BBF’s Ndlela Mazibuko: Focusing on customers

Ndlela Mazibuko… “Great generals are those who build new cities with old stones.”
Pinetown, KZN, SA – BBF Safety Group has appointed Ndlela Mazibuko as MD, effective 1 November 2025. He will work alongside the BBF Safety Group CEO, Brian Kuhnert, and the Beier Group CEO, Warren Sachs, in growing the customer centric focus of the business.
In a release, BBF wrote:
A seasoned industrialist and inclusive leader, Ndlela brings a proven track record of driving growth, advancing empowerment, and fostering shared value across the industry. His strategic vision and passion for developing people will be instrumental in steering BBF into its next chapter of purposeful and sustainable growth.
Warren Sachs, Beier Group CEO, commented: “This well-deserved appointment recognises Ndlela’s unwavering commitment to customer centricity, transformation, and building sustainable value for all of our shareholders, as well as for the broader South African economy.
“With over a decade of dedicated service to the Beier Group, Ndlela has been instrumental in shaping the Group’s commercial and growth strategy. His leadership has consistently driven customer-focused innovation, strategic partnerships, and market expansion.
“This appointment is also a result of rigorous succession planning, and we need to take a moment to recognise the significant contribution by Brian Kuhnert who has been steering the BBF ship since 2022. Brian’s initial appointment was to focus on the operational elements and provide a mentorship role in bringing through leadership in that area. Through his business acumen and insights his portfolio grew naturally, and he has been instrumental in bringing stability into the BBF business. Brian will continue in his role with focused attention on the operations side of the business and we are grateful for his continued contribution to the success of BBF.
“We congratulate Ndlela on this appointment and look forward to the renewed energy and focus he will bring as we continue to build a stronger, more inclusive, and customer-focused organisation.”
Respected for his integrity, insight, and collaborative approach, Ndlela has become a popular and trusted figure not only within the PPE industry, but also among partners and peers from varied sectors who have worked alongside him. He will also continue in his role as a Director on the Beier Group Executive Board.
Reflecting on his appointment, Ndlela said in his inimitable style: “Great Generals are those who build new cities with old stones. BBF has a proud legacy of safety, innovation, and empowerment — and I’m excited to build on that foundation as we shape the future together with a team that is deeply passionate about protecting people’s lives and livelihoods.”
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