News

The Board of the Groot Constantia Trust has announced the appointment of Dr Edo Heyns as the estate’s new Chief Executive Officer, effective 19 October 2026.

According to Board Chairperson Clifford van der Venter, the appointment builds on the strong foundations that have shaped South Africa’s oldest wine-producing farm for generations.

“This appointment builds on the strong foundations that have shaped South Africa’s oldest wine-producing farm for generations. The transition has been carefully planned to ensure continuity across the estate’s operations, teams and strategic priorities,” says van der Venter.

Heyns will work alongside current CEO Jean Naudé during a structured handover period before Naudé retires on 30 November 2026, following 24 years at the helm.

Since joining Groot Constantia as CEO in 2002, Naudé has played a central role in strengthening the estate’s position as a leading South African wine producer, heritage destination and tourist attraction. His tenure has seen continued investment in the estate’s wines, visitor experience, conservation and long-term sustainability, while maintaining the values that underpin the Groot Constantia brand.

“After 24 years, I am proud of what we have achieved together at Groot Constantia, and most importantly, of the people who have made that possible,” says Naudé. “A strong organisation is built on sound foundations, and at Groot Constantia those foundations are sustainability, quality and commitment. I have every confidence in the team and our new CEO, and I believe the estate is well positioned for its next chapter.”

“We are hugely indebted to our outgoing CEO, Jean Naudé, for having served Groot Constantia with such distinction over many years. As we embark on an exciting new chapter in the history of this iconic estate, we are confident that Edo’s appointment will build on Jean’s strong legacy as we strive to achieve even greater success,” says van der Venter.

New Appointment: Edo Heyns, CEO of Groot Constantia

Heyns’ experience spans many areas of the wine business, from sales and marketing through to production, operations and hospitality.

Since March 2024, he has led Allée Bleue Estate in Franschhoek as CEO, overseeing its wine, hospitality, farming, herbs and estate operations. At Allée Bleue, Heyns has been responsible for overall strategic and commercial leadership, including financial management, operations, production, human resources, marketing and sales. He has also led the development of local and international wine markets, expanded distribution partnerships and overseen the transformation of the estate’s hospitality offering.

Prior to joining Allée Bleue, he held senior leadership roles within the wine industry, including at Advini South Africa, building experience across the wine value chain and developing a strong understanding of both the local and international wine trade.

With a career combining commercial leadership with operational wine expertise, Heyns brings an understanding of the business from vineyard and production through to market, hospitality and consumer experience. His international experience has also included exposure to fine wine, wine business strategy and the global positioning of wine brands.

“Groot Constantia has an extraordinary foundation and a rare combination of wine, place, people and purpose,” says Heyns. “My focus will be on building on that foundation, working closely with the talented people across the estate and ensuring that Groot Constantia continues to grow, evolve and remain relevant while staying true to what makes it unique.”

Heyns has also maintained a connection with academia, sharing his experience with the next generation of business leaders. Since 2020, he has been an Associate Faculty Member at the Franklin Hudson International School of Management in Paris, where he teaches entrepreneurship, innovation and wine business strategy and co-supervises MBA studies.

The appointment represents a planned continuation of Groot Constantia’s long-term direction, with the estate’s commitment to wine quality, its people, conservation, hospitality and its role as a South African National Treasure remaining central to its future.

“Leadership is ultimately about building something that can continue beyond any one individual,” adds Naudé. “I am confident that Groot Constantia has the people, the expertise and the foundations it needs to continue moving forward. My role now is to help ensure that the transition is as seamless as possible and to hand over the responsibility with confidence.”