Effective 1 October 2024, Stefan le Roux officially takes on the role of Managing Director for Wacker Neuson in South and Sub-Saharan Africa.
In an exclusive interview, Le Roux shared his vision for the company's future, provided valuable insights, and revealed some personal anecdotes, offering a well-rounded glimpse into the leader steering Wacker Neuson forward.
What excites you most about stepping into the role of Managing Director at Wacker Neuson South Africa?
“I am excited about helping the team achieve their own "impossible", both as individuals and collectively as part of Wacker Neuson South Africa. To unlock potential, encourage growth, and enable each person to contribute their best to cultivate long-term loyalty, high morale, and a shared sense of purpose. I look forward and hope to foster trust and integrity to achieve business success while also creating an environment where people feel valued, empowered, and motivated to reach new heights. For me, it’s about enabling the success of our team, our dealers, and our customers, and, in turn, contributing to the growth and development of industries across South Africa. I am honoured and excited to lead the South African team, and I aim to ensure that every touchpoint – from sales to after-service, reflects Wacker Neuson's commitment to excellence.”
How do you see the company evolving under your leadership, and what are your top priorities for the coming year?
“Under my leadership, I envision Wacker Neuson South Africa becoming more innovative and customer-focused, solidifying our market position.
Top priorities for the year include:
Expansion: Growing our dealer network across South Africa and expanding into Sub-Saharan Africa.
Customer-Centric Solutions: Anticipating our customers' needs and developing innovative solutions that exceed expectations and drive loyalty.
Operational Efficiency: Streamlining operations to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
Team Empowerment: Fostering a culture of growth and investing in training and development to help every team member excel.
Strengthening Partnerships: Building and maintaining strong relationships with our dealers and customers will be crucial. We will work closely with our partners to align our goals, improve collaboration, and enhance the overall customer experience.
By focusing on these priorities, I believe we can position Wacker Neuson South Africa for sustained success, growth, and innovation, ultimately benefiting our customers, partners, and employees.”
Having been part of Wacker Neuson for some time, what key lessons from your experience as Sales Manager will guide your leadership approach?
“One of the most important lessons I've learned as a Sales Manager at Wacker Neuson is the value of truly understanding our customers' needs. By maintaining close client relationships and gathering feedback, I’ve seen first-hand how customer-centric approaches lead to long-term loyalty and growth. This will guide my leadership by ensuring that all strategic decisions, from product development to service delivery, prioritize customer satisfaction.
Building strong relationships, whether with customers, partners, or team members—has been fundamental as a Sales Manager. I plan to carry this forward by fostering strong, transparent relationships across all levels of the organization. These relationships will be the foundation of trust and collaboration that drives the company forward.
The sales environment is constantly evolving, and flexibility is crucial. During my time as Sales Manager, we have had to quickly adapt to market shifts, new technologies, and customer demands. This has taught me the importance of leading with agility, ensuring that the company remains responsive and adaptable to changes in the industry.”
If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self just starting in the industry, what would it be?
“If I could give one piece of advice to my younger self starting in the industry, it would be to embrace the process and not rush success. Early on, I was focused on achieving quick wins, but I’ve learned that sustainable success comes from building strong relationships, consistently delivering value, and continuously learning from every experience—both the successes and the setbacks. I would remind my younger self to stay curious and open to new perspectives, especially when things don’t go as planned. Every challenge is an opportunity for growth, and resilience is key. I’d also emphasize the importance of developing empathy and understanding the people you work with, whether customers, colleagues, or partners. It’s those human connections that will ultimately drive your success and fulfilment in the long run.”
If you could pick one Wacker Neuson machine to describe your leadership style, which one would it be and why?
“I would say the Telescopic Wheel loader. Just like a wheel loader works alongside other equipment on a construction site, I believe in collaboration and teamwork. Leadership isn't about working in isolation, it’s about coordinating efforts, fostering collaboration, and achieving collective goals. The telescopic wheel loader has a “hidden” talent. It is not just a wheel loader: it offers additional reach when needed. My goal is to realize the “hidden” talent in everything we do, in order for us as a company, the team, the brand, and our loyal dealer and customer network to reach higher than expected and to offer more than what meets the eye.”
