The South African Chamber of Commerce UK Limited announced changes in its leadership team at its AGM on 22nd August 2024.
Sharon Constançon, the Executive Chairman, a governance professional in her own business, Genius Boards, has always stated that in line with best practice guidance and understanding the value of “refreshing” the Board, she would step down from the Board after 9 years.
Sadly, that date, 6th December 2024, is looming.
The Chamber has worked on a succession plan over the last months, which was announced last night at the AGM, and a hand-over period lasting until December will begin with immediate effect.
Changes
- Dennis Zietsman, the Deputy Chairman, who has been on the Board for 6 years, steps up to the position of Chairman of the Board
- Svend Littauer, an Exco member for 7 years, steps up to the role of CEO
- Andrew Skipper, Director of the Board, becomes Chair of the Steering Committing until the end of the handover period in December
- Mohamed Cassimjee has been appointed to the Advisory Board
- Moses Tembe has been appointed to the Advisory Board
- Tanya Cohen has been appointed to the Advisory Board
Sharon Constançon gave a personal thank you to her team and the Board, stating this was a strange moment, a combination of relief that a good succession plan had been formulated ensuring “that the Chamber is in the safe hands of a Chairman and CEO who know the Chamber well and will naturally build upon the work so far”, and sadness to see the end of a significant chapter in her life, and that of the Chamber. Sharon will retire from the Board on 6th December 2024 but will remain involved via the Advisory Board.
Dennis Zietsman, who has worked closely with Sharon for the past six years, thanked Sharon for “her commitment, loyalty and tireless innovation and leadership”. Dennis committed himself to lead professionally and give the energy, time, commitment and positivity the Chamber is used to. Dennis was the founder of Servest in South Africa, took the business international and recently sold off the international business. Dennis said that he is “looking forward to seeing the work to date being built upon by the various teams and leading the Chamber in its next chapter of success, making special reference to building further partnerships.”
Svend Littauer is the founder of Entreprenor, a business services group servicing UK and SA markets, has been a member of several Chamber Committees and has previously worked with other international chambers. Accepting his appointment to the position of CEO of the Chamber at the AGM, Svend said that he is “committed to fostering stronger ties between South Africa and the UK and supporting businesses in their international endeavours”.
