Richard Vallihu is moving to Transnet National Ports Authority as Chief Executive while Thamsanqa Jiyane replaces him as Chief Executive of Transnet Engineering (TE).

Jiyane also joins the Group Executive Committee. Both appointments are effective from 1 April 2015 and follow the retirement of TNPA chief executive, Tau Morwe.

Vallihu has been at the helm of TE since 2005, having joined in 1995. Transnet says in a statement that Vallihu had “successfully transformed TE into a robust and commercial engineering business beyond rail.” It goes on to say that TE had become the centrepiece of Transnet’s research, development and innovation drive in recent years.

His replacement, Thamsanqa Jiyane, is said to be a “well-rounded and experienced executive” who joined Transnet in 2001. He has worked as a procurement expert in Transnet’s Port Terminals, National Ports Authority and Freight Rail divisions.

According to Transnet, he spearheaded Freight Rail’s fleet renewal programme and conceptualised the approach to the purchase of locomotives, which included a strong focus on localisation, supplier and enterprise development.

Transnet says Jiyane is a teacher by qualification and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration Operations and Supply Chain and a Master of Business Leadership.