Food producer Libstar Holdings has appointed Cornelia Lodewijk to the position of new Group Chief Operating Officer (COO). This appointment will take effect on August 1, 2026, and is intended to strengthen the company's senior management team to support its long-term growth strategy.
Details of the Appointment and Role
The board of directors announced this candidate on Monday. Lodewijk will continue to serve as an executive director on the Libstar board while transitioning from his current role as Managing Executive Director of Lancewood—the group's largest operational division—to fulfilling operational duties across the entire group.
The company emphasized that Lodewijk has been a key member of Libstar's leadership for many years, making significant contributions to enhancing operational efficiency, implementing strategic plans, and creating value across the business.
Experience and Career Path
Lodewijk possesses over twenty years of experience in the FMCG sector. He has played a vital role in the company's outstanding success. He joined Lancewood in 2011 as a Trade Marketing Manager and has since advanced through the ranks, becoming Managing Executive Director in 2015. In January 2023, he was appointed Executive Director of Libstar.
The appointment to COO comes amid Libstar's ongoing focus on achieving operational excellence and sustainable growth in the competitive South African Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector.
Expectations from the New Role
The board of directors noted that Lodewijk combines extensive industry experience with proven capabilities in operations, commercial activities, and leadership, making him ideally suited to drive the next phase of company growth. In his new role, Lodewijk will oversee the operational activities of the Libstar business portfolio, aiming to strengthen collaboration, improve efficiency, and increase value for customers, employees, shareholders, and other stakeholders.
Libstar reported that the vacancy created by Lodewijk's transition will be filled by an internal senior manager from Lancewood. The company stated that this appointment demonstrates the depth of leadership within the Lancewood business and will ensure business continuity as the dairy producer maintains a strong market position. The board of directors congratulated Lodewijk on his appointment and expressed confidence that his experience and leadership will contribute to the further achievement of Libstar's strategic priorities.


