DRDGOLD Names Henriette Hooijer as New CFO for 2026
DRDGOLD Announces CFO Transition: Riaan Davel to Step Down in 2026, Henriette Hooijer Appointed Successor
JSE- and NYSE-listed gold producer DRDGOLD Limited (JSE: DRD) has announced a key leadership transition, confirming that Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Executive Director Riaan Davel will step down from his roles with effect from 31 January 2026.
The company further confirmed that Henriette Hooijer will officially assume the position of CFO from 1 February 2026, marking the next phase in DRDGOLD’s ongoing succession and transformation strategy.
Smooth Succession Following Early Planning
This announcement follows DRDGOLD’s earlier June 2025 SENS release, in which the company disclosed that Davel had indicated his intention to step down following the conclusion of the financial reporting season for the year ended 30 June 2025.
At the time, DRDGOLD named Hooijer — then serving as General Manager: Group Finance — as CFO Designate and the company’s first female executive director, effective 1 July 2025.
By formally setting the effective dates for the transition, the company has reaffirmed its commitment to good corporate governance and leadership continuity.
About Riaan Davel
Riaan Davel joined DRDGOLD in January 2015 after 17 years in professional services, bringing strong financial and governance expertise to the gold producer.
During his decade-long tenure, Davel helped to strengthen DRDGOLD’s financial position, enhance transparency, and support its strategic growth projects such as Far West Gold Recoveries (FWGR).
Under his financial leadership, the company’s Annual Integrated Report consistently earned “Excellent” recognition at the EY Excellence in Integrated Reporting Awards.
Although he will step down as CFO and Executive Director at the end of January 2026, Davel will continue to serve DRDGOLD in an advisory capacity until January 2027 to ensure a smooth handover and transition.
About Henriette Hooijer
Henriette Hooijer, a Chartered Accountant (CA (SA)), joined DRDGOLD in May 2016 as Group Financial SOX & Compliance Manager after over a decade at KPMG South Africa. She was promoted to Financial Director of Far West Gold Recoveries in 2018 and later advanced to General Manager: Group Finance in March 2024.
Over nearly a decade at the company, Hooijer has played a critical role in financial management, compliance, and strategic execution, particularly in driving DRDGOLD’s Vision 2028 framework — a roadmap focused on sustainable growth and operational excellence.
Her appointment marks a historic milestone for the company, as she becomes DRDGOLD’s first female executive director, reflecting its continued progress on diversity and inclusion within its leadership ranks.
A Testament to Strong Governance
Industry analysts note that the extended transition period demonstrates careful succession planning and reinforces investor confidence. The company’s decision to announce Hooijer’s designation months in advance, coupled with Davel’s continued advisory role, minimizes operational disruption and signals strategic continuity.
The leadership change also aligns with DRDGOLD’s reputation for transparency, responsible governance, and sustainability, key pillars underpinning its market success.
Looking Ahead
As DRDGOLD advances toward its Vision 2028 goals, the incoming CFO will play a pivotal role in maintaining financial discipline, driving capital efficiency, and supporting the company’s ESG and B-BBEE compliance objectives.
With Davel’s mentorship during the transition and Hooijer’s deep institutional knowledge, DRDGOLD’s finance function appears well positioned to sustain stability while continuing its evolution toward a more diversified, future-focused leadership model.
