Dis-Chem Pharmacies Chief Executive Officer Rui Manuel Morais received total compensation of R24.59 million ($1.4 million) for the financial year ended Feb. 28, 2026, as the South African healthcare retailer delivered higher revenue and continued expanding its store network and healthcare services.

Morais’ remuneration rose 12.7% from R21.82 million ($1.25 million) in the previous year, driven largely by higher performance-related incentives tied to the group’s operational results.

His 2026 pay package included guaranteed remuneration of R14.32 million ($852,409), comprising salary and allowances of R13.76 million ($818,700), retirement benefits of R72,000 ($4,282), and other remuneration of R490,000 ($29,157).

He also received short-term incentives of R4.23 million ($251,953) and long-term incentive awards worth R5.04 million ($300,037).

Revenue climbs as store network expands

Dis-Chem reported stronger sales growth in 2026 as it opened new stores, increased market share in key retail categories and expanded its healthcare offering through targeted investments.

Revenue rose 9.3% to R42.83 billion ($2.55 billion) in 2026 from R39.17 billion ($2.33 billion) a year earlier. Total income increased 9.6% to R13.21 billion ($785.7 million) from R12.04 billion ($716.7 million).

Profit after tax, however, declined 15.1% to R1.03 billion ($61.6 million) from R1.22 billion ($72.5 million), while total assets grew to R20.74 billion ($1.23 billion) from R19.26 billion ($1.14 billion) in 2025.

The Midrand-based retailer ended the year with a larger footprint across South Africa, reflecting its strategy of combining traditional pharmacy operations with broader healthcare and wellness services.

From family pharmacy to national retailer

Dis-Chem was founded in 1978 by Ivan and Lynette Saltzman, who opened their first pharmacy in Mondeor, south of Johannesburg. What began as a single store has grown into one of South Africa’s best-known healthcare and wellness retailers.

When the company listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange in 2016, it operated 100 stores and generated annual revenue of R15.5 billion ($921.7 million). By 2026, Dis-Chem had expanded to 358 stores, including 316 pharmacies and 42 baby stores, with a market capitalization of about R25.75 billion ($1.5 billion).

Morais’ rise to the top job

Morais has led Dis-Chem since July 2023, succeeding founder Ivan Saltzman. Before becoming CEO, he served as chief financial officer from 2012 and played a central role in the company’s 2016 JSE listing.

Prior to joining Dis-Chem, Morais held senior audit and retail-sector roles at EY, where the retailer was among the companies within his portfolio.

During his tenure, he has helped oversee the company’s evolution into a broader healthcare provider while strengthening governance and reporting standards following its public listing.

Morais has also received industry recognition, including the Young CFO of the Year award in 2018, as well as honors for strategy execution and finance technology leadership.