The Board of Directors of First Food Brands has announced the appointment of Herman Jansen van Rensberg as the Group Chief Executive Officer of Eskort, effective March 1, 2027. Van Rensberg, who is currently the General Manager of the dairy company Lactalis South Africa, will join the Eskort leadership team on January 1, 2027. This will allow for a structured two-month transition period before he officially takes up the role of Group CEO. The handover process will be managed by the outgoing Group CEO, Arnold Prinsloo.
Chairman of the Board, Gerard Braak, expressed satisfaction with Herman's joining Eskort, noting that he possesses the precise combination of financial acumen, operational depth, and executive leadership that Eskort requires to continue expanding its production capacity, retail network, and product innovation.
Braak stated: 'Since Herman has led one of South Africa's most respected food enterprises, he understands what it takes to build and maintain a brand trusted by communities. We are confident that he will preserve the Eskort legacy while driving the next chapter of its growth.'
Jansen van Rensberg began working at Lactalis 16 years ago as a financial manager and subsequently held several senior management positions, including Head of Executive Control, Business Unit Head, and Operations Director, before becoming General Manager.
Responding to his appointment, Jansen van Rensberg stated that he feels honored to join Eskort at such an exciting point in its journey. He emphasized that Eskort is a proud South African brand with a 109-year heritage, global production standards, and a constantly evolving product range tailored to the dietary needs of South Africans.
He added: 'I look forward to working with the Eskort team to develop this exceptional foundation and continue keeping pace with the times, respecting the traditions and trust that have made this brand what it is. Eskort has always combined sustainability with adaptability, and I am pleased to help write the next chapter of this South African success story.'
Prinsloo joined Eskort as Operations Director and was appointed CEO on July 1, 2007. During his tenure, Eskort expanded its production facilities, increased its chain of branded retail stores to over 30 Eskort stores across eight provinces, and developed a range of over 300 antibiotic-free pork products.
Braak praised Arnold's contribution, saying: 'Arnold's contribution to Eskort over 22 years has been outstanding. He guided the business through periods of deep difficulty and massive growth, always with a clear understanding of what Eskort represents and where it needs to go. The business he leaves behind is stronger, more innovative, and more loved than ever. On behalf of the board of directors, I want to thank him for his leadership and legacy.'