Vishaal Lutchman has been appointed Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GIBB Holdings (GIBB), commencing 1 February 2025. His appointment is a key component of GIBB’s strategy, developed in 2022, to position the business for sustainable growth in new and traditional markets while building a portfolio of strategic infrastructure investments in the coming years.
As Group CEO, Lutchman will focus on revitalising the business, with a view to doubling its net profit over the next five years. His priorities include fostering a high-performance culture, expanding GIBB's presence across the continent and developing both existing and new talent.
He plans to achieve this by engaging with internal and external stakeholders to gain a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the business and broader industry. “I will be placing particular focus on elevating GIBB’s profile, exploring internal synergies and boosting individual and collective performance. GIBB has a formidable legacy – the aim is not to reinvent but rather enhance.”
Lutchman views challenges as opportunities and takes pleasure in building networks, overcoming obstacles and making things happen. “I thrive on finding simple solutions to problems and prefer not to overcomplicate business.”
One such challenge – on a countrywide scale – is the next major crisis South Africa faces: water. “President Ramaphosa’s commitment to investing in South Africa’s water infrastructure is a positive step for both our industry and the nation. However, it’s crucial that these words are followed by tangible actions to meet the country’s socio-economic goals.
“On a hopeful note, government seems more open to engaging the private sector in developing solutions for the water crisis. On our end, we have a dedicated team – GIBB Water – that is excited to create innovative solutions to improve the country’s water infrastructure,” adds Lutchman.
He firmly believes GIBB has the potential to make a significant impact in South Africa. “I’m eager to leverage the firm’s nearly seven-decade legacy, along with the expertise of its teams in power, mining, water, transport, industrial, project finance & development, property and petrochemicals & energy, to achieve this goal in a cohesive and integrated manner.”
With more than 27 years of experience in leadership and the management of infrastructure-related businesses, Lutchman is well-equipped to guide the GIBB team in achieving its growth objectives.
In addition to holding prominent roles at leading firms – most recently as both Managing Director of Zutari’s Transport business and Managing Director of its Greater Africa business – he served as CEO of the South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE), where he made significant contributions to advancing the civil engineering profession in South Africa.
His career includes leadership roles as Director of Maritime Aviation and Rail at WSP; Director Advisory Group - Maritime at RHDHV; and Deputy Chief Engineer at Transnet, where he was instrumental in strategic planning, project management and capacity development across various sectors.
Lutchman holds a Master of Philosophy in Leadership from the University of Johannesburg, a master’s in business administration and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, among other qualifications. He is a registered Professional Engineer with the Engineering Council of South Africa and a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) with PMI.
His dedication to the engineering industry is evidenced by his active involvement in several industry associations. He continues to volunteer at the South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE) and serves on the Industry Advisory Board of the University of Stellenbosch and the Advisory Board for Smart Mobility at CSIR.
Lutchman is passionate about youth and women empowerment and is committed to their development in this sector.
He is also a Fellow of the South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SA), Fellow of the South African Academy of Engineering (SA) and Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineering (UK). He is currently completing his PhD, with the focus on sustainability in infrastructure.
Lutchman expresses gratitude in stepping into the role as GIBB Group CEO. “GIBB is a proudly South African company deeply rooted in the domestic market. My passion for South Africa is strong and I believe that GIBB is ideally positioned to make a meaningful impact on the country and the lives of its people.”
This transition will see Richard Vries assume the role of Executive Chairman of the GIBB Group. In his new role, Vries will oversee the growth of GIBB Investments in infrastructure, including the renewable energy, water and rail sectors.
