SOUTH AFRICA – KWV, a leading wine and spirit producer in South Africa, has appointed John Loomes to replace Boyce Lloyd as CEO effective 1 June 2023.
Loomes has been serving as the CEO incumbent in a temporary COO role since September 2022, taking on responsibility for most functions and reporting lines.
Since January 2023, Loomes’ responsibilities further expanded, and has effectively been managing the business for the past 5 months, demonstrating his readiness to assume full accountability as CEO.
With an extensive background in the beverage, FMCG, and CPG sectors, KWV said Loomes brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success to lead the business into an exciting new chapter.
This strategic appointment reaffirms KWV’s commitment to trailblazing the industry and driving its growth ambitions.
“Working in an iconic South African company like KWV has been a tremendous opportunity. As Chief Operating Officer, I’ve gained an in-depth understanding of the entire business, both locally and internationally, solidifying my commitment to driving KWV’s success and growth,” said Loomes.
“We have passionate people, excellent brands, and systems, and we are good at what we do. We aim to expand into new areas and categories, both with our brands and through partnerships with international brands that align with our strategy and passion. We will continue to innovate, bring fantastic brands and products to the market, and strive to be the retail partner of choice in South Africa and internationally.”
The outgoing CEO, Lloyd, was supposed to retire from the position next year, but KWV said in a statement that it was part of a “carefully orchestrated leadership transition.”
“It is important to clarify that there were no circumstances of dismissal or forced resignation involved in this transition,” a KWV spokesperson said.
It has remained unclear if a furor over his wife’s controversial appearance on the kykNET reality show Die Real Housewives van die Wynlande was one of the reasons for early replacement.
Lloyd’s wife, Anita, on the show, flaunted her wealth and massive house. Anita Lloyd had some strange opinions about the poor and said she would jump from a building if she was poor.
“Look at me, I’m so rich. Must be nice. Being poor is bad.” She also claimed to regularly fly to London just for a Harrods shopping trip. Something the farm workers in the Boland, who is, according to reports, not so lucky, will never know.
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