O&L Leisure, the hospitality division of the Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group, has appointed Maryke van Lill as its new Managing Director with effect from 1 March 2026.
Van Lill will also join the O&L Group Executive team as part of her new role, marking a leadership transition within one of Namibia’s prominent hospitality operators.
Her appointment follows more than 15 years of experience across marketing, brand strategy, innovation and client leadership. She previously served as General Manager: Marketing at O&L Leisure, where she played a central role in shaping the company’s brand positioning and marketing strategy.
During her tenure, van Lill led the development of the “Namibia Through Our Eyes” platform, a brand concept aimed at presenting Namibia to both local and international travellers through a more authentic narrative centred on the country’s landscapes, culture and people.
O&L Group Executive Chairman Sven Thieme said the appointment reflects the group’s confidence in internal leadership development.
“I am confident that Maryke’s passion for crafting extraordinary guest experiences and her authentic, caring and passionate leadership style will continue to inspire a commitment to excellence across the business,” Thieme said.
“Maryke’s appointment is a testament to the depth of talent within O&L, and I look forward to seeing her guide the business and the team as we work towards achieving Vision 2029.”
As Managing Director, van Lill will oversee the strategic direction of O&L Leisure, with a focus on sustainable growth, strengthening the group’s premium hospitality brands and expanding its role in destination marketing across Africa.
The company said her leadership will prioritise growing intra-African tourism, strengthening partnerships with travel agents and trade operators, and promoting Namibia as a leading tourism destination.
Van Lill said she was committed to building on the company’s existing momentum while ensuring staff and leadership teams remain central to the business.
“I am deeply grateful for the trust the Executive Committee has placed in me to take on this responsibility. I remain committed to ensuring that our business is well cared for and that our teams continue to feel supported, valued and heard,” she said.
“Together with our senior leadership team, we will continue to craft experiences that showcase Namibia through our eyes.”
O&L Leisure operates six hotels and lodges across Namibia and forms part of the Ohlthaver & List Group, one of the country’s largest privately held business groups.
Founded in 1919, the O&L Group has diversified operations spanning hospitality, fishing and aquaculture, food production, property development, renewable energy, engineering and information technology.
