The Business and Intellectual Property Authority (BIPA) has appointed Ainna Vilengi Kaundu as its new chief executive officer (CEO) for a five-year term, effective from the beginning of this year.

In a statement, BIPA said the Board of Directors expressed confidence in Kaundu’s ability to steer the institution in the right direction and advance its strategic mandate.

“Ms Kaundu demonstrated exceptional judgment, professionalism and resilience during her tenure as acting chief executive officer. She guided the Authority through a period of transition, ensuring operational stability and organisational culture transformation,” the statement read.

The board added that it is confident that under her stewardship, BIPA will be positioned as a leading authority driving sustainable economic transformation for shared prosperity.

“The Board of Directors extends its best wishes to Ms Kaundu in her new role and looks forward to working closely with her as BIPA executes its strategic mandate of creating an enabling environment for a thriving creative industry, enterprise development and an inclusive economy through ease of doing business and the protection of intellectual property,” the statement further said.

Prior to her appointment, Kaundu served as executive of intellectual property services, where she played a key role in shaping Namibia’s national intellectual property framework. Her contributions include the development of the National Intellectual Property Agenda, the Industrial Property Act, the Business and Intellectual Property Authority Act, the draft Copyright Bill, and the Consumer Protection Policy.

At international level, Kaundu has been elected chairperson of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) Conference and serves as vice chairperson of the African Regional Intellectual Property Organisation (ARIPO) Administrative Council.