Johan Bestbier was appointed general manager of Kleine Zalze on 1 August 2007. He was previously managing director of KWV International.
A mechanical engineer by training, and double graduate of Stellenbosch University Business School, Kleine Zalze’s Managing Director and co-owner, Kobus Basson said of his appointment: “I am absolutely delighted to have Johan join us. He brings a wealth of business experience and knowledge with him and as he will be responsible for the day to day operations of the wine and tourism elements of Kleine Zalze, I expect him to help us to drive forward our agenda as we move into our second decade of ownership.” Johan added that:
“The challenges that Kleine Zalze bring are about growth and opportunity. This will be a very different environment to where I have come from but I trust that with the assistance of the whole team we will be able to keep on serving and satisfying our much valued customers and markets even better. I hope that this next chapter in my life will be exciting, fulfilling, and rewarding for all concerned.”
For the past two and half years Johan was responsible for the repositioning of KWV International, as well as leading the rebranding of KWV’s portfolio. He also served on the main board of KWV Limited as an executive director.
Johan is married to Jeanne and the couple has two daughters. His interests are golf and cycling for which he has completed the 7 Argus Cycle Tours.