Harold Verster will step down as Managing Director of the Toyota Free State Cheetahs at the end of November, after 28 years at the helm.
Verster is the longest-serving rugby administrator in South Africa and will be replaced by Ross van Reenen, who takes on the role of CEO on 1 December.
Verster will remain available in an advisory capacity.
“Harold Verster reached retirement age in September 2020,” said a board statement. “The Cheetahs experienced ‘a perfect storm’ with Covid lockdown, exclusion from PRO14 Rugby and a 67% cut in its contributions from SARU over 18 months. It was therefore almost impossible to recruit and appoint a new CEO, given all the uncertainties about the future. The board asked Mr Verster to remain on a month-to-month basis while the search for a successor continued. Under his leadership, the Cheetahs, against the odds, have made significant progress to re-join international rugby and with Toyota SA has staged the current Toyota Challenge.”
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Van Reenen is a well-known businessman and former Free State player.
“Mr Van Reenen was already involved with the Cheetahs in an advisory role on fund raising,” said the board. “With plans for the Cheetahs’ return to international rugby at an advanced stage and the need for a CEO with a financial and fundraising track record, Mr Van Reenen indicated his availability to take on the position full-time and relocate to Bloemfontein. Mr Verster and the board could therefore agree to a smooth and swift handover with continuity and continued co-operation. Mr Van Reenen has an established track record as a financial, turnaround and transformation leader in business, international consulting and education. He holds a BA Honours, Higher Education Diploma and a MBA degree, obtained with distinction from the Oxford-Brookes University in London.”