Andre Vermaak, the long-serving managing director of Capespan Namibia, has decided to leave the company to pursue new career opportunities.
Capespan said that it was sad to see Vermaak leave its Namibian operation, and added that he had made a huge contribution to the development of its business in the country.
Spokesperson Angelo Petersen confirmed Vermaak’s departure and said he was leaving the company to pursue as yet undisclosed career opportunities.
Vermaak himself explained that he had a great experience being part of the Capespan management team in Namibia, but declined to confirm what his next move would be.
“I love Namibia and its people and that is all I would like to say at present,” he said.
Petersen outlined that Vermaak was a stalwart in the Namibian table grape industry and had been largely instrumental in successfully establishing Capespan Namibia, and turning NGC (Namibian Grape Company) into a global, world-class table grape producer.
“Andre has in this process assembled and mentored a formidable team that will ensure that the NGC business continues to be run and managed with diligence,' he said. 'This team will also draw on the farming and marketing skills set and synergies of the wider Capespan Group.”
Petersen added that handover arrangements would be finalised during the next three months to ensure a smooth and seamless transition, while maintaining particular focus on meeting the requirements of global fruit customers for early high quality grapes.
Prior to his engagement by Capespan to run its Namibian operations, Vermaak made his name in the Namibian grape business by being chairperson of the first Namibian Exporters’ Group, as well as supplying production and coordination advice to the industry. While his future plans have not been announced yet, it is fair to assume that he will remain part of the Namibian grape business in future.
