Luvuyo Mabombo has been appointed new chief executive officer of South Africa’s Perishable Products Export Control Board (PPECB), with effect from January 7.

After conducting a countrywide search, the PPECB chose Mabombo, who has more than six years of industry experience and a wide range of knowledge. For the past five years, he was chief operating officer at the country’s department of agriculture, and during that time was also acting president and chief executive officer of the Agricultural Research Council for four months.

Mabombo will be the first black chief executive to serve PPECB since its foundation in 1936. “We believe his extensive experience and understanding of the industry make him an excellent choice to lead PPECB, as it continues to expand its commitment to ensure confidence in food by impartially delivering food-safety and quality assurance services,” said a PPECB statement.

“We are confident that under Mabombo’s leadership and the support of his executive team, PPECB will continue to provide excellent value for its stakeholders, as they continuously seek ways to instil confidence in South African produce.”