Michelle Phillips

GCE Transnet SOC

Adv. Michelle Phillips is the current Group Chief Executive of Transnet SOC Ltd and was appointed into this role effective 1 March 2024. She has 26 years’ experience in Transnet with a proven track record in business and operations improvement. Since her appointment, Michelle has been instrumental in the stabilisation of Transnet and the positioning of the organisation for growth in a dynamic logistics environment. She has played a key role in Transnet’s navigation of complex challenges requiring proactive engagement with multiple stakeholders to build trust. During her tenure, Transnet has successfully implemented an 18-month Recovery Plan, leading to notable operational and financial gains, including improvements in rail volumes, port performance, capital expenditure and financial performance. As far as institutional reforms and private sector participation are concerned, major milestones under her watch include the vertical separation of Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) into an operating company and an infrastructure manager, marking a crucial step towards the implementation of third-party access into the country’s rail network. A key focus for Transnet has been the replenishment of critical port infrastructure to improve efficiency and reduce congestion and increase capacity at the ports. Before assuming her role as Group Chief Executive, Michelle was Chief Executive of Transnet Pipelines, a company that manages and operates 3 800km of underground, high pressure petroleum and gas pipelines. In this role, she was responsible for ensuring security of supply to the market. She has spent over 20 years in the port environment, in roles such as Legal Advisor, General Manager: Commercial and Planning, and eventually Acting Chief Executive of Transnet Port Terminals. Michelle is an admitted Advocate of the High Court with a B Juries LLB from the Nelson Mandela University (Port Elizabeth). She has successfully completed various executive development leadership programmes through GIBS and IMD, as well as attended several international port operations programmes.