The Ohlthaver & List (OL) Group in Namibia has recognised nine employees as its F26 OL Persona Champions of 2029. This peer-recognition programme acknowledges employees who make a positive difference to their teams, customers, and the wider business. The employees were recognised at an awards evening held at Midgard on 25 September 2026.
The OL Persona Champion of 2029 programme involves nominations from employees, which are refined and selected at operating company level before being reviewed by an independent group committee. Each operating company selects an overall OL Persona Champion of 2029 for the financial year. This initiative aims to promote the OL Persona, which is reflected in how employees interact with others and shape their experiences.
Chief experience officer, Franziska Rüeck, highlighted the importance of everyday actions in bringing the OL Persona to life. These actions include listening, responding when things go wrong, taking ownership, and helping others. By demonstrating these behaviours, employees can create a positive impact on their teams and customers.
Executive chairman Sven Thieme encouraged the winners to act as ambassadors and custodians of the OL Persona within their respective operating companies. He emphasised that the future the Group is creating depends on how employees show up every day. The winners will undertake a giving-back project aligned with the Group’s Vision 2029 metrics during their reigning year.
The giving-back projects aim to create value for their businesses or communities by using available resources, partnerships, and support. The winners will also participate in “The Thrive Experience”, a programme designed to provide new perspectives, experiences, and connections. This will help them grow professionally and personally.
The Group’s annual OL Persona survey is currently underway, with a target of reaching an 85% score by the end of June 2029. Rüeck said the survey score was intended to measure the extent to which the OL Persona was being adopted, rather than being an end in itself. This survey will help the Group evaluate the effectiveness of its OL Persona initiative.
The F26 OL Persona Champions of 2029 are Cristiane Eberle of Broll Namibia, Gabriel Nakutumba of Hangana Seafood, Lancelot Hill of Hartlief, Johannes Shilongo of Kraatz, Clement Lens of Mach 10, Markus Mutitu of Namibia Dairies, Nico Louw of OL Centre, Otto Anaubeb of OL Leisure, and Drienie Ellis of Model. They were recognised for their contributions to the Group and their demonstration of the OL Persona.
Key points
- OL Group recognises nine employees as F26 OL Persona Champions of 2029
- Winners will undertake giving-back projects aligned with Group’s Vision 2029 metrics
- Group targets 85% OL Persona survey score by end of June 2029
