Johan Engelbrecht’s rise to the top at Schoemans

After nearly three decades of dedication and hard work, Johan Engelbrecht was appointed chief executive officer (CEO) of Schoemans on 1 July 2025.

His appointment marked the culmination of a remarkable career that began in 1996 when he joined the company as a storeman in its IT division.

Engelbrecht’s career has taken him through various roles within the business, including operations, branch management, sales, and technology leadership. He studied marketing and sales but developed a strong passion for technology during the 1990s, when computers were rapidly evolving and often had to be assembled by users themselves.

“I was always eager to learn every aspect of the business and take on new challenges,” Engelbrecht told Careers.

“What inspired my journey was never simply the title but the opportunity to grow with the company and contribute to its success.”

One of his early leadership roles was serving as branch manager in Walvis Bay, where he gained valuable management experience.

He also played a key role in establishing the company’s Oshakati branch, contributing to Schoemans’ expansion across Namibia. His career later progressed into sales management before he took responsibility for the ICT division.

A major turning point came with the establishment of Schoemans Technologies alongside Thomas Castle, where Engelbrecht served as managing director.

The role allowed him to help shape the company’s strategic direction and drive technological innovation. Following the integration of Schoemans Technologies with Office Solutions in 2022, he was appointed chief operating officer before becoming CEO three years later.

Equal treatment

Engelbrecht describes his leadership philosophy as one based on fairness, respect, accountability and teamwork.

Having worked his way through different levels of the organisation, he believes strong leadership starts with understanding people and creating opportunities for growth.

“The biggest lesson I have learned is the importance of treating everyone equally,” he explained. “People perform at their best when they feel respected and valued.”

Looking ahead, Engelbrecht aims to strengthen Schoemans’ position as a leader in technology and business solutions while exploring opportunities in digital transformation, online platforms, and emerging technologies such as drones.

For young aspiring leaders, his advice is simple: “Stay consistent, work hard, be fair, and never stop learning. Leadership is earned through your actions every day.”