CEO of OL Group, appearing in coverage of Namibian business leadership and economic development.
Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.
Windhoek Observer
Sven Thieme, executive chairman of OL and managing director of Hartlief expressed great sorrow over the impact of the closure on 102 employees
“Thieme also expressed great sorrow over the impact of this decision on the abattoir's 19 permanent and 83 temporary employees, emphasising that supporting these individuals is the company's immediate priority.”
Farmer’s Meat Mariental abattoir operations set to discontinueThe Namibian
Sven Thieme says the abattoir has suffered financial losses every year since resuming operations in 2022
“Thieme says the abattoir has suffered financial losses every year since it resumed operations in 2022.”
Curtains close on Mariental abattoirThe Namibian
OL Group chief executive Sven Thieme is scheduled to present at the conference
“The programme includes presentations by OL Group chief executive Sven Thieme, Cirrus Capital economist Ida Williams and Nedbank Group chief marketing officer Khensani Nobanda, among other Namibian and African business leaders.”
Nedbank conference targets MSME growthThe Namibian
Sven Thieme said decision allows strengthening core capabilities and ensuring sustainable business
“"The difficult decision allows us to strengthen Hartlief's core capabilities and ensure we remain on the right path to build a sustainable business," Thieme said.”
Chop goes the Hartlief shopWindhoek Observer
Sven Thieme is OL Group executive chairman and Hartlief managing director
“said Sven Thieme, OL Group executive chairman and Hartlief managing director.”
OL closes the Hartlief Shop & Bistro in Windhoek’s northern industryThe Namibian
Sven Thieme says closing the Shop & Bistro would simplify operations, reduce overhead costs and strengthen core business
“Thieme says closing the Shop & Bistro would simplify operations, reduce overhead costs and allow Hartlief to strengthen its core business activities.”
Hartlief Shop & Bistro to close next monthWindhoek Observer
OL executive chairman Sven Thieme said the identity reset follows years of deliberate internal transformation
“Speaking at the launch, OL executive chairman Sven Thieme said the changes follow years of internal restructuring and cultural transformation.”
OL targets N$2.5 billion EBIT under vision 2029 strategyThe Namibian
O&L executive chairperson Sven Thieme says the accreditation was verified by Great Place to Work Institute with 69% trust index score
“O&L executive chairperson Sven Thieme in a press release on Monday says the accreditation, verified by the Great Place to Work Institute, follows a trust index score of 69% for the current cycle.”
O&L earns great place to work statusThe Namibian
Thieme says 11 operating companies achieved individual certifications
“Thieme says data from the report shows that 11 operating companies achieved individual certifications.”
O&L earns great place to work statusThe Namibian
Sven Thieme says country needs targeted interventions to address youth unemployment through skills development
“"Equally important is targeted interventions to address youth unemployment through skills development aligned with industry needs," he says.”
President Nandi-Ndaitwah faces pressure over jobs, housing and fuel ahead of SonaHartlief has decided to permanently close Farmers Meat Mariental abattoir due to sustained financial losses, rising procurement costs, and tough international export conditions. The closure will affect 19 permanent and 83 temporary employees.
19 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Hartlief has decided to permanently close Farmers Meat Mariental abattoir due to sustained financial losses, rising procurement costs, and tough international export conditions. The closure will affect 19 permanent and 83 temporary employees.
19 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Farmers Meat Mariental abattoir will permanently close following an estimated N$26 million loss in the financial year ending June 2026, citing rising livestock procurement costs, unfavourable exchange rates, and limited access to premium export markets. The closure will affect 102 workers, including 19 permanent and 83 temporary employees.
18 August 2026 · The Namibian →
Nedbank Namibia will host its second Future of Business Conference later this month, featuring entrepreneurs, business leaders and industry experts including OL Group CEO Sven Thieme, Cirrus Capital economist Ida Williams and Nedbank Group chief marketing officer Khensani Nobanda. The conference aims to provide MSMEs with insights, practical knowledge and networking opportunities to expand their businesses in a changing economic environment.
24 July 2026 · The Namibian →
OL Group has announced the closure of Hartlief Shop and Bistro in Windhoek on 15 July as part of a strategic review to cut costs and focus on its core meat-processing and distribution operations. Affected workers will remain permanently employed and the company will discuss redeployment opportunities with staff.
10 June 2026 · The Namibian →
The OL Group has announced the permanent closure of the Hartlief Shop & Bistro in Windhoek's northern industrial area, effective 15 July, following a review that determined the outlet operates outside Hartlief's core meat processing and distribution competency and has not achieved required financial sustainability.
10 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Ohlthaver & List Group announced that Hartlief Shop & Bistro in Windhoek's Northern Industrial Area will permanently close on 15 July. The closure follows a review of operations and will allow the company to focus on its core meat processing and distribution activities.
9 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Local business group OL unveiled a Vision 2029 strategy aimed at growing earnings before interest and tax to N$2.5 billion while positioning itself among the world's top 10 great places to work. The strategy, announced alongside a new corporate identity and "One OL" rebrand, focuses on growth, leadership, organisational culture, and an OL Persona score above 85%.
22 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Ohlthaver & List Group has secured Great Place to Work accreditation for 2026/27, with a trust index score of 69%, and reports that 11 of its operating companies achieved individual certifications. The company links the achievement to progress toward Vision 2029 targets, including a goal to reach earnings before interest and taxes of N$2.5 billion by June 2029.
28 April 2026 · The Namibian →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is expected to address employment creation, housing affordability, fuel prices, and service delivery in today's state of the nation address. Politicians, businesses, civil society, and economists are calling for practical solutions and progress reports on previous commitments, including the 500,000 jobs target and structural economic reforms.
9 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Rising fuel costs are expected to drive up distribution and import expenses, prompting major retailers and suppliers to increase prices over coming months. Economists warn that Namibia's heavy reliance on food imports from South Africa, combined with higher transport and production costs, will push inflation higher and hit low-income households hardest.
5 April 2026 · The Namibian →
O&L Leisure has appointed Maryke van Lill as managing director, effective 1 March, following more than 15 years of experience in marketing, brand strategy and client leadership. Van Lill, who previously served as general manager of marketing for the hospitality division, will join the O&L Group executive team and lead the business's strategic direction focused on sustainable growth and premium brand positioning.
15 March 2026 · The Namibian →
Harry, a Walvis Bay-born defender and accounting graduate, has risen from playing for Ramblers FC to serving as club president since 2013 and has now been appointed by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwa to the newly established Economic Recovery Task Force alongside other business experts.
13 February 2026 · New Era →
Ohlthaver & List Group posted revenue of N$5.05 billion in 2025 with a 94% increase in operating profit to N$363.7 million, as the group pursued its Vision 2029 strategic objectives. The group spent N$532.8 million on capital expenditure across infrastructure modernisation, manufacturing upgrades, and strategic acquisitions including full ownership of technology firm Mach 10 and premium hospitality properties Le Mirage and Divava.
13 January 2026 · The Namibian →