Zimplow CEO steps down
CLOUDINE MATOLA
Zimplow Holdings Limited chief executive officer Willem Swan has stepped down after just over a year at the helm of the group.
He previously acted as CEO April 2024.
The company has appointed Charles Chaibva as acting group chief executive officer with effect from May 1, 2026.
The development was confirmed by company secretary Sharon Manangazira.
“Willem Swan has resigned as the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of Zimplow Holdings Limited with effect from May 1, 2026. The Board wishes to convey its gratitude to him for his service to the Group over the past six years and wishes him well in his future endeavours,” Manangazira said.
She said Chaibva, who currently serves as group commercial director, will assume the acting role immediately.
“Further, the Board wishes to advise the appointment of Charles Chaibva as the Acting Group Chief Executive Officer with effect from May 1, 2026. He is currently the Group Commercial Director of Zimplow Holdings Limited.”
Manangazira said Chaibva is a Chartered Accountant and a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Zimbabwe (ICAZ) and the Public Accountants and Auditors Board (PAAB).
He holds a postgraduate Honours degree in Accounting Science from the University of South Africa (UNISA) and has more than 10 years’ experience spanning financial management, financial reporting and auditing across the mining and automotive sectors.
Before his appointment as group commercial director, Chaibva served as group chief finance officer of Zimplow.
“The Board of Directors wishes him the best in the above-mentioned role,” Manangazira said.
The leadership changes come at a time when Zimplow is strengthening its financial position following an improved 2025 performance.
The group’s revenue increased 13% to US$33.5 million in 2025 from US$28.8m in 2024.
Despite challenging operating conditions, Zimplow significantly narrowed its loss before tax to US$492 180 from US$3.4m recorded in 2024, driven by enhanced cost management measures and operational efficiency improvements.
The group also strengthened its balance sheet, with gearing reduced to 2%, well below its 5% target, improving financial resilience and creating room for continued operational investment.
