obituary
Dave Martin the people’s CEO
South Africa’s stainless steel industry has lost a highly respected leader following the death of former Columbus Stainless chief executive David Martin on 5 July 2026. Dave spent 37 years with the Middelburg-based producer, including 17 as CEO, yet those who worked with him remember more than his title and achievements. To many at Columbus, he was simply “the People’s CEO”. Born in 1955, Dave graduated from the University of Port Elizabeth with a BSc Honours in Engineering Materials, specialising in metallurgy, before joining RMB Alloys Southern Cross Steel as a trainee metallurgist in March 1978. Promoted to senior metallurgist by January 1980, he became closely involved in the development of 3CR12, the corrosion-resisting utility ferritic stainless steel that became a South African industrial innovation. Today, it is used locally and internationally across mining, rail, infrastructure and other demanding applications. In March 1989, Dave moved into senior management to lead the Cold Products Area, making the transition from respected technical specialist to business leader without losing the engineer’s eye for detail. He understood the plant and the product, but he also understood people and had a rare ability to encourage them to take on more responsibility and believe in what they could achieve. As CEO, Dave guided Columbus Stainless through years of changing ownership, difficult markets and growing international competition, while continuing to argue for the capability of South African manufacturing. He supported local beneficiation and the use of locally produced stainless steel in infrastructure, rail, mining, energy and manufacturing. During his leadership, Columbus Stainless supplied material for Transnet’s coal “Every Christmas Eve, he would spend hours walking through the plant to personally wish every member of staff, from the cleaners to senior management, a wonderful and safe festive season. It was a simple gesture, but one that captured exactly who he was: thoughtful, gracious and deeply respectful of people.” - Lizel Greyling
and ore wagons and major power, water and infrastructure projects, while developing more cost-effective grades for new applications. Dave’s contribution extended well beyond Columbus Stianless. He served within the International Stainless Steel Forum (ISSF) and was respected by industry peers around the world for his technical knowledge, sound judgement and straightforward manner. He could hold a firm view while still listening to others, and former colleagues remember him as someone who remained calm under pressure and found a practical way forward.
“He had a remarkable ability to bring out the best in people, not by giving them all the answers, but by guiding them with such grace that they developed the confidence to form their own judgement, find solutions and grow in their own abilities.” - Diane Fincham
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Issue 4 – 2026
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