South African Tourism CEO, Thandiwe January-McLean resigns: statement from Chief Marketing Officer, Roshene Singh

Today Mr Jabu Mabuza, the Chairperson of the Board of South African Tourism announced that he has with regret accepted the resignation of the CEO, Ms Thandiwe January-Mclean, who is leaving the organisation to pursue her own personal interests.

Ms January Mclean has been with South African Tourism for a year and a half, and has led the organisation through its most challenging and exciting times.  The year 2010 was a momentous year for all in tourism and under her leadership and drive working closely with stakeholders across various sectors, South Africa attracted an all-time high of over  eight million foreign tourist arrivals.

Together with her team, the CEO always demonstrated professionalism and openness in engaging stakeholders to continue the positive momentum and brand positioning that was leveraged off the success of the tournament. She leaves a legacy of having moved the organisation forward to explore new markets and she firmly placed Africa and the domestic tourism agenda at the forefront of South African Tourism’s marketing efforts, while entrenching its core markets.

The personal touch and warmth of the CEO was always felt with all stakeholders, and particularly her staff, and her immense contribution will be missed.

Ms January-McLean will leave South African Tourism at the end of August 2011 at which time Mr Tim Scholtz will be acting CEO until the board has completed its recruitment process.