Thomas Schaefer, Chairman and Managing Director of Volkswagen Group South Africa, has been elected as the new president of the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber.
His two deputies are Tshiwela Mhlantla (ABSA) and Andrew Muir (Wilderness Foundation). Honorary Treasurer, Simone Mao-Cheia (Stainless Accessories) will stay on in her role of overseeing the finances of the Business Chamber.
The new Board Members were elected earlier this month and at their first meeting held on Tuesday, the office bearers were elected.
Schaefer said he was excited to take up this new leadership position and was looking forward to driving the new strategic focus and strengthening and developing the Business Chamber and serving the needs of the business community of Nelson Mandela Bay. He also thanked outgoing President Ian Nichols for his significant contribution to the Business Chamber and for setting the course towards a new strategic direction.
“I am passionate about this Metro and the part it plays in the bigger picture of the South African and African economy. It is very important that as Business we work together with all key stakeholders to ensure the success of this Metro,” Schaefer said.
Outgoing Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber President Ian Nicholls thanked the Board for their support and also for the unselfish manner in which they have served the business community during his tenure.
“During my time in this role, I have been very impressed at the calibre of Directors on the Board, who all share an unwavering commitment towards acting in the best interest of the business community as a whole. It has been an absolute honour to serve alongside these men and women who represent a mix of industry leads to specialists in various sectors of business. Most important they are very focused on developing the right strategy for the Chamber which is focused on the long term sustainability and growth of business in the Metro,” Nicholls said.
