Wrenelle Stander appointed as AASA CEO
The Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA), announces that Wrenelle Stander has been appointed as its new Chief Executive Officer, with effect from mid-July 2021
Ms. Stander takes over the reins from Chris Zweigenthal who is retiring from the industry body he has served with distinction for over 19 years.
“Wrenelle, whose career includes extensive leadership experience in the public and private sectors of the air transport and energy industries as well as in the South African Government, is the ideal choice to lead AASA and represent its members in its engagements on matters of common interest. As a former AASA chairperson, she is also familiar with the association and the kinds of issues it takes up,” said Mr. Zweigenthal
“Finding the sweet spot in the nexus between government and industry is the thread that has strung together my various roles in the energy and aviation industries and one that is crucial to the vital role that AASA fulfils in representing the air transport industry throughout the Southern African Development Community region,” explained Ms. Stander.
“Wrenelle is widely respected throughout the Southern African air transport industry and her ability to navigate and further enhance our relationships with all stakeholders will be a tremendous asset for AASA and our industry, especially as we grapple with the slow and painful recovery of the COVID-19 pandemic and the devasting impact that related travel restrictions have had for air transport, tourism, trade, jobs and livelihoods in our region,” said AASA Chairperson, Elmar Conradie.
Prior to joining AASA, Ms. Stander, who holds an MBA from Oxford Brookes University in the UK and a BA (Hons) from the University of Cape Town, held a number of key executive positions including CEO of Comair, Managing Director of South Africa’s Air Traffic Navigation Service (ATNS) and Sasol’s Gas business. She also held executive and non-executive directorships on various boards. Ms. Stander began her career in South Africa’s National Department of Transport where she rose to become Chief Director Aviation and Maritime Regulation and also served as Deputy CEO of the SA Civil Aviation Authority.
