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Johan van Rooyen ... in the hot seat at SAWB
He was still buttoning his shirt - a casual one with jeans - when proffering his hand in greeting in his lounge in Stellenbosch ... having just arrived from one of his many flights all over the country to fulfil a plethora of obligations. But one thing is certain: Johan van Rooyen, the new CEO of the SA Wine and Brandy Foundation, is at home in the winelands ... and in any company - an adaptability that will stand him in good stead in his new role. Van Rooyen and his wife, Elba - they have three grown sons and a daughter - have been living in a modern home in La Pastorale, Paradyskloof, for the past year, and the Cape's more laid back tempo and informality are already paying dividends ... a closely-knit family. Otherwise it would be hard to imagine how a chap with so many irons in so many fires manages to keep up the pace. And there's an office in Pretoria as well! A youthful fifty something, who has run more than ten Comrades marathons, and rowed a number of Berg River marathons, Dusis, etcetera. Which certainly testifies to a methodical approach, discipline and perseverance - especially when combined with obligations such as executive director of the Agricultural Business Chamber, professor in Agribusiness (ABSA chair) at the University of Pretoria ... the board of directors of Landbank, NewFarmers and the Co-operative Development Unit, as well as involvement in the International Food and Agribusiness Management Association (IAMA). To be frank, he has a CV - with a hefty amount of international involvement and a doctorate in Agricultural Economics from the University of Pretoria - that makes one wonder whether he ever sleeps, let alone relax or engage in sport. Yet he was all set to participate in the Dusi in KwaZulu/Natal early in the New Year ... and gets as much training as possible in the ocean at the Strand and Hermanus. And he listens to music, rock, classical and blues, as in Pink Floyd, Dire Straits and also Valiant Swart and Abdullah Ibrahim. We spoke about music almost as much as wine matters. But then in a certain sense it would also have been unfair to expect the man to stick his neck out about plans and ambitions regarding his task as CEO of the SAWB. Having officially started his new job at the beginning of January, he was rather excited that the offices of Wines of South Africa in Dorp Street (Wosa), who were moving into bigger premises, had become available. "A good spot, a good address for us." Dr Van Rooyen moved in with a small personnel, which in due course will probably include the new business units, namely Human Resources Development and Socio-economic Empowerment. He also expected that by then, a chairman would have been appointed by the elected board of directors, the latter consisting of five members each from the 'chambers' of labour, wine farmers, cellar and trade. Following his appointment in November, Dr Van Rooyen made use of every single opportunity to meet the various role players, including SAWIS, Wosa and Winetech, the going concerns that will naturally form the nucleus of the other three business units. He has also consulted with BAWSI, which represents labour. "I see our setup as consisting of three entities: the office of the chief executive, the five business units and the board. If we can align and unfold these entities strategically - and if they experience each other positively - growth will be achieved. "The wine industry consists of a value chain from producer to consumer ... you must have a system by means of which these groups are able to communicate with each other, understand each other's requirements and realities. It is true that there is a lot of fragmentation, the people in the industry are diversified - you will never satisfy everyone. If the emphasis falls on incentives, relations management, mutual trust and a common vision rather than discipline; the majority will abide. That is the kind of strategic alignment for which one wishes. "The various groups must also identify common interests through their 'chambers' - they must be able to complement each other. We are going through a kind of value chain management - truly possible only now, after deregulation - to become a formidable power in the world market. "With regard to economic empowerment, it is important to link development groups to the business environment. Then you achieve a business focus and participation in added value. "Innovation should be the key to the industry; otherwise we shall not survive. But innovation is not only technological; it also involves management systems - business management models and intelligence systems. There will also have to be organisational innovation to implement black economic empowerment successfully. There will have to be innovation in communication and promotion. It is about exposure and the sharing of knowledge and information throughout the industry. "I certainly don't have any answers at present; I am currently placing a premium on my ability to absorb and dissect. In the Vision2020 document we have a valuable record of the history. But much more important now is the interachievement of the participants. Everything is a document; in the end it is about people's sentiments and whether they are informed and buy in; if you know what is going to happen to you, then you will make an effort. "You must feel the magic - our industry is a winner. Our international competitiveness is increasing dramatically and worldwide people are of the opinion that South Africa has only seen the beginning of its success and is entering a bigger growth phase, provided the industry is properly positioned. That is how I see my task. It is really enjoyable to rub shoulders with such success - I feel like I'm part of a Springbok team ..." Here Dr Van Rooyen emphasised that he was referring to a winning Bok team! One of his first tasks will now be to submit a game plan to the board - based on a study of the industry's viability processes and factors - so that a difference can be made to the industry in six to 12 months' time. One gets the feeling this coach is going to be successful. |
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