South Africa: Adcock Ingram Appoints CEO

Johannesburg:  The Board of Adcock Ingram today announced the appointment of Kevin Wakeford as Chief Executive Officer, with immediate effect.  Wakeford joins Adcock Ingram following more than 10 years’ experience with the Bidvest Group Limited, where he led various companies within the group.

Kevin Wakeford

Kevin Wakeford

Wakeford served as Chief Executive Officer of Bidvest Travel and Aviation for the past three years.  Prior to joining Bidvest, he spent nine years in the Southern Sun Hotel group and before that Wakeford was Group Financial Manager at SA Breweries.

Wakeford, who is 53 years of age, is a CA (SA) and was educated at the University of Cape Town after which he served articles at Arthur Young. Wakeford succeeds Dr Jonathan Louw, who resigned as CEO of Adcock Ingram on 01 April, 2014.

“The Board decided that strong business skills are what is required to lead Adcock Ingram’s recovery and growth into the future.  Kevin’s broad experience in a number of fields and his entrepreneurial spirit, stand him in good stead to lead the company,” said Brian Joffe, Chairman of Adcock Ingram.  “The Adcock Ingram Board has the greatest confidence in Kevin’s abilities.  Kevin will be ably supported by Andy Hall, who will continue as Deputy CEO and Financial Director,” concluded Joffe.

Adcock Ingram, listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, is a leading South African pharmaceutical company which manufactures, markets and distributes a wide range of healthcare products.  The company is a leading supplier to both the private and public sectors of the market.