Willem Gijzelaar, Group Marketing Manager at Bosch Rexroth South Africa, retired on 18 December 2020 after 35 years’ service at the company and 47 years in the fluid power industry.
Beginning his career in 1973 at a South African armaments company as a toolmaker, over the years Gijzelaar played instrumental roles in developing artillery, engineering remote-piloted aircraft and upgrading and adapting helicopter components. Working through the ranks in various organisations, 1984 saw him appointed to the Special Projects Division at Hytec South Africa.
In the early 1990s he moved his specialities to marketing, and was subsequently appointed Group Marketing Manager – Communications, at the then Hytec Group. He held this position as the company grew and was instrumental in the marketing success relating to Hytec Group’s acquisition by the Bosch Rexroth Group from 2014 to 2017.
Boasting qualifications in toolmaking, production management, general management and marketing management, Gijzelaar represented Hytec and Bosch Rexroth South Africa on the SAFPA council from the early 2000s to 2020. He was elected and served as SAFPA President for the 2007 to 2009 term.
“We thank Willem for his years’ of dedicated service and leadership, and wish him all the best for his retirement,” said Tillmann Olsen, Bosch Rexroth South Africa CEO.
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