New CEO at 110-year-old South African company

York Timber Holdings has appointed a new CEO, Schalk Barnard, following the resignation of Gabriël Stoltz in March 2026.

Barnard currently serves as York’s chief financial officer (CFO) and has stepped into Stoltz’s shoes as interim CEO since April 2026.

Now, his appointment as CEO will become permanent with effect from 1 September 2026.

Established in 1916, York Timber is South Africa’s largest solid wood processor, specialising in the production of lumber and plywood.

The company was listed on the JSE in 1946, making it one of the oldest companies on the exchange. It currently has a market cap of around R971.9 million.

On Friday, 21 August, York informed shareholders that it is now searching for a new CFO to fill Barnard’s shoes after he becomes CEO. Until then, Barnard will hold both the CEO and CFO positions.

Barnard has been at York Timber since April 2023, when he was appointed as the company’s CFO.

Prior to York, he worked at professional services firms PwC and EY, where he worked as a partner.

Barnard’s appointment comes after Stoltz announced his resignation in March 2026, after having served at York’s helm for four years.

Stoltz also previously served as the company’s CFO and executive director. He was appointed interim CEO in July 2021 and made the permanent chief exec a year later. 

York said Stoltz has played a pivotal role in advancing the business, adding that his leadership has had a lasting impact on the organisation and its stakeholders.