TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT
We are committed to supporting the growth of all our employees and run regular training programmes and workshops, as well as facilitate enrolment on university certified courses.
These training initiatives not only provide opportunities for advancement within the organisation but also uplift employee morale, resulting in happy and fulfilled employees.
JOB CREATION
Ever since the company was started in 1948, we have based all our operations in and around the Rocklands Valley, and we will continue to support our home province through job creation and social investment. Sovereign currently provides 1300 direct jobs and in excess of 4000 indirect jobs, all to citizens of the Eastern Cape.
Our operation has extended nationally with the addition of our Hartbeespoort facility, and we aim to have the same positive impact on the local communities in that area.
We are committed to supporting the growth of all our employees and run regular training programmes and workshops, as well as facilitate enrolment on university certified courses.
These training initiatives not only provide opportunities for advancement within the organisation but also uplift employee morale, resulting in happy and fulfilled employees.
Ever since the company was started in 1948, we have based all our operations in and around the Rocklands Valley, and we will continue to support our home province through job creation and social investment. Sovereign currently provides 1300 direct jobs and in excess of 4000 indirect jobs, all to citizens of the Eastern Cape.
Our operation has extended nationally with the addition of our Hartbeespoort facility, and we aim to have the same positive impact on the local communities in that area.
Fill your year with the goodness our range of chicken products guarantee. From home chef to food business, we’ve got something for everyone.
OUR PEOPLE
Chief Executive Officer
Chris Coombes is our Chief Executive Officer, and one of the company’s longest-serving employees. He joined Sovereign in 1997 and has since assumed the responsibility of defining the company’s vision, and setting its strategic goals, to ensure that we are successful in meeting the targets set out by the Board of Directors.
Group Executive – Commercial
Gerald Walter is our Group Executive of the Commercial Division which includes Sales, Marketing, Processing, Quality, Projects, FPP, Warehouse, Logistics as well as New Product Development. As part of his current role Gerald accelerates growth (including exports) while ensuring and maintaining profitable partnerships with key stakeholders. He commenced in 2007 as the Sales and Marketing Director bringing a wealth of experience to the Team.
Group Executive – Human Resources
Thuto Maepa is our Group Executive of the Human Resources division, which consists of the Occupational Health Clinic, Training and Development, Communications, CSI, Employment Equity, Industrial Relations and the Payroll. She began her career at Sovereign in 2011.
Group Executive – Agriculture
Ettienne Du Preez is the Group Executive of the Agricultural Division nationally, which includes Hatcheries, Breeder Farms, Broiler Farms, Feedmill’s, and Contract Growers. He has superb technical, engineering, and communication skills and connects with people across the business and industry. He has risen through the ranks since starting his career at Sovereign in 2004.
Chief Financial Officer
Grant Coley is the Group’s Chief Financial Officer and heads up the Finance, Business Intelligence and Information Technology Division. Grant joined the Group in 2008 and worked in various positions before being appointed to his current role in 2013.