Joost is training to become PIH’s COO

Joost van der Westhuizen recently moved from the rugby field and into the business arena as a COO for PIH (Progressive Investment Holdings). “I’m excited about the move,” states van der Westhuizen, “it’s a great opportunity for me and I’m up for the challenge.” Van der Westhuizen was approached by PIH earlier this year. The thinking is to train Van der Westhuizen to take over the reigns as CEO in January 2009. To make the transition a smooth one, PIH’s current CEO Freddie Andalaft created a position for van der Westhuizen, that of COO, which van der Westhuizen would fulfil as he completed his training and gained confidence in his new venture. Andalaft also appointed a personal coach for van der Westhuizen to assist in this process Van der Westhuizen was training under the watchful eye of the current CEO, Freddie Andalaft.

Van der Westhuizen is no more than an employee who has not invested in PIH, nor is he a PIH shareholder and neither does he sit on the PIH board. “That will come in the future, once I’m appointed CEO, right now I’ve only been awarded the opportunity to be groomed into the position of CEO which is intended to happen in Jan 09,” concludes van der Westhuizen.