Former Absa CEO diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease

Former Absa CEO Arrie Rautenbach was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2024 and has launched a foundation to tackle the disease.

Rautenbach, a North-West University alumnus, is a financial veteran who has held numerous executive roles throughout his career.

He joined Absa Group in the late 1990s and started at Bankfin, a South African vehicle and asset finance brand operated by the bank.

He rose through the ranks and served as managing executive of distribution, managing executive of the Absa Card Division, and CEO of Retail and Business Banking.

In 2012, Rautenbach was named ‘Retail Banker of the Year’ by Retail International Banker Magazine.

Under his stewardship as CEO of Retail and Business Banking, Absa was awarded ‘Best Retail Bank in Africa in 2020’ by The Asian Banker.

Other awards included ‘Best Retail Bank in Africa’, ‘Best Retail Bank in South Africa’, and ‘Best Credit Card Management’.

In March 2022, he was appointed as the Absa Group’s new chief executive officer. He served in this role for two-and-a-half years.

In 2024, Absa announced that Rautenbach would step down as chief executive officer and an executive director of the board with effect from 15 October 2024.

“The parties agreed that Rautenbach will take early retirement from the company, effective 15 April 2025,” Absa said in a statement.

Apart from his career at Absa, Rautenbach has also contributed to the industry through his board executive memberships.

These include the Banking Association of South Africa (BASA), Woolworths Financial Services, and other related industry bodies.

He also served as Chairperson of Ford Financial Services and contributed to local and international financial bodies.

Arrie Rautenbach diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease

Rautenbach revealed that in mid-2024, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurological condition.

He said that this diagnosis reframed his future and his sense of purpose. He founded the Arrie Rautenbach Parkinson’s Foundation as a vehicle for this purpose.

“In South Africa, Parkinson’s remains largely under-recognised, often diagnosed late, and insufficiently supported,” he said.

The foundation, he said, is building South Africa’s first unified national platform for Parkinson’s awareness, research, and patient support. It is done through:

• Driving national awareness of Parkinson’s Disease, reducing stigma, and ensuring early recognition across South Africa.

• Promoting and funding research aimed at improving diagnosis, treatment options, and potential cures for Parkinson’s.

• Developing programmes and services to support patients, caregivers, and families, so no one navigates the journey alone.

• Raising and managing funds responsibly to ensure the long-term sustainability of all programmes and research initiatives.

“Rather than stepping back, I chose to move forward. I turned to cycling to maintain strength and mobility and as a symbol of resilience and momentum,” he said.

“Today, I ride to raise awareness, challenge stigma, and inspire those living with Parkinson’s,” Rautenbach said.