Over the past 18 years, Hans has played an important role in key aspects of The Coca-Cola Company’s business in South Africa. He joined the Company in 1989 as the Plant Manager for the Coca-Cola Canners Wadeville operation (which was known at the time as Amalgamated Beverage Canners). He became Operations Director in 1994 and General Manager a year later. In 2000 he left Canners to take up the position of Technical and Operations Director for Coca-Cola Southern and East Africa, and in 2005 he assumed his current role, which includes pan-African responsibilities for the environment, quality, value, supply chain and capability building.

During his time at Coca-Cola Canners, Hans was involved in developing the concept of pre-priced promotional cans and worked with the team that introduced the first non-carbonated drink to the South African market. He set up the Export Division and drove can sales to record highs. On his watch in 1997, NOCSA, the five-star safety and productivity body, noted Coca-Cola’s Wadeville site as the best plant in the country! More recent achievements include significant lifts in quality and the establishment of a Centre of Expertise (COE).

Prior to Coca-Cola, Hans held senior positions at Unilever, Colgate Palmolive, BAT and ICS Foods. His highest qualification is a Masters degree in Commerce.