Outgoing Agri SA executive director Christo van der Rheede
Industry body Agri SA has announced that incoming CEO Johann Kotze will take the reins of the organisation following Christo van der Rheede’s retirement, effective October 13.
Kotze has already come on board full-time to ensure a smooth leadership transition.
Agri SA says Van der Rheede made an immense contribution to the organisation and to the wellbeing of the industry, having led the organisation with skill, dignity and innovative thinking.
He started his career at Agri SA as deputy executive director in 2015 before being appointed executive director in 2020.
Under his leadership, Agri SA evolved from being a voluntary organisation to a nonprofit company in 2022.
In turn, Kotze brings to the organisation a wealth of business, leadership and agriculture experience. He has himself been a farmer, in addition to having experience in agricultural and corporate banking.
His tenure at Agri SA follows six years as the CEO of the South African Pig Producers Organisation.