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.
The Namibian
Sven Thieme said distribution costs are going to increase quite dramatically
“"For us as O&L, it's obviously a shocker for the distribution of our products. Our distribution costs are going to increase quite dramatically," he said.”
Namibian food prices set to spike as rising fuel costs biteThe Namibian
Sven Thieme said Maryke's passion for crafting extraordinary guest experiences will inspire commitment to excellence
“"I'm confident that Maryke's passion for crafting extraordinary guest experiences and her authentic, caring and passionate leadership style will continue to inspire a commitment to excellence across the business," said Sven Thieme, executive chairman of the O&L Group.”
Maryke van Lill to lead O&L LeisureNew Era
Sven Thieme shepherds the Economic Recovery Task Force as local business mogul and former Ramblers FC defender
“Other notable business experts steering the Task Force are Vetumbuavi 'Green' Mungunda, Rollie Venter, central bank governor Ebson Uanguta, and Titus Nampala, shepherded by local business mogul and former Ramblers FC hard-tackling defender Sven Thieme.”
Tales of the Legends – In conversation with razor-sharp liberal footie-cum-economistThe Namibian
Executive chairman Sven Thieme describes the year as one that demanded both discipline and decisive leadership
“Executive chairman Sven Thieme describes the year as one that demanded both discipline and decisive leadership, as the group navigated uncertainty while remaining focused on long-term priorities.”
O&L posts N$5.05 billion revenue, profit up 94%The Namibian
O&L Leisure managing director Sven Thieme says the bush dinner represents strategy to position properties as 'seven-star' destinations
“O&L Leisure managing director Sven Thieme says the bush dinner experience represents O&L Leisure's strategy to position its portfolio of five-star properties as destinations which deliver "seven-star experiences".”
Etosha lodge unveils ‘7-star’ traditional diningThe Namibian
Sven Thieme said Nujoma's vision, courage and commitment to Namibia have left an enduring legacy
“"Dr Nujoma's vision, courage and commitment to Namibia's independence and prosperity have left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire us all," he said, adding that the nation witnessed Nujoma's unwavering dedication to Namibians throughout his life.”
Nujoma’s vision was inspirational – ThiemeThe Namibian
Namibian business leader Sven Thieme loves the adage "if you love what you do, you never have to work a day in your life"
“Namibian business leader Sven Thieme loves the adage "if you love what you do, you never have to work a day in your life".”
Attitude Changes EverythingHartlief 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 →