Tuesday, April 7, 2026
Gabriël Stoltz has resigned as chief executive officer of York Timber, bringing to a close a notable leadership period at the country’s largest solid wood processor. The departure will take effect from 31 March, as confirmed in a compliance disclosure filed with the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. His exit marks a leadership transition at a time when the operating environment remains challenging and uncertain.
Stoltz joined the company in 2017 as chief financial officer. His role expanded over time. He was appointed interim CEO in July 2021. The position was later made permanent in 2022. His tenure as CEO spanned four years. During this period, the company operated under sustained pressure from external market forces.
The South African construction sector contracted by 4 per cent in real terms last year. This decline significantly affected timber demand. Industry sentiment also remained weak, with the Absa Purchasing Managers’ Index averaging 47.2 over the first eleven months of the year. This level remained below the 50-point benchmark that typically indicates growth, highlighting continued contraction across the sector. Demand conditions were therefore subdued, and recovery has yet to gain momentum.
York Timber operates across forestry, sawmilling, plywood manufacturing and distribution. Its integrated structure provides operational reach, but also exposes it to cyclical demand fluctuations. Roundwood supply has been tight. This has created additional strain on production planning and cost management.
The company, founded in 1916 and listed in 1946, maintains a long-standing presence in the industry. Its market capitalisation is estimated at around R900 million, reflecting its scale within the domestic forestry sector. Stoltz’s contribution was acknowledged by the company, with his leadership described as steady during a complex operating period. It was stated that the business had been guided through challenging conditions while its strategic positioning was strengthened.
Several decisions were taken under uncertainty, and resilience was maintained across operations. Leadership oversight during the transition will be provided by Nonzukiso Siyotula, the independent non-executive chairperson. Governance continuity will be ensured under her guidance.
The company has not yet announced a permanent successor. The selection process is expected to require careful evaluation. In the interim, Stoltz will remain involved in an advisory role to support the leadership handover. This arrangement has been confirmed and is intended to ensure continuity. Transitional support is often considered critical in maintaining operational stability.
The timber industry continues to face structural and cyclical challenges. Demand remains closely linked to construction activity. When construction slows, timber consumption typically declines. At the same time, limited roundwood availability has added pressure on supply chains. Companies are therefore focusing on efficiency and strategic adaptation.
York Timber’s future direction will depend on leadership decisions as well as broader market recovery. The transition period has been structured to minimise disruption, and governance frameworks have been reinforced. While the short-term outlook remains uncertain, long-term demand drivers such as infrastructure development may support gradual recovery. For now, stability and strategic clarity remain central to the company’s priorities.
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Tags: forestry sector news, Gabriël Stoltz, South Africa timber industry, woodworking and processing, woodworking industry, York Timber
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