KEY POINTS
- Multotec has appointed Johan Robbertse as Group CEO after Thomas Holtz’s 20-year tenure.
- Holtz becomes chairperson as Multotec continues expanding across global mining markets.
- The company operates in about 100 countries, with China, Brazil and Chile among its growing international markets.
South African mineral-processing equipment manufacturer Multotec has appointed Johan Robbertse as its new Group CEO, marking a major leadership transition after two decades under Thomas Holtz.
The change was announced at Electra Mining Africa 2026, where Holtz formally handed over the CEO role to Robbertse and assumed the position of chairperson.
The leadership transition comes as Multotec continues to expand its international footprint while maintaining South Africa as a key market and manufacturing base.
Holtz led Multotec for about 20 years, overseeing the company’s transformation from a predominantly South African manufacturer into a globally integrated mineral-processing business.
During his tenure, the company expanded its operations across several continents and developed a presence in major mining markets.
Robbertse, who joined Multotec in 2010, will now lead the group as it enters its next phase of international growth.
His appointment is intended to provide continuity while maintaining the company’s focus on customers, product development, manufacturing and innovation.
Multotec now operates in 100 countries
Multotec’s equipment is currently used in mineral-processing operations in about 100 countries across six continents.
The company has approximately 1,900 employees worldwide and operates manufacturing facilities across Africa, South America, Asia and North America, alongside sister companies in Europe and Australia.
About 60% of its equipment is exported, highlighting the extent to which the company has shifted from being primarily South Africa-focused to serving a global customer base.
Despite this international expansion, South Africa and the wider African market remain important to the company’s operations.
The region accounts for roughly 60% to 70% of Multotec’s market, according to Holtz. Following his move to the chairperson position, Holtz is expected to focus on strengthening the independence and governance of the company’s board.
He will also continue supporting Multotec’s long-term strategic direction and international expansion.
Holtz’s association with the company dates back to 1996, when he joined as a project manager.
He subsequently held several leadership positions before becoming Group CEO in 2008, succeeding his late father and Multotec co-founder, Ernst Joachim (EJ) Holtz.
He became only the second Group CEO in the company’s more than five-decade history.
Holtz said Multotec continues to see opportunities across global mining markets despite varying conditions among commodities.
While gold has performed strongly, he noted that other sectors, including diamonds, have experienced significant challenges.
The company is therefore seeking opportunities in different mining jurisdictions and has expanded into markets where demand for mineral-processing technology remains strong.
Multotec’s strategy includes maintaining its South African and African operations while expanding into regions where mining activity and investment are increasing.
China is among the markets where Multotec is strengthening its presence. The company recently established a joint venture in China as part of efforts to support the country’s mining industry.
Holtz said the venture initially focuses on supplying screening products in a region that is less served by international suppliers.
Over time, the company plans to expand its product offering in the area to include spirals, cyclones and other mineral-processing equipment.
Multotec is working with a local mining consortium and Chinese partner, while its Chinese management team is responsible for developing relationships and growing the business.
Holtz said the company has found Chinese partners receptive to investment, technology transfer and efforts to develop local skills. Multotec has also established manufacturing operations in Brazil and Chile.
The company operates factories in both countries, relying on local manufacturing capabilities, expertise and employees.
The strategy mirrors Multotec’s approach in China, where the company aims to combine international technology and experience with local partnerships and skills.
Robbertse said the company’s 53 years of specialised process knowledge provides a strong foundation as it expands its international operations.
He also highlighted the company’s workforce of about 1,900 people, drawn from different countries and cultures, as an important part of its global operations.
The appointment of Robbertse represents a planned succession rather than a major shift away from Multotec’s existing strategy.
With Holtz moving to the chairperson role, the company intends to retain his experience while giving its new CEO responsibility for day-to-day leadership and future expansion.
The transition comes as Multotec seeks to build on its manufacturing expertise, expand into new mining regions and strengthen its position as a global supplier of mineral-processing equipment.
The company says it remains committed to South Africa and Africa while continuing to pursue opportunities in international mining markets.
