The board of directors of PPC has announced the appointment of Mr Ketso Gordhan to the Board as Chief Executive Officer Designate from 1 November 2012. He will succeed Mr. Paul Stuiver as Chief executive Officer from 1 January 2013.

PPC Group Chairman, Bheki Sibiya, commented: "While earlier this year we extended the time frame to finalise the process for appointing the new CEO we believe it was very worthwhile as we are delighted now to appoint Ketso as the next CEO. My PPC colleagues and I wish Ketso every success in his new role and we look forward to his contributions to the Company."

Ketso´s most recent role has been with The Presidency for the Government of South Africa, since 2009, where he developed performance metrics and targets for all government ministries. Prior to this role he was Head of Private Equity at FirstRand Financial Services Group for almost a decade. In his role as city manager during 1999 and 2000, Ketso led the team which successfully reversed the then dire financial position of the City of Johannesburg.

Sibiya added: "Ketso brings a wealth and blend of experience in business and in government, as well as knowledge of various industries to the helm of southern Africa´s oldest and largest cement company. The board is confident that his experience, combined with the vast industry knowledge of the existing PPC management will allow for the continued successful implementation of the company´s strategies."

Thanking the outgoing CEO Paul Stuiver, Sibiya said: "Paul has played a pivotal role, together with his team, in dealing with the challenges facing the Group and in laying foundations for the company´s continued progress. Additionally, he has played a major role in formulating our strategies for the future. I would like to thank Paul on behalf of the Board and all his colleagues for his valuable contribution to the advancement of PPC and wish him well in his retirement."

In the past three and half years Paul, together with the Board, has been instrumental in strong leadership during an unprecedented time of competitive dynamics in the SA cement industry and the conclusion of the BBBEE Phase II transaction resulting in 26 per cent black ownership of PPC in South Africa, the company said.