In response to growth and organisational changes experienced, the Paarl Media Group has reorganised the structure of its executive team to support the continued success of the business.
Stephen van der Walt, CEO of Paarl Media, explains: “Over the last three years, we have acquired Paarl Coldset, set up a new heatset plan in KwaZulu-Natal, re-capitalised both Paarl Media Cape and Paarl Media Gauteng, invested in a new distribution system and the establishment of distributions centres, as well as rebuilt Paarl Print into Paarl Media Paarl.”
He highlighted the following changes, promotions and additions to the executive team, which will be implemented in 2012 to optimise the management structure to focus on the core growth areas of the organisation.
Keith Vroon, who joined Paarl Media in 2004 as Chief Financial Officer, will be promoted to the position of Chief Operating Officer from 1 January. “Keith’s exceptional financial and tax knowledge has proven invaluable to the Group,” says van der Walt. “He has also developed a flair for the operational side and taken on a far greater leadership role within the organisation.” The position of CFO will be filled by Edward van Niekerk, who will be promoted from his current role as Group Financial Manager.
Jandré de Milander, currently Managing Director of Paarl Media Gauteng, is being promoted into the new position of Executive Director: Operations from 1 April. “Jandré commenced his career at Paarl Media as Financial Manager of Paarl Gravure in 2000.” highlights van der Walt. “In 2005, he took up the challenge of managing the new Paarl Media Gauteng operation, which he has successfully grown into the largest heatset web offset factory in South Africa.” Jandré’s new role will be to co-ordinate synergies and efficiencies between all the printing plants within the Group.
The management of Paarl Media Gauteng will then fall to Piet le Roux, who will assume the position of Executive Director: Gauteng and Kwazulu-Natal, with Paarl Media KZN reporting into him as well. “Piet joined the Group in 2010 with the task of overseeing the development of the new heatset plant in the KZN region and the acquisition of the printing division of the Natal Witness,” comments van der Walt. “His new role, applicable from 1 April, will see him become more operationally involved in the Group.”
As from 1 January, Christoff Botha’s position of Managing Director of Paarl Media Cape will be expanded to Executive Director: Western Cape, with his responsibilities including that of overseeing the Paarl Media Paarl operation as well.
With the advent of Shopper’s Friend and the successful receipt of large tenders for ballots and Department of Basic Education workbooks, it has become clear that the Paarl Media Group needs an individual within the Executive Team to lead these complex, group wide projects. The existing Chief Information Officer, Pierre van der Walt, has proven exceptionally adept in project and logistical management, therefore, is being promoted as from 1 January to the new post of Director: Group Projects.
Van der Walt concludes: “I wish all the individuals above every success in their new positions, and believe that the changes will ensure the Group enhances opportunities in the marketplace and continues to be a dynamic company.”
