New Bell CEO chosen

Gary Bell is to retire from his position as CEO of South African-based construction equipment manufacturer Bell Equipment, and the board of directors has announced the appointment of Leon Goosen as CEO designate.

Goosen (45) has been executive director of the company for eight years and has held the position of chief operating officer (COO) since the end of 2014. Before joining Bell, he was a partner at financial services company Deloitte & Touche in South Africa and Namibia.

Goosen was selected by a sub-committee of the board from a pool of candidates that had been identified through an internal, local and international search process carried out by an external service provider.

According to Bell’s chairman, John Barton, Goosen had worked closely with the board and Gary Bell since joining the company, and had contributed greatly to the strategic direction of the group.

Gary Bell said, “In an effort to ensure a smooth transition and retain the Bell family linkages, it is envisaged that I will continue to play a meaningful role on the board and, along with Ashley Bell’s presence on the board, we can steer the business and retain the all-important family culture and sentiment that is core to the Bell business today.”

Ashley Bell is a son of Peter Bell, who, before he retired, was the alternative director to Gary Bell. Ashley has served as a non-executive director on the main Bell board since early 2015.

Goosen said, “This is an exciting time in the company’s history and I look forward to the support of the larger Bell family and stakeholders as we continue to adapt to market influences and grow our great brand.”

A date for Goosen’s final appointment to the position of CEO is yet to be confirmed.