JSE-listed energy multinational Vivo Energy has appointed Stanislas Mittelman as CEO designate.

He will succeed CEO Christian Chammas, who will step down in 2022.

Mittelman will join the company in early 2022, once he has completed his notice period with his current employer and secured a work permit.

"Christian was instrumental in transforming, developing and growing the business since he joined in 2012 and the board would like to express its sincere appreciation to him for his achievements, including taking the Company through its initial public offering, and near doubling of the retail network during his tenure," Vivo Energy said in a statement.

"After an initial transition period, we expect Stan to be appointed a Director of the Company and become CEO in March 2022," the company said.

Mittelman brings more than 30 years of downstream energy experience to Vivo Energy and has spent a substantial part of his career operating on the African continent. Since 2016, he has been senior VP Africa, TotalEnergies Marketing and Services, where he led the fuel retailing and marketing business across 40 countries in Africa.

Prior to this, he held a range of senior positions at TotalEnergies, including CEO of Total Marketing France, and a number of Africa-focused roles, including executive VP West Africa for Total Marketing Services and MD Total Zimbabwe, Vivo Energy said.

“Christian’s leadership, drive, focus on performance and absolute fixation on the health and safety of our employees, customers and partners has been integral to the remarkable growth and success of Vivo Energy since its formation a decade ago. Of special mention is the way in which he has managed the business through the pandemic with his total focus on our people’s safety and wellbeing - a true reflection of the leader he is,” said Vivo Energy chairperson John Daly.

“We are delighted to welcome Stan to lead Vivo Energy during its next stage of growth. He has a strong record in developing businesses and driving growth, and this, along with his genuine passion and understanding of Africa, make him ideally suited to the role,” he said.

“Since the inception of Vivo Energy, our story has been one of sustained growth, while operating in a manner designed to achieve our vision of becoming Africa’s most respected energy business. I am very proud of what we have achieved and of the people within Vivo Energy, who have been so instrumental to our success over the last ten years. Stan is an excellent successor to take Vivo Energy forward in its next stage of growth, and I look forward to working with him next year to ensure an orderly and structured handover,” Chammas said.

“Vivo Energy is an exciting, fast-paced and entrepreneurial business and I am delighted that the Board has put its trust in me to take the Company forward. Having spent much of my career in Africa, I know first-hand the vast opportunity that exists on the continent and I look forward to working with my new colleagues to continue Vivo Energy’s growth story in the coming years,” Mittelman said.