Dirk Lourens joined Raubex in July 2012 and was instrumental in establishing and developing Raubex Infra.
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Raubex has announced the early retirement of chief operating officer (COO) and executive director Dirk Lourens, with Jaco van der Bijl set to succeed him from September 1, 2026.
The construction and infrastructure group on Friday said Lourens will step down from his executive role on August 31 after more than 14 years with the company, during which he played a key role in expanding its infrastructure operations and strengthening its position in South Africa's construction sector.
Lourens joined Raubex in July 2012 and was instrumental in establishing and developing Raubex Infra. He was appointed divisional managing director of the Infrastructure Division in May 2017 before taking up the role of COO in August 2022.
The company credited him with strengthening operational governance, developing key business platforms and mentoring future leaders within the group.
Although retiring from his executive position, Lourens will remain with Raubex as executive advisor for operations from September 1, 2026, until May 31, 2027, to support the transition to the new COO and oversee several priority business initiatives.
Reflecting on his career, Lourens expressed gratitude to the board for its trust and support, as well as to colleagues over the years.
"Serving the Raubex Group has been one of the greatest privileges of my professional career. I am deeply grateful. I leave with immense pride in what we have achieved together and with every confidence in Raubex's future success," he said.
Van der Bijl, who has more than 36 years of experience in the construction industry, joined Raubex in 2013 and has held several senior leadership roles within the Roads and Earthworks Division, including managing director of Roadmac Surfacing.
Since June 2022, he has served as divisional managing director of the Roads & Earthworks Division, where he has overseen one of the group's largest operating businesses and helped strengthen its operational performance, market position and long-term sustainability.
He holds a National Higher Diploma in Civil Engineering and is registered as both a Professional Construction Manager (Pr.CM) and Professional Construction Project Manager (Pr.CPM).
Rudolf Fourie, Raubex chairman, thanked Lourens for his contribution to the company and welcomed his successor.
"The board extends its sincere appreciation to Dirk Lourens for his dedicated service and significant contribution to the growth and success of the Raubex Group over the past fourteen years, including his tenure as COO," Fourie said.
"We also congratulate Jaco van der Bijl on his appointment as Chief Operating Officer and look forward to his continued leadership and contribution to the Group's future growth and success."
BUSINESS REPORT