Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group’s executive chairman, Sven Thieme, has been selected as the Top International Executive Chairman of the Year by the International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP). In a statement, the group noted the recognition is a source of immense pride not only for Thieme and the group but also for the entire Namibia.
“Thieme’s passionate leadership and commitment have played an instrumental role in guiding the O&L Group to new heights of excellence. Under his visionary guidance, the O&L Group has established itself as a pioneering force in the fields of leisure, hospitality, food production, fishing, retail, engineering and green hydrogen among others,” read the group statement. IAOTP is a prominent organisation dedicated to recognising and honouring top professionals around the world. The Top International Executive Chairman of the Year award is bestowed on individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and a commitment to excellence within their respective industries.
“The significance of this award extends beyond Thieme and the O&L Group; it serves as a testament to the capabilities and potential of Namibia as a global business and investment destination. This recognition highlights Namibia’s growth in the global business landscape, reaffirming its position as a hub for excellence and innovation,” it reads.
The statement added that Thieme’s achievement reflects not only on his leadership but also on the dedicated and talented team at O&L, whose hard work and commitment have made this recognition possible. “The O&L Group is proud to have its executive chairman acknowledged as an international leader.” In accepting the award, Thieme expressed his astonishment and humility, attributing the success to the collective efforts of the O&L family. “This award represents our authenticity, passion and care that is embedded in our O&L persona and is reflective of the commitment, hard work and resilience of our entire team. I stand here not as an individual but as a representative of our dynamic, innovative, and passionate organisation.” Thieme’s leadership has extended beyond corporate success; he and the O&L Group are known for their commitment to sustainable business practices, community development, and creating positive social impact. The company’s vision aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and the IAOTP award recognises the value of such responsible leadership.
The president of IAOTP, Stephanie Cirami, stated, “We are honoured to have Sven Thieme as part of the IAOTP family. He is brilliant at what he does, his list of accomplishments and accolades are beyond impressive, and he was exactly what we were looking for. We know we will see more outstanding things from this man and hope to meet him at the gala.”
Thieme will be honoured at IAOTP’s annual awards gala at the iconic NYC Plaza Hotel this December for his selection as Top International Executive Chairman of the Year.
“The O&L Group and Sven Thieme express their heartfelt gratitude to the International Association of Top Professionals for this prestigious recognition. The honour inspires them to continue their journey towards excellence, embracing innovation, and setting even higher standards. This achievement marks a significant milestone in the O&L Group’s history and reaffirms Namibia’s place on the global stage as a centre for excellence, innovation, and responsible leadership,” the statement added.