End of an era for 109-year-old South African meat producer

The owner of Eskort has appointed a new CEO to run the meat producer as its chief exec of 22 years plans to step down in March 2027.

On Tuesday, 20 October, the board of First Food Brands announced the appointment of Herman Janse van Rensburg as Eskort CEO, effective 1 March 2027.

Janse van Rensburg will succeed CEO Arnold Prinsloo, who has been at Eskort’s helm since July 2007.

Under Prinsloo’s tenure, Eskort has expanded its manufacturing capability, grown its retail network to 30 stores across eight provinces, and built a range of 300 antibiotic-free pork products.

“Arnold’s contribution to Eskort over 22 years has been extraordinary,” First Food Brands chairman Gerard Braak said. 

“He has led the business through periods of profound challenge and of tremendous growth, always with a clear sense of what Eskort stands for and where it needs to go.”

“The business he is handing over is stronger, more innovative and more widely loved than ever. On behalf of the board, I want to express our gratitude for his leadership and his legacy.”

Prinsloo’s successor, Janse van Rensburg, currently serves as the General Manager of dairy company Lactalis South Africa.

He will join Eskort’s management team on 1 January 2027, allowing for a structured two-month induction period before he assumes the CEO role. 

“He brings exactly the combination of financial acumen, operational depth and executive leadership that Eskort needs as it continues to grow its manufacturing capability, retail footprint and product innovation,” Braak said.

“Having led one of South Africa’s most respected food businesses, Herman understands what it takes to build and sustain a brand that communities trust.” 

Janse van Rensburg joined Lactalis 16 years ago as a financial manager and progressed through multiple senior executive roles before his appointment as General Manager. 

Lactalis South Africa forms part of the global Lactalis Group and operates a national dairy manufacturing and distribution network employing 2,700 people.

“I am honoured to be joining Eskort at such an exciting point in its journey,” Janse van Rensburg said. 

“Eskort is a proudly South African brand with 109 years of heritage, world-class manufacturing standards and a product range that continues to evolve with the way South Africans eat.”

Eskort was founded in July 1917 by a group of farmers in Estcourt, KwaZulu-Natal. 

“Eskort has always combined resilience with adaptability, and I am excited to help write the next chapter of that South African success story,” Janse van Rensburg said.