137-year-old South African company gets a new CEO

Aveng has announced that, from 1 October 2026, Fraser Wyllie will take over as its chief executive officer (CEO).

At the same time, the company’s interim CEO, David Simpson, will step down.

Founded in 1889, Aveng is one of South Africa’s oldest companies. It is an international engineering-led contractor specialising in infrastructure, building, and mining.

Today, it operates through three brands: McConnell Dowell, Built Environs, and Moolmans. Aveng is listed on the JSE with a market capitalisation of R544.75 million.

Earlier this year, Aveng announced that its CEO, Scott Cummins, would step down at the end of January 2026.

Cummins had led the company since 2024. He initially joined Aveng in 2015 as the CEO of McConnell Dowell.

Upon Cummins’ departure, Simpson was elected interim CEO with effect from 30 January 2026.

On Monday, 21 September 2026, Aveng announced that it has found a permanent CEO, with Simpson set to step down.

From 1 October, Wyllie will take the helm and become a director of Aveng. He is a New Zealand-based civil contracting specialist who has worked at McConnell Dowell since 2017.

“The board wishes to thank David for his contribution to Aveng as Interim CEO and congratulates Fraser on his appointment and looks forward to working with him,” Aveng said.