By Ukumbi Afrika 
Johannesburg — South African fashion retailer Truworths International said Chairman Hilton Saven will retire from the company’s board at its annual general meeting in November 2026.
Saven will be succeeded as chairman by Hans Hawinkels, who currently serves as Truworths’ lead independent director. The company’s governance records identify Hawinkels as an independent non-executive director and chairman of the remuneration committee.
Saven has served on the Truworths board since February 2003 and has held the chairmanship during a period in which the retailer expanded its operations across South Africa, other African markets and the United Kingdom.
The leadership transition comes as Truworths prepares to report its 2026 full-year results, with the company scheduled to release those results on August 28.
The appointment of Hawinkels is expected to provide continuity in board oversight, given his existing role as lead independent director and his experience on the company's board committees. Truworths’ 2025 governance report said Hawinkels had served as lead independent director since September 2023.
UK and African retail operations remain key
Truworths operates its namesake South African retail business as well as the UK-based Office footwear business. The group has been navigating challenging consumer conditions while seeking growth from its international operations.
The board succession will therefore come at an important point for the retailer as it balances its South African operations with its UK expansion strategy.
Source: Reuters
Reporting: Atharva Singh, Bengaluru
Editing: Rashmi Aich