Wolfgang Beier

Wolfgang Beier, executive chairman of the Beier Group, reflects on the evolution of his career. After 25 years as chief executive officer, Wolfgang and Beier Group Board of Directors recently appointed Warren Sachs as CEO. As such Wolfgang transitioned into the chairman position. This leadership change marks a significant milestone for the family, with the fourth generation, Wolfgang’s children, Stefan and Manuela, preparing to take on senior roles as co-chief operations officer and designated chairman respectively.

Wolfgang matriculated at Hillcrest High, which was then a relatively new school. He recalls, “The family had moved up to Winston Park, so I attended the local school, which was great.” Following school, he completed his mandatory army service, which he describes as a mix of “the good old, bad old days” and “a bit of an adventure”.

He pursued mechanical engineering studies at the University of Pretoria (known as Tukkies), where he met his future wife, Ursula. “We dated for a few years and then got engaged,” Wolfgang recounts. They married on the 6 October 1990, a date made memorable not only for their wedding but also as the day Natal won their first-ever Currie Cup. “I don’t know which one I use to remember the other!” he jokes.

Wolfgang’s professional career began in earnest when he joined Albany International, initially in Canada, then the United States and the Netherlands. “This was a great experience,” he says, “I learned about paper machine clothing – a technical textile used in the papermaking process.” His time abroad was based on the 50/50 joint venture between Albany International and the Beier Group.

Wolfgang returned to South Africa in 1994, a year of significant change with the national elections and other transformative events. Shortly thereafter, he joined Beier Industries, becoming a director in 1996; following which in 2000 until 2024, he held the position of CEO of the group.

LEGACY AND LONGEVITY
Reflecting on his career, Wolfgang expresses pride in the growth he spearheaded within the Beier Group. “When I started, we were a R250 million company; today, we’re valued at R2.5 billion,” he states, noting that sustainability has always been his primary goal in a pressurised environment. “We didn’t just grow; we made sure that our growth was sustainable.” Wolfgang emphasises that this approach is critical, particularly within a family business context, where maintaining legacy and longevity are essential.

In addition to the company’s financial success, Wolfgang takes pride in one of the Beier Group’s land- mark achievements: a black economic empowerment (BEE) partnership in 2004. “It’s probably still classified as one of the most successful BEE partnerships in South Africa in a private company,” he notes. The partnership brought in essential shareholders like Mike Maziya and Paulos Ncgobo. Since then, Senzo Masengemu has added technical expertise that has strengthened the company’s position in the market.

Wolfgang credits his father, the late Hans Beier with giving him the advice that has shaped both his career and personal relationships. “Don’t ever do business with your friends,” his father advised. “If you want to remain friends, keep them separate from business.” Wolfgang followed this advice diligently. “I’m happy to say that I still have those friendships intact, and that’s largely because I kept them separate from the business,” he reflects.

For Wolfgang, the most significant challenge was transforming the Beier Group from a traditional family business into a professionally managed enterprise. “When I joined, it was still small enough that the eldest family member was expected to take on the leadership role. But as we grew – tenfold in fact – it became clear that we needed to professionalise the organisation,” he explains. “It was challenging to explain that a family name didn’t guarantee a lifelong job in the company,” he admits. However, by focusing on professionalism, Wolfgang helped shape a legacy-driven and sustainable enterprise for future generations.

When asked about his sources of inspiration, Wolfgang points first to his faith. “God has always been an inspiration in my life,” he says, adding that his faith has guided the values he upholds within the Beier Group. “We look for values, not just skills, when hiring people,” he explains. “Skills can be taught, but values are inherent.” He believes in creating a company culture that is “values-driven and vision-led” – these are principles that he attributes largely to his faith.

IMPORTANCE OF OPTIMISM
Motivating a team, particularly in a challenging economic climate, is a task that Wolfgang takes seriously. “As a leader, you’ve got to be the one who sees the glass as half full,” he says. In recent years, South Africa has faced slow economic growth, exacerbated by issues like load-shedding. However, Wolfgang emphasises the importance of optimism: “No matter how bad things look, you have to keep up the momentum and show your team a positive outlook.”

Wolfgang’s optimism extends beyond his company to South Africa’s broader business environment, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal. “We’re the ones who can make this work,” he asserts. While he acknowledges the challenges faced by both national and local government, Wolfgang emphasises that positive change must come from within the private sector. “We have to get up and do it ourselves,” he says. He believes that by taking initiative and focusing on sustainable growth, businesses in South Africa can overcome adversity.

Wolfgang’s personal philosophy is encapsulated in a saying he lives by: “The beauty of ‘and’ and the tyranny of ‘or.’” He explains, “It’s about understanding that you don’t always have to choose one thing over another. You can be successful at multiple things simultaneously.” This approach, he believes, applies to all areas of life. “I can be listening to someone and doing my work or doing my work. It doesn’t have to be one or the other,” he explains. For Wolfgang, this balance between different pursuits has been a key driver in his personal and professional life.

As the company welcomes a new generation, Wolfgang’s insights inspire a vision of resilience, integrity, and innovation for the Beier Group and South Africa alike.