Bell Equipment implement CEO succession plans

Chief operating officer Leon Goosen to succeed Gary Bell upon his planned retirement

BELL Equipment’s board of directors has announced the appointment of the company’s chief operational officer and executive director, Leon Goosen, as chief executive officer designate to succeed Gary Bell upon his planned retirement.

The appointment follows an extensive internal, local and international search process by an external service provider to identify candidates, who were assessed by a sub-committee of the board.

Mr Goosen was a partner at Deloitte & Touche in South Africa and Namibia prior to joining Bell in 2007. He has held the position of executive director since January 2009 and has been COO since December 2014.

Bell Equipment Ltd’s chairman, John Barton, said: ‘We are delighted to be able to appoint at the helm of Bell Equipment a successor of Leon’s calibre. As chief operating officer Leon has worked very closely with the board and Gary over the past eight years, and has made a considerable contribution to the strategic direction of the group.

‘By announcing the successor now we will have the benefit of a smooth handover in the chief executive’s office during the transition period. My board colleagues join me in wishing Leon every success during this transition phase and in his new role as chief executive of Bell Equipment Ltd.’

Bell chief executive officer Gary Bell added: ‘In the past years Leon has stepped up to his operational role and his knowledge and understanding of what is a very complex business has developed particularly well, and the executive team at Bell is very supportive of his appointment.

‘I take this opportunity to congratulate Leon on his appointment and I have every confidence that he will lead the business to greater heights in the years ahead as we roll out our agreed plans.

‘In an effort to ensure a smooth transition and retain the Bell family linkages, it is envisaged that I will continue to play a meaningful role on the board and, along with Ashley Bell’s presence on the board, we can steer the business and retain the all important family culture and sentiment that is core to the Bell business today.’

In response, Mr Goosen said: ‘It’s an incredible honour to be appointed as CEO designate and I thank the board, management and Bell family for this opportunity, and for the trust and confidence that they have shown in me.

‘This is an exciting time in the company’s history and I look forward to the support of the larger Bell family and stakeholders as we continue to adapt to market influences and grow our great brand.’

A date for the final appointment to the CEO position will be announced in due course.