Table of Contents
Key Points
- Bertina Engelbrecht became Clicks Group's first female CEO in 2022, marking a historic achievement in South Africa’s corporate landscape.
- Under her leadership, Clicks Group's market capitalization surged to R94.1 billion ($5.29 billion), reflecting strong financial performance.
- Engelbrecht emphasizes diversity and transformation, fostering inclusive workplace practices while driving Clicks’ growth and industry leadership.
Bertina Engelbrecht has emerged as a prominent figure in South Africa’s corporate sphere, marking a historic milestone in 2022 when she became the first woman to lead Clicks Group Limited, one of the country’s largest retail and healthcare companies.
This achievement stands as a testament to her transformative leadership, and underscores her significant impact on South Africa's business landscape.
Her journey, characterized by resilience and an unwavering commitment to excellence, has not only cemented her status as a visionary leader but also inspired a new generation of women to pursue leadership roles in industries traditionally dominated by men. Engelbrecht’s career is a powerful example of breaking barriers and driving change.
Career built on transformative leadership
Armed with a degree in Procurement and a postgraduate qualification in Commercial Law from South African universities, Engelbrecht's career spans multiple industries. She began at Transnet, where she honed her expertise in organizational development and human resources, eventually managing her own consultancy practice.
Her leadership journey continued at Shell SA Energy, where she served as General Manager and Regional Human Resources Manager for Shell Oil Products Africa, making notable strides in talent development and organizational effectiveness. At Sea Harvest, she further championed inclusive workplace practices as Director of Organizational Effectiveness.
Since joining Clicks Group in 2006 as Group Human Resources Director, Engelbrecht has led efforts to drive transformation and operational excellence, culminating in her groundbreaking appointment as CEO in 2022. Her leadership has proven to be the catalyst for the company’s significant growth and success.
Transforming Clicks Group into a market leader
Under Engelbrecht's guidance, Clicks Group has flourished, achieving remarkable financial success and solidifying its position as South Africa’s leading healthcare retailer. The company’s market capitalization reached R94.1 billion ($5.29 billion) by 2024, driven by a 7.52 percent increase in profit to R2.84 billion ($159.55 million) for the fiscal year ending August 2024.
Total revenue grew from R42.50 billion ($2.39 billion) in 2022 to R48.61 billion ($2.73 billion) in 2024, while total assets rose from R17.86 billion ($1 billion) to R20.82 billion ($1.17 billion). These impressive results reflect Engelbrecht’s strategic vision and operational resilience. With over 936 stores and 720 in-store pharmacies, Clicks has firmly established itself as the premier pharmacy, health, and beauty retailer in South Africa.
Leadership built on diversity and transformation
In 2024, Engelbrecht earned a compensation package of R33.1 million ($1.86 million), a 70.48 percent increase from the previous year. Her 90,068 shares in Clicks Group, valued at R35.59 million ($2 million), highlight her deep commitment to the company’s success and growth.
Engelbrecht’s leadership is not solely defined by financial performance; it is also rooted in her dedication to fostering diversity and transformation within the company. Her experience in corporate affairs, strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and human resources has been crucial to Clicks’ expansion. Since 2020, she has also taken on the responsibility of stakeholder engagement, ensuring that human capital aligns with organizational goals.
Through her leadership, Engelbrecht has not only driven Clicks Group's financial growth but has also paved the way for future corporate leaders in Africa. By championing diversity, transformation, and operational resilience, she continues to inspire and shape the next generation of business leaders.
