Esayvanie “Esay” Reddy, Director and CEO of one of fuel company Astron Energy’s regional network of Astron Energy and Caltex retail sites, continues to garner accolades, having been named Standard Bank’s KwaZulu-Natal Business Personality of the Year.
The honorary award, presented at a glittering ceremony recently, is given to a businessperson who has “demonstrated exemplary business achievement, industry influence and is a true inspiration to others”.
Mrs Reddy owns KZN Oils, one of 11 Branded Marketers or regional fuel distributors for Astron Energy across South Africa and Botswana. In addition, she also holds business interests in quick service restaurants, healthcare manufacturing, telecommunications, property development and management, and distribution industries.
“Building high-growth businesses in declining market economies requires a stern proficiency in managing complexities. This includes managing margins whilst keeping a competitive market position and balancing that with a social responsibility that is bestowed to a business operation like ours, and which is at the centre of our business model,” said Reddy who has over 30 years’ experience in the years industry. Together with her late husband, who was married for 37 years, and well-known business leader Rajen, Reddy built up an extensive business empire.
Together the couple owned and operated KZN Oils which supplies lubricants and fuel to Transnet’s port operations, while as an Astron Energy Branded Marketer, KZN Oils owns 37 retail service stations in northern KwaZulu-Natal and is a major fuel distributor of leading products.
Mrs Reddy has taken up the running of KZN Oils along with her children and has continued the family’s legacy of empowering people and communities as part of contributing to the socio-economic development of the country.
Astron Energy CEO, Thabiet Booley, said: “The Business Personality of the Year award is fulsome recognition of a truly remarkable individual who has made her mark on our industry as well as so many other areas.
“As one of our Branded Marketers, KZN Oils is a key partner in Astron Energy’s drive to become the next biggest fuel brand in South Africa and we look forward to the coming rebrand of all our retail sites, including those in Esayvanie’s stable.”
Booley added: “This award is also a very fitting tribute to the incredible nation-building role that women in leadership play in transforming our society for the better, this as we continue to celebrate the sacrifices and achievements of women in South Africa.”
