JOHANNESBURG, Oct 9 (Reuters) - Johannesburg Stock

Exchange CEO Leila Fourie is to retire early next year after

nearly 6-1/2 years at the helm and will be succeeded by the head

of the bourse's capital markets, Valdene Reddy, the group said

on Thursday.

Reddy's appointment is effective from April 1, 2026, it said

in a statement. She has been with Africa's largest stock

exchange for more than 10 years, bringing over two decades of

experience in financial markets, including senior roles at

international investment banks, it added.

She is currently the director of capital markets focusing on

listings and secondary market trade activity across all asset

classes.

"My focus will be on accelerating innovation and enhancing

our competitiveness through ongoing strategic transformation,"

Reddy said.

Reddy will provide strategic continuity such as driving

earnings growth through diversified revenue streams and

innovation in capital markets, the JSE said.

"I am confident that Valdene's deep industry expertise,

strategic acumen, and stakeholder relationships will position

the JSE for continued success in a rapidly evolving financial

landscape," JSE Chair Phuthuma Nhleko said.

During her tenure as CEO, Fourie has delivered a turnaround

in earnings, diversified the group's revenue profile and

modernised its core technology and regulatory frameworks, the

company said.