OL has launched the OL Legends Alumni Programme, an initiative aimed at formally recognising former employees who have contributed to the group’s growth and development over more than a century.
The programme was launched in Windhoek on 5 June 2026 and is open to former employees who served the company continuously for at least five years and left in good standing.
OL Chief Experience Officer Franziska Rüeck said the initiative forms part of the group’s efforts to preserve its institutional culture, celebrate its history and maintain lasting relationships with former employees.
“OL Legends represents the Group’s commitment to honouring its history, preserving its culture and ensuring that the actions taken today extend beyond employment and across generations,” said Rüeck.
She noted that many of the programme’s inaugural members embodied the company’s values long before the OL Persona framework was formally introduced.
OL Executive Chairman Sven Thieme said the programme acknowledges the contribution generations of employees have made to building the business.
“For more than 106 years, generations of people have given a part of their lives to the OL Group. I see people. I see relationships. I see stories. I see sacrifices. And I see lessons passed from one generation to the next,” said Thieme.
“You helped build our businesses. You helped shape our Persona. And you remain part of our future. Welcome home,” he added.
Former OL Human Capital Director Berthold Mukuahima said the initiative demonstrates the company’s commitment to recognising the contributions of employees beyond their years of active service.
“Contribution matters, that people are remembered and that relationships do not end when employment does,” said Mukuahima.
Former Group Chief Operating Officer Günther Hanke said the programme would help facilitate mentorship and knowledge transfer between former and current employees.
“Experience is one of the most valuable assets an organisation can hold and OL Legends creates a meaningful bridge between those who built the foundation and the generation now responsible for the future,” said Hanke.
OL employee and 2025 Group Overall Persona Champion for OL Centre, Ellen Geingos, said younger employees have inherited a workplace culture shaped by previous generations.
“Culture is not built in boardrooms but through people, in every daily interaction, and my generation has inherited something meaningful, shaped by those in the room,” said Geingos.
According to OL, the programme is designed to recognise former employees, strengthen engagement between alumni and current staff, and support mentorship and knowledge-sharing for future generations within the group.
