WINDHOEK – Sven Thieme, executive chairman of the Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group of Companies is optimistic that this year would turn out to be a successful one.
“I am an optimist and believe that any challenges need to be met by seeing an opportunity in it. I am positive that despite the challenges we will once again lift the O&L Group to the next level in order to deliver on our promise and purpose of creating a future and enhancing life,” he said. Looking back at 2013, Thieme said that O&L celebrated a number of highlights, which although coupled to numerous challenges, were achieved through forward and breakthrough thinking and utter perseverance. These included the launch of the Strand Hotel project, the cooperation between government and the private sector in the dairy industry, and the number of innovations in terms of fish product forming technology, the Vigo soft drink launch, the successful barley growing results, and employer of choice software innovations, to name but a few. Challenges were there too, such as going and finding a new and independent way for the future of the O&L leisure division. Thieme now says his top goals for 2014 include achieving the group’s financial targets, having the group ranked high in the best company to work for rankings, as well as lifting the O&L personification to the next level.
The other goals are to make major progress in digitalization, being an enabler for the group and bringing sustainability to the core of the business. “For us to achieve this I wish all O&L team members every strength, health and luck to achieve these goals, thereby, amongst others, taking more people off the street through direct and indirect employment opportunities,” he said. Thieme also urged leaders to join hands and lead by example. “Exemplary leadership is the key to any success and we need to understand everyone is a leader. If we understand this, it will be the best year ever,” he said. “Business success for all sectors – small, medium and large businesses – is to keep on being innovative and renovating every aspect of the business – whether it is a cost or sales driver.”
By Staff Reporter