South African fresh produce company Capespan Group has confirmed that Leon van Biljon, former business director of Dole Europe, is to take over as chief executive of its fruit marketing business at the start of February.
It is understood that Van Biljon, who hails from South Africa and previously worked in a number of management roles at exporter Dole South Africa, will relocate from Germany to his homeland in order to take up the new role.
He will be responsible for Capespan's global fresh fruit marketing operation, excluding South Africa itself and Namibia.
Van Biljon's first task will be to implement the group's new strategy for fresh fruit, which is said to involve a closer focus on adding value at several different points along what are more streamlined supply chains delivering product year-round.
Announcing the appointment, Capespan group managing director Johan Dique said Van Biljon’s extensive experience of working in the fruit industry made him an ideal successor to former chief executive Louis Kriel, who departed the company at the end of June.
'With our focus on being successful at the front end customer level, his market development, customer relationship and leadership skills would be of considerable benefit in continuing to build strong alliances, growing the business and provide guidance and leadership to all of our marketing companies,' he commented.
'The revised approach of Capespan has necessitated the acquisition of the best industry talent to support a rejuvenated structure. As fruit marketer of choice to customers world-wide, we supply fresh fruit all year round under our globally recognised brands, together with value-added services through a cost-effective supply chain.'
