The Southern African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI) appoints new CEO

The Southern African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI) is pleased to announce the appointment of their new CEO, Rudi Van Der Vyver.

After the resignation of previous CEO, Adriaan Liebetrau, who accepted a wonderful opportunity with Tsogo Sun as Sales and Marketing Manager, Sandton; an extensive process was undertaken to appoint a suitable candidate.

Over 40 CVs from interested parties in application for the position were received. Careful criteria were used to shortlist candidates: a strong understanding of the business events, conference and meetings industry was a prerequisite, but financial acumen and previous marketing and brand experience were also carefully considered. Potential candidates were interviewed and shortlisted and were asked to submit a case study as part of the process.

“From the outset, Rudi presented a clear and stabilising plan for the association and after reviewing with our Board, an offer was made,” says SAACI Chair, Wayne Johnson. “We are very pleased to have him on board and look forward to his contribution towards our association and members.”

Van der Vyver holds a BCom (Hons) degree in marketing with the designation of Chartered Marketer CM(SA). He has held leadership positions during tenures within the financial services industry and has worked for large international corporates, including FNB and TransUnion (Credit Bureau).

He then moved into an executive management role within the business consulting space, where after he made the transition to hospitality and business events by joining Orion Hotels and Resorts’ executive management team as head of national sales.

“I enjoy the hospitality and business events industry immensely and look forward to continuing the great work done by SAACI. We will only be getting stronger. Through creating a stable and growing platform for the association, we will strengthen and positively influence the business events industry landscape across Southern Africa,” says van der Vyver.

SAACI would once again like to thank Adriaan Liebetrau for his immense dedication and hard work towards our association during his period as CEO. We are pleased to confirm that he will continue to be involved with SAACI in an advisory capacity, and has generously committed his time to complete and lead the 2017 Congress Programme & Organising Committees.