The Naspers and Prosus boards and Bob van Dijk have mutually agreed that Bob will, effective 18 September 2023, step down from his position as chief executive as well as his position on the boards of both companies.
Bob has agreed to assist with the transition after this date and will remain as a consultant to the group until 30 September 2024.
Bob has been the chief executive of Naspers since 2014 and of Prosus since its listing in 2019.
The company said Bob established the group as a leading global consumer internet company, creating significant value for shareholders.
The boards sincerely thank Bob for his leadership and contribution, said Naspers in a statement.
“The Boards of Prosus and Naspers want to thank Bob for his leadership over a full decade,” said Koos Bekker, chair.
“During this time substantial businesses were established in Classifieds, Food Delivery and Payments, while we also entered several new fields. We appreciate Bob’s contributions and wish him much success with his future career.”
The group added that Ervin Tu will assume the role of interim Chief Executive of Naspers and Prosus.
As the Chief Investment Officer, he has made significant contributions to the strategic direction of the company and will provide continuity in the execution of the Group’s key priorities. That includes bringing the company’s consolidated Ecommerce portfolio to profitability while maintaining growth, and leading capital allocation across the Group.
“Prosus is operating with momentum. I am honored to assume the role and help shape the future of the Group. I couldn’t be more excited about the team around me and to get started,” said Ervin Tu.
“The group’s strategic goals remain unchanged and it is on target to deliver on its commitments, including achieving consolidated ecommerce trading profit during the first half of FY25, and the continuation of the open-ended share repurchase programme.”
More information will be included in the interim results to be published on 29 November 2023.
