Atterbury Europe has announced a planned succession. From 1 November 2026, Martin Olivier, currently Chief Financial Officer, will be appointed Chief Executive Officer. After twelve years, Henk Deist hands over to Martin and moves into the role of Commercial Director while remaining a member of the board.

The change reflects the depth of talent within Atterbury Europe. Martin and Henk have worked together since the company was founded, and the handover has been deliberately planned, with continuity for shareholders, partners and colleagues at its centre.

As one of the founders of Atterbury Europe, Henk has been instrumental in shaping the business. He has steered the group through complex structural changes and shifting market conditions, and it has emerged as a resilient and trusted business. The board and shareholders extend their sincere appreciation to Henk for his exceptional leadership, vision and dedication.

“I look forward to working with our talented team, our shareholders and our partners as we execute our strategy, pursue new opportunities and create sustainable, long-term value for our investors and stakeholders.”

Martin Olivier

Malose Kekana, Chief Executive Officer of the Pareto Group and a member of the Atterbury Europe board, said: “On behalf of the board and shareholders, I want to thank Henk for the vision, judgement and commitment it has taken to develop Atterbury Europe into the business it is today. The measure of that achievement is a successor of Martin’s calibre from within the Atterbury Europe team. We welcome Henk’s continued involvement as Commercial Director, and the board has every confidence that Martin is the right person to see Atterbury Europe through its next chapter of growth.”

In his new position, Henk will oversee the group’s strategic business development activities, ensuring continuity on many of the business’s most important priorities.

Martin, a CA (SA), has been part of Atterbury Europe from its inception. He has been involved in all of the group’s acquisitions and strategic transactions as well as the operational side, giving him a view across the entire value chain of the business. That depth across strategy, operations and investment activity makes him well placed to lead Atterbury Europe into its next phase.

Henk Deist said: “It has been an incredible privilege to guide Atterbury Europe from its inception over the past twelve years. I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together and deeply grateful to our shareholders, board, colleagues, investors and business partners for their trust and support. I look forward to continuing to contribute to the business in my new role and to supporting Martin as he carries Atterbury Europe forward.”

“It is a great honour to be appointed Chief Executive Officer of Atterbury Europe,” Martin Olivier said. “I look forward to working with our talented team, our shareholders and our partners as we execute our strategy, pursue new opportunities and create sustainable, long-term value for our investors and stakeholders.”

The succession takes effect with the business in motion. Construction is under way at Rivus in Cluj-Napoca, while the group’s centres across its three markets keep strengthening their place in the communities they serve. Atterbury Europe’s strategy, partnerships and approach to business remain unchanged. The group’s long-standing relationships with its shareholders, joint venture partners and close-knit team provide a strong foundation for a seamless leadership transition and position the business for continued success.