Cornél Lodewyks has been a key member of Libstar's leadership team for several years, playing an important role in improving operational performance, executing strategic initiatives and creating value across the business.
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Food producer Libstar Holdings has appointed executive director and Lancewood managing executive, Cornél Lodewyks, as its new group chief operating officer (COO), effective 1 August 2026, as the company strengthens its executive leadership team to support its long-term growth strategy.
The appointment was announced by the board of directors on Monday.
Lodewyks will continue to serve on Libstar's board as an executive director while transitioning from his current role as managing executive of Lancewood, the group's largest operating division, to take on group-wide operational responsibilities.
The company said Lodewyks has been a key member of Libstar's leadership team for several years, playing an important role in improving operational performance, executing strategic initiatives and creating value across the business.
Lodewyks brings over 20 years of FMCG experience and has played a vital role in the company’s exceptional success. He joined Lancewood in 2011 as trade marketing manager and has since worked his way up the ranks, being promoted to managing executive in 2015.
He was appointed as an executive director of Libstar in January 2023.
His appointment as COO comes as Libstar continues to focus on operational excellence and sustainable growth in South Africa's competitive fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector.
The board said Lodewyks brings extensive industry experience together with proven operational, commercial and leadership capabilities, making him well placed to help drive the company's next phase of growth.
In his new position, Lodewyks will oversee operational performance across Libstar's portfolio of businesses while working to strengthen collaboration, improve efficiencies and enhance value creation for customers, employees, shareholders and other stakeholders.
Libstar added that the vacancy created by Lodewyks' move will be filled internally by a senior executive from Lancewood.
The company said the appointment demonstrates the depth of leadership within the Lancewood business and will ensure continuity as the dairy producer maintains its strong position in the market.
The board congratulated Lodewyks on his appointment and expressed confidence that his experience and leadership would contribute to the continued execution of Libstar's strategic priorities.
Libstar owns a portfolio of branded food businesses across categories including dairy, groceries, snacks, bakery products, beverages and household goods, supplying both retail and foodservice markets in South Africa.
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