Dr Sven Thieme has served as the Executive Chairman and CEO of the Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group – Namibia’s largest privately held company – since 10 October 2001 and was elected Chairman of the Board on 17 April 2002. As a descendant of Carl List, one of the Group’s founding visionaries, Dr Thieme represents the third generation of leadership in a family business that has shaped the economic and social fabric of Namibia for over a century.
Educated at Deutsche Höhere Privatschule (DHPS) in Windhoek, Dr Thieme completed his German Abitur in 1987 before pursuing his auditing qualification at the University of Cape Town, South Africa. He completed his articles at Deloitte & Touche in Cape Town and later worked as an auditor at Deloitte & Touche Luxembourg from 1994 to 1998.
Upon returning to Namibia, he joined the O&L Group as General Manager and was subsequently appointed joint Managing Director alongside Werner List on 10 October 2001, before assuming the role of Executive Chairman and CEO in April 2002.
Dr Thieme’s stewardship of the O&L Group has been characterised by bold transformation, strategic foresight and a deep-rooted commitment to national development. Under his leadership, the Group has expanded its footprint and deepened its impact through meaningful partnerships, including high-profile joint ventures with global industry leaders such as HEINEKEN and Diageo.
Beyond O&L, Dr Thieme has served Namibia in several high-profile capacities, including as Chairperson of Namibia Breweries Limited (NBL), the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI), the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) and the Windhoek Country Club Resort & Casino (WCCR). Notably, he played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Development Bank of Namibia in 2004, reflecting his enduring commitment to building a resilient and inclusive Namibian economy.
A values-driven leader, Dr Thieme embodies the essence of the O&L Persona being authentic, caring and passionate –consistently promoting purpose-led business practices and a people-centred approach to leadership. His belief in the potential of Namibians, coupled with his unyielding optimism, has inspired a culture of excellence and innovation within the Group and beyond.
Dr. Thieme continues to lead with vision, humility and a resolute belief in the role of business as a force for good in shaping Namibia’s future.
Chief Experience Officer
Chief Human Capital Officer
Chief Operations Officer
Chief Financial Officer
