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South African poultry company Astral Foods has announced the retirement of CEO and executive director Chris Schutte, effective 30 January 2025, after over 15 years in the role.

Under Astral’s Human Resources Policy, the mandatory retirement age for executive directors is 65, making 2025 the scheduled retirement year for Schutte.

The company's board of directors has accepted Schutte's personal request for retirement and initiated a formal replacement process. A further announcement regarding his successor will be made once this process is complete.

Theuns Eloff, non-executive chairman of Astral, said: “Although we are saddened by Chris’s decision, we respect his request for retirement with the utmost understanding and sympathy for his personal and family circumstances".

He added: "Chris has been a poultry man for 41 years, steadfastly serving the South African poultry industry. [He] has been at the helm leading Astral for the past 16 years, at the same time achieving the recognition as one of the longest-serving CEOs of a listed JSE company."

“Chris has graciously agreed to consult to Astral, in a strategic role from 1 February 2025 for a period

of one year. On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Chris for his leadership and valuable guidance

during his tenure at Astral."

In his new consultant role, Schutte will concentrate on ensuring a seamless transition for the incoming CEO, maintaining key stakeholder relationships and offering strategic advice to both Astral’s executive team (Exco) and board.

Schutte added: “I have always involved my Exco in our dealings with a myriad of stakeholders,

and this well-established team is highly experienced and regarded as best-in-industry. I am confident

that I am handing over to a competent team who are willing and able to take the group forward in the

next phase of Astral’s growth journey.”

#AstralFoods #CEO