With the death of Jebb McIntosh, who is in line to lead CMH?

Combined Motor Holdings (CMH) faces an unexpected leadership transition after the death of group CEO Jebb McIntosh, who spent nearly five decades at the JSE-listed motor group and was instrumental in building the business.

The company announced on Tuesday that McIntosh died on November 2. He had served on the board since co-founding the group with Maldwyn Zimmerman in 1976 and was appointed CEO in 1999.

His death comes after CMH had begun making changes to its senior leadership structure, with plans for McIntosh to reduce his involvement in the group’s daily operations and head of motor retail and distribution Charles Webber to assume greater responsibility.

In an earlier announcement, the company said McIntosh would remain CEO while Webber took on a more significant role, effectively positioning him as co-CEO, Business Day reported. However, the company had not provided a date for McIntosh’s eventual departure or clarified the full succession arrangements.

Webber has been with CMH for 25 years, having joined the group in 2000 as dealer principal of its Umhlanga Toyota-Lexus dealership. He was twice named the group’s dealer principal of the year and joined its motor executive committee in 2005.

In 2024, he was promoted to CEO of the motor retail and distribution division, overseeing brands including Toyota, Nissan, Stellantis and Mahindra.

The latest announcement does not specify whether Webber will now take over as group CEO or outline any further changes to the executive structure after McIntosh’s death.

The leadership transition also follows plans for long-time chief financial officer (CFO) Stuart Jackson to step down. Company secretary Priya Govind was appointed CFO designate.

Jackson, 72, has served on the board since 1986, while McIntosh, who was 79, had been one of the company’s longest-serving directors.

CMH operates about 43 motor dealerships representing 29 vehicle brands across Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape. Its rental business, First Car Rental, has a fleet of more than 7,000 vehicles and operates through 50 branches across SA, employing more than 400 people.

The group, valued at about R2.6bn, is one of Durban’s few JSE-listed companies.

CMH chair James Dixon said McIntosh remained actively involved in the business until his death.

“Up until the moment that he passed, Jebb was having a typical day in the office, directing the activities of his beloved CMH,” Dixon said.

He said McIntosh had left an enduring legacy and would be remembered for his business acumen, attention to detail and ability to handle complex situations.

Business Day