Taelo Mojapelo is new CEO of BP Southern Africa
BP Southern Africa has appointed Taelo Mojapelo as its new CEO, replacing Priscillah Mabelane, who is joining Sasol as executive vice president of its energy business.
Mojapelo took up her position on June 1. She joined the company in April as head of commercial optimisation and supply for Southern Africa, from Mondelez. Mojapelo has previously worked in supply chain roles for South African Breweries, Kellogg’s and DHL.
Mabelane will start her role at Sasol on September 1, where she will also serve as a member of the company’s group executive committee. Before becoming BP Southern Africa’s first black female CEO, she was retail operations director for BP’s UK retail business.
The new Sasol VP replaces Maurice Radebe, who is retiring at the end of September after 16 years with the company.
BP Southern Africa’s Board Chairperson Thandi Orleyn said the company had made “great progress in transforming our business into a market-leading fuel and convenience retailer in South Africa, and we are confident that Taelo’s strong leadership and proven [fast moving consumer goods] FMCG operational experience will help us build on this momentum.”
Mojapelo has a Bachelor of Science Honours degree in Chemical Technology from the University of Natal, a Masters degree in Environmental Engineering from Cambridge University and an MBA from the Gordon Institute of Business Science.
Orleyn expressed gratitude to Mabelane for her work at BP Southern Africa over the last nine years. “Her dedication to the business, coupled with her commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce, has been remarkable. She will be missed by colleagues and business partners alike and we wish her well in her future endeavours.”
Sasol President and CEO Fleetwood Grobler said the company was looking forward to “benefiting from [Mabelane’s] extensive business and leadership experience.” Grobler said the retiring Radebe had been “instrumental in driving our growth strategy in the energy business, with emphasis on retail fuels.”
