South Africa's official export certification agency, the Perishable Products Export Control Board (PPECB), has appointed Lucien Jansen as its new CEO on a five year-fixed term contract.
Jansen, who takes up the role on 1 July this year, replaces Stuart Symington who left the PPECB earlier this year.
Chairperson of the PPECB board, Angelo Petersen, says the body is pleased by the appointment and believes that Jansen possesses the qualities required to lead the PPECB team to the next level of success.
A statement from PPECB outlines that Jansen is highly regarded for his exceptional stakeholder-management, as well as his proven track-record of operational management and strategic contribution across all aspects of the organisation.
Furthermore, his experience in the Inspection, Cold Chain and Food Safety Functions has suitably prepared him to lead the PPECB and maintain the positioning of the organisation as an internationally respected certification agency.
Pinki Luwaca, general manager of human resources at PPECB, states that the appointment is an immense achievement for the organisation.
“This is the first time in the almost 90 year history of the PPECB that a CEO has been appointed from within its own ranks,' Luwaca explains. 'This is testament to the strong leadership skills within the organisation. We have always strived to carve a path of succession planning and this appointment serves to validate these efforts.”
Petersen says that Jansen's cross-functional experience within the PPECB has equipped him with a thorough understanding of the operating environment and an extensive stakeholder network, both of which will prove instrumental in the PPECB’s future growth.
“I am confident that Lucien will lead the PPECB team to provide an enhanced service to the industry, thereby supporting the export competitiveness of South African produce,' he adds.
Jansen began his career at the PPECB ten years ago when he was appointed as regional service manager for the Western Cape. Since 2013 he has held the role of general manager: corporate affairs division, responsible for managing the legal and governance function; marketing and communications; occupational health and safety, business process auditing; research and innovation; harmonisation; business certification; food safety and development and championing high-level stakeholder engagement.
