CBC Appoints Vernon Slack as Managing Director to Lead Growth Strategy

Coega Biomass Centre (CBC) proudly announces the appointment of Vernon Slack as its new Managing Director, effective April 1, 2026.

The appointment marks an important step as CBC enters its next phase of growth and operational improvement.

In 2026, CBC plans to scale production to 80,000 tons while further enhancing product quality through the introduction of new technologies, including a dry hammer mill. To support this next phase, CBC is strengthening its governance model. The founding shareholders will step back from day-to-day operations, with Vernon assuming operational leadership of the company.

In his role, Vernon will oversee daily operations, revenue growth, external representation, stakeholder engagement, and continued improvements in product quality, health, safety, and environmental performance (HSE).

Vernon brings extensive leadership experience across multiple sectors in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a proven track record in business turnarounds, operational excellence, and principled leadership. His appointment reflects CBC’s commitment to building a strong, locally driven organization with global ambition.

“This is an exciting new chapter for CBC,” said Peter Nohlmans, founding shareholder. “Vernon’s leadership style, operational insight, and regional experience make him the right person to guide CBC’s continued growth.”

“CBC has a strong foundation and a real opportunity to shape the future,” said Vernon Slack. “I’m excited to work with our People and our Partners to build a clear path for sustainable growth while continuing to serve both communities and nature.”

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For media inquiries, please contact:
Erisa Borova
erisa@coegabiomass.co.za | Phone +27 76 109 2020

How CBC contributes to sustainable forest management

The FSC Forest Week has started. As Coega Biomass Centre, an FSC license holder, we support this week, from September 21-27. By removing Alien Invasive Trees we contribute to the restoration of the natural habitats and water supply. How? Watch the video.

Key impact case: Unlocking the potential of biomass in a sustainable way

According to SBP, an independent certification scheme for biomass used in large-scale energy production, Coega Biomass Centre is one of the key impact cases for unlocking the potential of biomass in a sustainable way.

The company has included our impact project in its Annual Review 2023. In this contribution Emiel Hanekamp says: “Demonstrating the sustainability credentials of the biomass we produce is important to Coega Biomass Centre. And with Europe as a key destination market, compliance with the recast Renewable Energy Directive (REDII) is essential. We were delighted to receive FSC and SBP certification in 2022, and included REDII in our SBP scope in 2023.”

Read the full story or look at SBP’s Annual Review 2023 (page 18)

First shipment of product from Coega Biomass Centre to Europe

The first shipment of product from Coega Biomass Centre, based in Gqeberha, South Africa is a fact. The shipment of 10.000 tons of chips headed to a client in Europe where it will serve as a responsible alternative for fossil fuel.

The wood chips comply with the RED II (EU Renewable Energy Directive) and EUDR (European Union Deforestation free Regulation) regulation and are 100% FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and SBP (Sustainable Biomass Program) certified.

Coega Biomass Centre will be able to produce 120,000 tons of wood pellets per year. This will lead to a reduction of approximately 180,000-200,000 tons of CO₂ emissions. Furthermore, CBC not only ensures less devastating drought in South-Africa and a restoration of biodiversity, but also provides employment and contributes to social cohesion.