Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) has announced a planned leadership transition that will see Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mpumi Mpofu conclude her tenure at the end of her fixed term contract on 30 June 2026.
Mpofu will step down after six years at the helm of the state owned airport management company, during a period marked by significant disruption and recovery within the global aviation sector.
The board said in a statement on Thursday that Charles Shilowa has been appointed acting CEO with effect from 1 July 2026 while a formal process to appoint a permanent CEO gets underway.
According to Irvin Phenyane, chairman of the board at Acsa, Mpofu played a key role in steering the organisation through one of the aviation industry’s most challenging periods.
“On behalf of the board, we thank Mpofu for her dedicated service to Airports Company South Africa over the past six years,” said Phenyane.
“She has led the organisation through an unprecedented period within the global aviation sector and has overseen Acsa’s operations and financial recovery while advancing critical strategic initiatives that have strengthened the company’s long term position,” Phenyane stated.
Phenyane added that both the board and Mpofu had agreed on a structured and carefully managed leadership transition.
“The board and CEO have agreed on a carefully managed transition, with clear terms of reference and mutual cooperation,” he said.
Shilowa currently serves as group executive for capital infrastructure asset management at Acsa, a position he has held since July 2023.
Before joining the company, he held senior leadership positions at Rand Merchant Bank, South African Revenue Service, Sasol, and Unilever.
Acsa said Shilowa will work closely with the board to ensure continuity during the transition period and maintain operational stability across the organisation while the recruitment process for a permanent CEO is finalised.
Mpofu will remain in her role until the conclusion of her contract and will work alongside the acting CEO, board, and executive leadership team to ensure a seamless handover process.
Acsa further stated that the board extended its support to Shilowa as he prepares to assume the acting leadership position from July.
“The board wishes Shilowa success in his acting role,” the company said.
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