickson, a 29-year veteran of JSE-listed Reunert Ltd., spent 12 years as that company’s group CEO, leading complex operations across industrial, technology, manufacturing and infrastructure-driven sectors. He holds BSc and MSc degrees in engineering from the University of the Witwatersrand and an MBA with distinction from Wits Business School.
“The board is delighted to appoint Mr. Dickson as group CEO of AECI,” said Philisiwe Sibiya, chairperson of the board. “He brings a strong track record of disciplined execution, operational excellence and value creation in complex, listed industrial environments.”
Dickson succeeds Dean Murray, who was named interim CEO on Oct. 15, 2025. Murray will continue in the role until June 30, 2026. The board thanked Murray for his “principled leadership and trusted stewardship.”
A formal selection process was conducted by the board and its Nominations, Governance & Directors Affairs Committee, supported by an executive search firm. Both internal and external candidates were considered.
“It is an honor to be appointed as group CEO of AECI,” Dickson said. “AECI is a business with a strong heritage and clear foundations, built by its people, and I look forward to contributing to its long and sustained legacy.”
The board confirmed it has completed a fit-and-proper assessment as required under JSE Listings Requirements and that no matters require disclosure regarding Dickson’s director’s declaration.
Dickson is a member of the South African Institute of Electrical Engineers.
