Bob van Dijk has announced his resignation as CEO of Naspers and Prosus. Van Dijk, who has been the chief executive of Naspers since 2014 and of Prosus since its listing in 2019, has stepped down from his positions on the boards of both companies. His resignation is effective immediately, starting from Monday, 18 September 2023.
The decision for Van Dijk’s resignation was made by mutual agreement between the former CEO and the boards. Despite this unexpected change in leadership, both Naspers and Prosus have assured their shareholders that their strategic goals remain unchanged and that they are on track to deliver on their commitments.
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Transition and Future Plans
As part of the transition process, Van Dijk has agreed to remain as a consultant until 30 September 2024. This will ensure a smooth handover of responsibilities and maintain continuity within the companies. Group chief investment officer Ervin Tu will assume the role of Naspers and Prosus interim chief executive in the meantime.
The Boards of Prosus and Naspers expressed their gratitude towards Bob van Dijk for his decade-long leadership. During his tenure, substantial businesses were established in classifieds, food delivery, and payments. The companies also ventured into new fields, diversifying their portfolio and positioning themselves for future growth.
Looking Ahead
With the leadership transition underway, Naspers and Prosus remain focused on their strategic objectives. One of their key goals is to achieve consolidated e-commerce trading profit during the first half of the next financial year. This demonstrates their commitment to driving profitability and delivering value to their shareholders.
Additionally, the companies have emphasized the continuation of their open-ended share repurchase program, which allows them to buy back shares from the market. This initiative not only supports their long-term growth strategy but also signals confidence in their future prospects.
Acknowledging Bob van Dijk’s Contributions
In a statement issued by chairman Koos Bekker shortly after the shareholder announcement, he expressed the Boards’ appreciation for Bob van Dijk’s contributions. Bekker highlighted the establishment of substantial businesses in various sectors and the entry into new fields as key achievements under Van Dijk’s leadership.
The chairman concluded by wishing Bob van Dijk much success in his future career. While this marks the end of an era for Naspers and Prosus, it also opens up new opportunities for the companies and their stakeholders.
