Simonsig Family Vineyards, a cherished family-owned wine farm in the heart of Stellenbosch, is delighted to announce the appointment of Ilana de Vries as its new managing director, effective June 2024.
Simonsig Family Vineyards says Ilana brings a wealth of knowledge and extensive experience in the South African wine industry to her new role at Simonsig.
A qualified chartered management accountant, Ilana holds a Master’s degree in Accounting and has over 22 years of experience spanning the agriculture, supply chain, and logistics industries.
Her impressive career includes serving as managing director of Lusan, where she managed five Stellenbosch estates for Distell and Hans Schreiber. She also held the role of general manager at Distell's significant production facility in Wadeville, Gauteng. Most recently, Ilana was the chief operating officer at GoReefers Logistics, the largest shipping agent for refrigerated shipping containers, where she worked for nearly four years.
Beyond her professional achievements, Ilana is also a wife and mother of two. In her free time, she enjoys running and cycling, having completed her first Cape Town marathon in 2022. She also plays the piano, enjoys padel tennis, and loves the outdoors, particularly hiking.
Johan and Francois Malan, who remain active members on the board of directors, expressed their enthusiasm for Ilana's appointment. "We are excited to welcome Ilana to our team. Her strategic leadership and extensive industry experience will undoubtedly take Simonsig to new heights as we embark on this exciting new chapter."
Simonsig Family Vineyards looks forward to the innovative and dynamic leadership Ilana de Vries will bring, ensuring continued excellence and growth in the years to come.