Leadership Team
Jake Govender
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Jake Govender is the Chief Executive Officer of African Group Lubricants, bringing over 24 years of experience in the finished lubricants industry and holds a National Diploma in Marketing & Management. He began his career at ExxonMobil as a Lubricant Business Consultant, later spending a decade at Engen Petroleum in various roles across South Africa and other African markets. After a brief tenure at Chevron, he served as Chief Commercial Officer at Centlube. In 2019, he became an Executive Director responsible for commercial sales, and in 2023, he was appointed Sales Director, before becoming CEO of AG Lubricants in 2024.
Jake Govender
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Craig Williams
SUPPLY CHAIN DIRECTOR
Craig Williams serves as Supply Chain Director at African Group Lubricants. With over 30 years of experience in the lubricants industry, he has held senior roles with leading multinational and national oil and gas companies across Africa.
Craig holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and a Government Certificate of Competency issued by the Department of Labour. His expertise spans supply chain management, operational excellence, engineering and project management.
Craig Williams
Supply Chain Director
Elmarie Esterhuizen
FINANCIAL DIRECTOR
Elmarie Esterhuizen is the Financial Director at African Group Lubricants. A qualified Chartered Accountant, she has over 15 years of experience across industries including insurance, asset finance, industrial maintenance, and lubricants. Elmarie began her career at a medium-sized finance and insurance firm before joining a diversified group of companies where she progressed into the role of Group Financial Manager.
Since joining AG Lubricants in 2023, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to financial discipline, operational excellence and continuous improvement.
Elmarie Esterhuizen
Financial Director
Zandi Sigabi
HR MANAGER
Zandi Sigabi, graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Human Resources Management from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in PE. Her career started in Recruitment 13 years ago as an Intern and her career progressed through the years to include management of Employment Relations, Learning & Development, Payroll and Benefits, Human Resources Information Systems and B-BBEE in various industries which include Consulting, Catering, Steel Manufacturing and then joined AG Lubricants in 2022 as Human Resources Manager.
Zandi Sigabi
HR MANAGER
LR Botha
COUNTRY MANAGER
Lourens Rasmus (LR) Botha is the Country Manager at African Group Lubricants. He holds a BTech in Mechanical Engineering from the Central University of Technology, Bloemfontein, and an MBA from the University of the Witwatersrand. He has also completed executive leadership programs in France and Belgium.
With over 25 years of experience in the Oil & Gas and Fluids industries, LR has developed deep expertise in business operations, strategic leadership, and customer solutions. His career spans senior roles in global organizations, where he has driven growth, innovation, and operational excellence. In his current capacity, he leads strategic projects, oversees IT initiatives, and manages the Quaker Houghton Business & Customer Services Centre, ensuring seamless service delivery and business performance.
LR Botha
Country Manager
Ernest Roux
COMMERCIAL MANAGER
Ernest Roux, has over 30 years of experience in business development and management covering various industries such as financial services, logistics and oil & energy. He began his career in the banking industry in business banking and commercial asset financing, after over a decade he then moved into the logistics and freight industry concentrating on business development. For the past 13 years Ernest has been working in the lubricants industry applying his knowledge and skills across the African region, he worked at Puma Energy for 11 years in various roles from supply chain to commercial and performance management. In February 2023 Ernest joined African Group Lubricants as the Contracts Manager and now holds the role of Commercial Manager.
Ernest Roux
Commercial Manager
Peter Yang
SALES & OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
Peter Yang is the Sales & Operations Director at African Group Lubricants. With nearly two decades of expertise in sales, marketing, and supply chain management, he has consistently delivered operational excellence and driven cost efficiencies while enhancing customer satisfaction.
In his previous Supply Chain and Sales roles, he led strategic initiatives that built high-performing teams and achieved sustained business growth. Peter holds a Business Science (Honours in Information Systems) Degree from UCT and is an APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional, his leadership is recognized for fostering collaboration and delivering measurable results.
Peter Yang
SALES & OPERATIONS DIRECTOR