Page 21 - KZN Top Business LEADERS-eBook

WOLFGANG BEIER

olfgang Beier, executive chairman of the the growth he spearheaded within the Beier Group. his faith has guided the values he upholds within
Beier Group, reflects on the evolution of “When I started, we were a R250 million company; the Beier Group. “We look for values, not just skills,
his career. After 25 years as chief executive today, we’re valued at R2.5 billion,” he states, noting when hiring people,” he explains. “Skills can be
Wofficer, Wolfgang and Beier Group Board that sustainability has always been his primary goal taught, but values are inherent.” He believes in
of Directors recently appointed Warren Sachs as CEO. in a pressurised environment. “We didn’t just grow; creating a company culture that is “values-driven
As such Wolfgang transitioned into the chairman we made sure that our growth was sustainable.” and vision-led” – these are principles that he
position. This leadership change marks a significant Wolfgang emphasises that this approach is critical, attributes largely to his faith.
milestone for the family, with the fourth generation, particularly within a family business context, where
Wolfgang’s children, Stefan and Manuela, preparing maintaining legacy and longevity are essential. IMPORTANCE OF OPTIMISM
to take on senior roles as co-chief operations officer Motivating a team, particularly in a challenging
and designated chairman respectively. In addition to the company’s financial success,
Wolfgang takes pride in one of the Beier Group’s land- economic climate, is a task that Wolfgang takes
Wolfgang matriculated at Hillcrest High, which was mark achievements: a black economic empower- seriously. “As a leader, you’ve got to be the one
then a relatively new school. He recalls, “The family ment (BEE) partnership in 2004. “It’s probably who sees the glass as half full,” he says. In recent
had moved up to Winston Park, so I attended the still classified as one of the most successful BEE years, South Africa has faced slow economic
local school, which was great.” Following school, he partnerships in South Africa in a private company,” growth, exacerbated by issues like load-shedding.
completed his mandatory army service, which he he notes. The partnership brought in essential However, Wolfgang emphasises the importance
describes as a mix of “the good old, bad old days” shareholders like Mike Maziya and Paulos Ncgobo. of optimism: “No matter how bad things look, you
and “a bit of an adventure”. Since then, Senzo Masengemu has added technical have to keep up the momentum and show your
expertise that has strengthened the company’s team a positive outlook.”
He pursued mechanical engineering studies at the position in the market.
University of Pretoria (known as Tukkies), where Wolfgang’s optimism extends beyond his company
he met his future wife, Ursula. “We dated for a few Wolfgang credits his father, the late Hans Beier to South Africa’s broader business environment,
years and then got engaged,” Wolfgang recounts. with giving him the advice that has shaped both particularly in KwaZulu-Natal. “We’re the ones who
They married on the 6 October 1990, a date made his career and personal relationships. “Don’t ever can make this work,” he asserts. While he acknow-
memorable not only for their wedding but also do business with your friends,” his father advised. ledges the challenges faced by both national and
as the day Natal won their first-ever Currie Cup. “If you want to remain friends, keep them separate local government, Wolfgang emphasises that
“I don’t know which one I use to remember the from business.” Wolfgang followed this advice positive change must come from within the private
other!” he jokes. diligently. “I’m happy to say that I still have those sector. “We have to get up and do it ourselves,”
friendships intact, and that’s largely because I kept he says. He believes that by taking initiative and
Wolfgang’s professional career began in earnest them separate from the business,” he reflects. focusing on sustainable growth, businesses in
when he joined Albany International, initially in South Africa can overcome adversity.
Canada, then the United States and the Netherlands. For Wolfgang, the most significant challenge was
“This was a great experience,” he says, “I learned transforming the Beier Group from a traditional Wolfgang’s personal philosophy is encapsulated
about paper machine clothing – a technical textile family business into a professionally managed in a saying he lives by: “The beauty of ‘and’ and the
used in the papermaking process.” His time abroad enterprise. “When I joined, it was still small enough tyranny of ‘or.’” He explains, “It’s about understanding
was based on the 50/50 joint venture between that the eldest family member was expected to that you don’t always have to choose one thing over
Albany International and the Beier Group. take on the leadership role. But as we grew – another. You can be successful at multiple things
tenfold in fact – it became clear that we needed simultaneously.” This approach, he believes, applies
Wolfgang returned to South Africa in 1994, a year of to professionalise the organisation,” he explains. to all areas of life. “I can be listening to someone and
significant change with the national elections and “It was challenging to explain that a family name doing my work or doing my work. It doesn’t have to
other transformative events. Shortly thereafter, he didn’t guarantee a lifelong job in the company,” he be one or the other,” he explains. For Wolfgang, this
joined Beier Industries, becoming a director in 1996; admits. However, by focusing on professionalism, balance between different pursuits has been a key
following which in 2000 until 2024, he held the Wolfgang helped shape a legacy-driven and driver in his personal and professional life.
position of CEO of the group. sustainable enterprise for future generations.
As the company welcomes a new generation,
LEGACY AND LONGEVITY When asked about his sources of inspiration, Wolfgang’s insights inspire a vision of resilience,
Wolfgang points first to his faith. “God has always integrity, and innovation for the Beier Group and
Reflecting on his career, Wolfgang expresses pride in been an inspiration in my life,” he says, adding that South Africa alike.
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