Prof Chris van der Hoven appointed as Senior Director of Stellenbosch Business School
Stellenbosch Business School is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Chris van der Hoven as its new Senior Director, effective 1 January 2025.
With decades of international experience in academic leadership and industry collaboration, Prof van der Hoven is well placed to guide the Business School into a new era focused on transformative educational outcomes.
His distinguished career spans leadership roles at top institutions worldwide. In the United Kingdom Prof van der Hoven spent 12 years at Cranfield School of Management and a number of years as Senior Fellow at Cambridge University. While he was based in the UK, he held visiting academic positions at ten leading universities, including the Stockholm School of Economics, Mannheim Business School and Nanjing University. He was recruited back to South Africa and served as the Academic Director at Wits Business School until 2017.
Prof van der Hoven has led Stellenbosch Business School Executive Development (SBS-ED), the executive development arm of the Business School, since 2018. His leadership has transformed SBS-ED into an agile and resilient organisation with a diverse client base, and an extensive and established footprint across the continent and beyond.
Over his career he has co-authored numerous case studies, journal articles and book chapters and supervised multiple PhD, MBA, and Innovation Master’s students. His work with CEOs and leadership teams across 40 countries emphasises his commitment to encouraging innovation and driving strategy. He has regularly worked with global brands to help onboard newly appointed country CEOs and support them during their initial tenure.
Prof van der Hoven said his vision for Stellenbosch Business School centres on continuing to embed responsible leadership across the full portfolio of executive short courses and degree programmes. More specifically, to drive the “most-sought-after” status of Stellenbosch Business School graduates. He is determined that the investment in learning is translated into world class marketability of students and delegates who make the school their intellectual home.
Under Prof van der Hoven’s leadership, the Business School will prioritise this employability—both for individuals and organisations.
“For students, this means equipping them with the skills and adaptability to thrive in evolving careers. For companies, the focus will be on developing versatile employees who can lead in dynamic environments. The Business School’s strongly relevant research and proximity to industry will ensure academic programmes align with real-world challenges and opportunities,” he said.
Prof van der Hoven aims to leverage the Business School’s status as one of the few institutions worldwide to hold the Triple Crown accreditation (EQUIS, AACSB, and AMBA), to strengthen international partnerships and expand the Business School’s role as a hub for thought leadership and innovation.
Prof van der Hoven succeeds Prof Charles Adjasi, who provided stable and collaborative leadership as Acting Director during the transitional period.
Rector and Vice-Chancellor of Stellenbosch University, Professor Wim de Villiers said: “Stellenbosch University is delighted to welcome Prof van der Hoven as the new Senior Director of Stellenbosch Business School. His impressive track record in academic leadership and his understanding of global business, position him well to lead the Business School into a new era of innovation and impact. As we continue to advance our vision of shaping future leaders and driving transformative change across Africa and beyond, I am confident that under Prof van der Hoven’s guidance, Stellenbosch Business School will further strengthen its reputation as a world-class institution. We wish him every success in this important role.”
Reflecting on his appointment, Prof van der Hoven said: “Stellenbosch Business School has an extraordinary legacy not least because of its highly engaged alumni base. Since my appointment I have been humbled that so many graduates have generously reached out with their endorsement and offers of support. My vision thus has to include building on this sentiment and base by further channelling this collective energy.”
“We have a clear mandate to demonstrate the contribution of Stellenbosch Business School graduates in business and society. We also have a mandate to convene business voices more broadly in service of the needs of employment, security, healthcare, energy and education. These are efforts that will evidence the value of Stellenbosch Business School and its graduates in shaping a prosocial future, and importantly in demonstrating the incredible contribution business can make to growing economies.”
Prof van der Hoven resides in Paarl with his wife and is an avid overlanding enthusiast. He has two daughters, both graduates of Stellenbosch University.
About Stellenbosch Business School
Stellenbosch Business School is a globally recognised institution, consistently ranked among Africa’s top business schools. It holds the prestigious Triple Crown accreditation (EQUIS, AACSB, and AMBA), a distinction held by less than 1% of business schools worldwide. Known for its commitment to responsible leadership, academic excellence, leadership development, and industry relevance, the Business School has cultivated leaders who make a tangible impact in Africa and around the world. Stellenbosch Business School offers a full suite of degree and executive development programmes, delivered in flexible and convenient formats.