The Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group’s chief executive officer, Wessie van der Westhuizen, and chief culture officer, Sonja Thieme, have resigned with effect from the end of April.
O&L’s executive chairman, Sven Thieme, announced the resignations in an internal memo, saying that he accepted their decisions.
The two executives resigned because of personal reasons, particularly the death of their only son in November 2022.
“The past four and a half years have been an extremely difficult and painful period in our personal lives,” the couple said in a media statement released by O&L.
“We therefore appreciate having the authentic discussion with Sven, the executive chairman, and the care he displayed in respecting our wish to rearrange our priorities to have the necessary space to find peace for ourselves. This was not an easy decision, and we reassure you that our loyalty, passion and care for this group will always remain. Thank you for your understanding and for affording us the necessary space to find peace,” the two said.
Thieme extended his appreciation to the couple.
“As the O&L Group bids farewell to Wessie and Sonja in their current capacities, the O&L family stands united in offering comfort, compassion and solidarity to Wessie and Sonja as they embark on this new chapter in their lives. Their impact on the organisation has been profound and their legacy will endure,” Thieme said.
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