Lucien JansenSouth 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 holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Stellenbosch, began his career at the PPECB ten years ago when he was appointed as Regional Service Manager for the Western Cape. In 2010, he was appointed as Manager to the PPECB’s Project Management office, focusing on introducing a Project Management framework to manage strategic projects for the PPECB as well as coordinating Organisational Performance. Since 2013 he 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; Harmonization; Business Certification; Food Safety and Development and championing high-level stakeholder engagement.

Jansen is highly regarded for his exceptional stakeholder-management, as well as proven track-record of operational management and strategic contribution across all aspects of the organisation. Furthermore, his invaluable experience in the Inspection, Cold Chain and Food Safety Functions has suitably prepared him to lead the PPECB and position the organisation as an internationally respected certification agency.

Pinki Luwaca, General Manager: Human Resources at PPECB, stated that the appointment was 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 the ranks which 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.”

Chairperson of the PPECB Board, Angelo Petersen, said: “The Board is exceptionally pleased by the appointment and believes that Lucien possesses the critical qualities required to lead the PPECB team to the next level of success. Lucien’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.”

Jansen will assume the role as of 1 July 2015.