KWV CEO Boyce Lloyd will step down from his position a year earlier than previously announced, amid controversy over his flamboyant wife’s comments on Kyknet reality show Die Real Housewives van die Wynlande.
Lloyd will be replaced by CEO elect John Loomes, who had been identified and trained to take over from July 2024. Loomes has been serving as prospective CEO of wine and spirits manufacturer KWV since September last year and, in his temporary role as COO, was responsible for most functions and reporting lines.
Anita Lloyd debuted on the TV show — part of the American reality television franchise — a month ago, where she flaunted her jewellery and wealth and described being poor as “really bad”.
“We all worship Mammon, the god of money. If I didn’t have any money, I’d jump from a building,” she said.
She has been described on social media by TV viewers as vulgar, funny, outspoken and lacking class. At the launch, Lloyd said being on the show had been unbelievable and a big adventure.
KWV cellars are said to have featured in the show. The wine industry has long been associated with poorly paid workers doing temporary shifts during the grape harvest.
A KWV statement this week described the new appointment as a carefully “orchestrated leadership transition” and made no reference to the reality TV show. It said the handover process started in July 2022.
KWV PR company Eclipse denied the leadership change was linked to Anita Lloyd’s appearance on the show.
KWV announced in September that Loomes would replace Lloyd, who has been CEO since 2016, in July 2024. However, on Thursday the company said Loomes would take over the reins in June.
“His responsibilities were further expanded in January and he has managed the business effectively over the past five months, demonstrating his readiness to assume full responsibility as CEO from June 1,” KWV said in a statement.
Loomes had recently returned from the United Arab Emirates and joined KWV. “Working for an iconic SA company like KWV is an incredible opportunity,” he said. “As COO, I gained a deep understanding of the entire business, locally and internationally, and this strengthened my resolve to drive KWV’s success and growth.”
Lloyd, outgoing CEO of KWV, expressed confidence in Loomes’ appointment saying, “John is a highly respected leader who has already played an important role in KWV's growth, I am convinced that KWV will thrive and succeed under his leadership.”
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