South Africa’s largest explosives-maker has a new man at the top

AECI has appointed Alan Dickson as its new chief executive officer (CEO), with effect from 1 July 2026.

Dickson will succeed Holger Riemensperger, who stepped down as AECI CEO with immediate effect in October 2025 due to personal and family reasons.

Since Riemensperger’s resignation, AECI’s executive vice president, Dean Murray, had been at the helm, serving as interim CEO.

AECI is South Africa’s largest explosives manufacturer, with businesses in Africa, Europe, Southeast Asia, North America, South America, and Australia.

On Monday, 1 June, AECI announced Dickson’s appointment as both CEO and an executive director of the company.

AECI said its search for a new man at the top included consideration of both internal and external candidates, before the company landed on Dickson.

Described as a highly accomplished leader, Dickson holds BSc (Eng) and MSc (Eng) degrees from the University of the Witwatersrand, together with a Masters in Business Administration from Wits Business School. 

He boasts over 20 years of executive experience spanning diversified industrial, technology, manufacturing, and infrastructure-driven sectors.

He worked at JSE-listed industrial and technology group Reunert for nearly three decades and served as its CEO from 2014 to 2026.

“The board is delighted to appoint Mr Dickson as Group CEO of AECI. He brings a strong track record of disciplined execution, operational excellence and value creation in complex,

listed industrial environments,” AECI board chairperson Philisiwe Sibiya said. 

“His experience aligns well with AECI’s strategic priorities of strengthening performance, maintaining an uncompromising focus on safety, leadership and delivering sustainable growth.” 

“The board is confident that his leadership will ensure continuity while accelerating the next phase of the group’s strategy for the benefit of all stakeholders.”

Dickson described AECI as a business with a strong heritage and clear foundations, built by its people, saying he looks forward to contributing to the company’s long and sustained legacy.