BOARD OF DIRECTORS - Lucerne Agri Investments

Management Team

Our journey and history, intertwined with the Swiss town of Lucerne which provided a place of safety and growth for our founders, symbolises fresh green growth, a vision that has sustained our agricultural businesses for over a century.

Juan-Ivan Smuts

Chief Executive Officer & MD

Juan-Ivan Smuts, a proud 4th generation family member, stands at the helm of the business as the Chief Executive Officer & MD. His educational journey began at Paul Roos Gymnasium and continued with tertiary studies in Management Accounting at the University of South-Africa.

Having dedicated 11 years to the business, Juan-Ivan fondly recalls his early days, driving tractors and machinery. This fascination began at a tender age and has grown into a lifelong passion. As the CEO, he shoulders the responsibility of implementing the group’s strategy and overseeing the operations of all subsidiary companies. One of his most notable achievements is the transformation of the business from a traditional farming organisation to a vertically integrated agricultural company, a feat made possible with the support of a stellar management team.

Outside of his professional realm, Juan-Ivan is an outdoors enthusiast. Whether it’s unwinding with family and friends around a fireplace or playing 18 holes of golf on a sunny day, he cherishes these moments of relaxation.

To prospective team members, Juan-Ivan offers a piece of wisdom: “Sustainability is our guiding principle. Achieving this requires the collective effort of every team member. Our standards are high yet fair. We seek individuals who resonate with our vision and are committed to walking this journey with us, ensuring a sustainable future for all.”

Jaco Schalk du Plessis

Chief Financial Officer

Jaco Schalk du Plessis plays a crucial role in managing the financial aspects of the Smuts Family’s business interests. As the Chief Financial Officer, he is responsible for overseeing the financial operations.

Jaco’s academic credentials are a testament to his expertise. He is a Chartered Accountant with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA). Further enhancing his financial acumen, Jaco has an MBA (Cum Laude) from Stellenbosch University Business School, along with an Honners B Accounting and a B Accounting, both from Stellenbosch University.

Having been with the business for a year, Jaco’s responsibilities are vast. He manages all financial aspects of the business, which includes financial management, reporting, ensuring compliance with legislation, and overseeing financial systems and procedures. A recent feather in his cap was the successful negotiation and implementation of the Lucerne Agri Investments Equity transaction with GAIA.

Outside the confines of his office, Jaco is an avid sports enthusiast. He enjoys playing golf, jogging, and mountain biking. Above all, he cherishes spending quality time with his family.

For those contemplating a future with Lucerne Agri Investments, Jaco shares, “Lucerne Agri Investments group is at an exhilarating growth phase. There are immense opportunities to challenge oneself and to be a part of a vast, dynamic integrated agricultural business. While the group has a vast reach, it retains a familial touch, ensuring it never feels too corporate.”

For those considering a future with the company, Grant emphasises the company’s unwavering principles and ethical standards. He believes in hard work, high productivity, and efficiency. “If you’re passionate about your work, it will show in your results. Merely being average isn’t an option here. However, the company offers ample growth opportunities, and every team member is essential, with each relying on the support of the others.”

Grant Hamilton Smuts

Non Executive Director

Grant Hamilton Smuts, the second eldest of three sons, represents the third generation of his family in the business. As the Non Executive Director, he not only plays a pivotal role within the company but also represents the group on various industry boards.

Grant’s educational journey began at Goudmyn primary farm school, where he was one of only three students in his grade. He then attended Western Province prep school in Claremont, Cape Town, followed by Rondebosch Boys High school. Grant pursued his passion for agriculture by studying Agriculture Economics at Stellenbosch University, where he covered subjects like Soil Science, Horticulture, and Viticulture, ultimately earning a B-Agric.-Admin degree. He also holds certifications in Irrigation and Fertilizer scheduling and management.

Having joined the family business right after his studies in 1980, Grant has dedicated an impressive 42 years to the farm. One touching memory he recalls is when his father, three months before his passing in 1983, handed him a cheque account statement showing a positive balance, marking the first time in four years their bank overdraft had been cleared.

One of Grant’s proudest achievements is the transformation of their Klipboschlaagte farm. What started as an undeveloped, barren dry land in 1986 is now a thriving 340 Ha irrigated farm producing Deciduous fruit, Wine grape, Citrus, and Vegetables.

Outside of his farming duties, Grant is passionate about the Southern African landscape, especially the Karoo and Kalahari. He enjoys hunting, traveling, fishing, and the occasional game of golf.

For those considering joining the LAI team, Hendrik has a message: “If you are wanting to challenge yourself by building the next market-leading agriculture group, then LAI is the place for you.”

Hendrik Snyman

Non Executive Director

Hendrik Snyman, representing GAIA Fund Managers, serves as the Non Executive Director of LAI. With an impressive academic background, Hendrik holds a PhD in Engineering with a focus on Strategy & Finance from Stellenbosch, an M Commerce in Corporate Finance from UCT, and both M Engineering and B Engineering degrees in Industrial and Industrial Mechanical fields from Stellenbosch.

Though Hendrik has been with the business for 2 years, his contributions have been significant. He provides invaluable guidance on finance, funding, and investment matters, ensuring the interests of the investors are always at the forefront. A recent accomplishment he takes pride in is his instrumental role in assisting the business to implement a renewable energy project. This initiative not only made the business more resilient but also shifted its energy sources to be more sustainable.

Outside of his professional commitments, Hendrik is an outdoors enthusiast who cherishes spending quality time with friends and family.

The Lucerne Agri Investments Group is an agricultural business that specialises in the production, packing, processing, and marketing of fruit, vegetables, and wine.