109-year-old South African meat giant announces major leadership change

One of South Africa’s best-known meat producers, Eskort, is preparing for a major leadership change as its long-serving chief executive steps down after nearly two decades at the helm.

First Food Brands, the owner of Eskort, announced on 20 October 2026 that Herman Janse van Rensburg would take over as CEO from 1 March 2027. He will succeed Arnold Prinsloo, who has led the business since July 2007.

The appointment marks the end of a significant chapter for the 109-year-old South African brand, which has expanded its manufacturing operations, retail presence and range of pork products under Prinsloo’s leadership.

Janse van Rensburg will join Eskort’s management team on 1 January 2027, giving him two months to familiarise himself with the business before formally taking over as CEO.

He joins from Lactalis South Africa, where he serves as general manager. During his 16 years with the dairy company, he progressed through several senior executive positions.

First Food Brands chairman Gerard Braak said the incoming chief executive brings financial expertise, operational experience and executive leadership that will support Eskort’s next phase of growth.

The company intends to continue expanding its manufacturing capacity, retail footprint and product innovation under the new leadership.

Prinsloo’s departure closes a lengthy period of leadership at the meat producer.

According to First Food Brands, his tenure included periods of significant challenges as well as business growth. The company credited him with strengthening Eskort’s operations and positioning the brand for its next stage of development.

During his leadership, Eskort expanded its retail network to 30 stores across eight provinces and developed a range of approximately 300 antibiotic-free pork products.

The board has expressed its appreciation for his contribution to the business and the foundation he leaves for his successor.

Eskort’s history stretches back to July 1917, when a group of farmers established the business in Estcourt, KwaZulu-Natal.

Over more than a century, it has developed into a recognisable South African meat brand, supplying pork products to consumers through its retail network and other sales channels.

Its long history gives the company a distinctive position in the local food industry, where established brands must continue adapting to changing consumer preferences, production requirements and competition.

Janse van Rensburg has described Eskort as a proudly South African brand with a long heritage and manufacturing standards that support its continued development.

The leadership transition comes with an emphasis on maintaining the business’s existing momentum while pursuing further expansion.

Growing its retail footprint could bring Eskort’s products to more consumers, while investment in manufacturing and product development could help it respond to changing demand in South Africa’s food market.

However, the transition also places responsibility on the incoming CEO to maintain the brand’s established position while identifying opportunities for sustainable growth.

For now, the company has indicated that its strategic direction will continue beyond Prinsloo’s departure.

After 109 years in business, Eskort is entering a new chapter. Its next phase will depend on how effectively its incoming leadership builds on the manufacturing capacity, retail presence and product range developed over the years.

Sources: End of an era for 109-year-old South African meat producer – Daily Investor, End of an era for iconic 109-year-old company in South Africa – BusinessTech, Eskort

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