Riaan Heyl
Food and beverage company PepsiCo South Africa has announced the appointment of Riaan Heyl as its new CEO, effective May 1, to succeed Tertius Carstens, who is retiring after 29 years with the company.
Heyl is a chartered accountant by training and joined Pioneer Foods in 2000.
His career has included senior leadership roles within finance and general management.
He led the Essential Foods portfolio within Pioneer Foods from 2017 and, following PepsiCo’s acquisition of Pioneer Foods in 2020, took on the role of VP of Go to Market and Commercial Integration across the South African portfolio.
Heyl steps into the CEO position after serving as PepsiCo’s COO in South Africa since January.
“Through a long illustrious career with Pioneer Foods, Riaan has proven himself to be an outstanding leader. He has been at the forefront of building one PepsiCo in South Africa commercially and culturally,” PepsiCo Africa, Middle East and South Asia CEO Eugene Willemsen says.
“This is an extraordinary opportunity to lead one of the best food and beverage businesses in South Africa. I’m grateful to build on what has already been achieved and passionate about the company’s trajectory for growth where shared value, sustainability, our people and consumers are at the centre.
“I am excited about the future – notwithstanding the current economic environment and all the challenges we face in South Africa. I truly believe we have iconic brands and the best people to ensure our continued success as we become faster, stronger and better at delivering more smiles with every sip and every bite,” Heyl comments.