A new chapter is taking shape at South Africa’s oldest wine-producing farm. Groot Constantia has appointed Dr Edo Heyns as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking a leadership transition designed to build on the historic estate’s legacy while positioning it for the future.
The Groot Constantia Trust Board has confirmed that Heyns will take up the role on 19 October 2026. He will work alongside outgoing CEO Jean Naudé during a structured handover before Naudé retires on 30 November 2026, following 24 years at the helm.
The appointment signals continuity for an estate where wine, heritage, tourism and conservation form part of a broader story.
Board Chairperson Clifford van der Venter says the transition has been carefully planned to protect the foundations that have shaped Groot Constantia over generations.
“This appointment builds on the strong foundations that have shaped South Africa’s oldest wine-producing farm for generations. The transition has been carefully planned to ensure continuity across the estate’s operations, teams and strategic priorities,” he says.
A 24-Year Legacy Comes to a Close
Jean Naudé joined Groot Constantia as CEO in 2002. During his tenure, he played a central role in strengthening the estate’s position as a leading South African wine producer, heritage destination and tourist attraction.
His leadership has included continued investment in the estate’s wines, visitor experience, conservation and long-term sustainability. Throughout this period, Groot Constantia has maintained the values underpinning its brand.
As Naudé prepares to step down, he reflects on the people and principles behind the estate’s progress.
“After 24 years, I am proud of what we have achieved together at Groot Constantia, and most importantly, of the people who have made that possible,” he says.
“A strong organisation is built on sound foundations, and at Groot Constantia those foundations are sustainability, quality and commitment. I have every confidence in the team and our new CEO, and I believe the estate is well positioned for its next chapter.”
For the Trust Board, the appointment is an opportunity to build on that work while continuing to develop the estate’s future.
“We are hugely indebted to our outgoing CEO, Jean Naudé, for having served Groot Constantia with such distinction over many years. As we embark on a new exciting chapter in the history of this iconic estate, we are confident that Edo’s appointment will build on Jean’s strong legacy as we strive to achieve even greater heights of success,” says van der Venter.
Meet the Incoming CEO: Dr Edo Heyns
Heyns brings experience across several areas of the wine industry, including sales, marketing, production, operations and hospitality.
Since March 2024, he has served as CEO of Allée Bleue Estate in Franschhoek. In that position, he has overseen the estate’s wine, hospitality, farming, herbs and wider operations.
His responsibilities have included strategic and commercial leadership, financial management, human resources, production, marketing and sales. He has also led the development of local and international wine markets, expanded distribution partnerships and overseen changes to the estate’s hospitality offering.
Before joining Allée Bleue, Heyns held senior leadership positions within the wine industry, including at Advini South Africa. These roles helped develop his understanding of the wine business across both local and international markets.
His experience spans the journey from vineyard and production to distribution, hospitality and the consumer experience. He has also gained international exposure to fine wine, wine business strategy and the global positioning of wine brands.
For Groot Constantia, that combination of commercial leadership and operational knowledge will be central to the next phase of its development.
Building on Heritage While Looking Ahead
Heyns says he recognises the significance of the estate and the responsibility that comes with leading it.
“Groot Constantia has an extraordinary foundation and a rare combination of wine, place, people and purpose,” he says.
“My focus will be on building on that foundation, working closely with the talented people across the estate and ensuring that Groot Constantia continues to grow, evolve and remain relevant while staying true to what makes it unique.”
His approach comes as the estate prepares for a leadership change while maintaining its long-term direction. Wine quality, its people, conservation, hospitality and its role as a South African National Treasure will remain central to its future.
Heyns also brings an academic dimension to his career. Since 2020, he has served as an Associate Faculty Member at the Franklin Hudson, International School of Management in Paris.
There, he teaches entrepreneurship, innovation and wine business strategy. He also co-supervises MBA studies, sharing his professional experience with the next generation of business leaders.
A Carefully Planned Transition
The handover between Heyns and Naudé is intended to support continuity across the estate’s operations, teams and strategic priorities.
For Naudé, leadership also means preparing an organisation to move forward beyond the tenure of any one individual.
“Leadership is ultimately about building something that can continue beyond any one individual,” he says.
“I am confident that Groot Constantia has the people, the expertise and the foundations it needs to continue moving forward. My role now is to help ensure that the transition is as seamless as possible and to hand over the responsibility with confidence.”
As Heyns prepares to take the helm, the estate’s next chapter will build on decades of work in wine production, visitor experiences, conservation and heritage.
The appointment brings a new leader to one of South Africa’s most established wine estates, with a clear emphasis on protecting its foundations while allowing the business to grow and evolve.
For more information about Groot Constantia, its wines, heritage and visitor experiences, visit www.grootconstantia.co.za. You can also follow the estate on Facebook and Instagram at @GrootConstantia.
