A well-known personality to the South African travel industry, Johann Strydom, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, January 16, of a cardiac arrest. He was 68 years of age.
Although Strydom exited the travel industry five years ago, he spent many years in different roles in the industry and will be fondly remembered by many in travel. He was a true gentleman and was well-liked and respected. Strydom had a great love for golf.
Strydom was known as a man of unquestionable integrity.
He was a board member of Asata from 2015 to 2017.
Strydom achieved a BCom at Tukkies and he also gained an MBA from Wits. He served as MD of Thompsons Holidays from 1998 to 2008 and was instrumental in the project which restructured Thompsons Tours into Thompsons Holidays.
He was MD of World Leisure Holidays from 2008 to 2016 and he also served a short stint as MD at MSC Cruises in South Africa.
In January 2017, leaving travel behind him, Strydom started on a new path in executive placement, at EO Executives South Africa, the local chapter of an international executive recruitment consultancy.
Carla da Silva, who worked closely with Strydom when she was Regional Manager Africa and Latin America at Air Mauritius, said: “He was a friend and colleague whose warmth and wisdom touched us all. May his spirit live on in our hearts.”
“He was passionate about travel and the industry. Johann gave me my dream job at World Leisure Holidays and was a fabulous boss,” said Cathie Bester who was the Marketing and Relationship Manager at WLH during Strydom’s term there.
Strydom leaves his wife Leonora and his son Brendon.
There will be a memorial service on Wednesday January 24 at 11h00 at the Rosebank Union Church, cr Winnie Mandela Drive and Sandton Drive, Hurlingham, Sandton.
