Willy Mertens

20 Apr

Willy Mertens, son of farm workers who became CEO

ObserverObserver MoneyWilly Mertens

In this exclusive interview, Debmarine CEO, Willy Mertens talks about assuming the role of Chief Executive Officer, taking over from long-serving former CEO, Otto Shikongo. Mertens talks about growing up on a farm and his love for Manchester United. Observer Money (OM): You were appointed the new CEO of Debmarine Namibia, recently. How has it been filling the shoes of long-serving former CEO, Otto Shikongo? Willy Mertens (WM): I will never be able to fill the shoes of Mr Otto Shikongo, I am finding my own path with what he has taught me and prepared me for. I will forever…

Air Namibia board resigns …accuses shareholder of governance violations

ObserverObserver MoneyAir Namibia, Escher Luanda, Heritha Muyoba, Leon Jooste, Ministry of Public Enterprises, Willy Mertens

Staff Writer The Air Namibia board resigned en masse on Wednesday after writing a scathing letter, accusing government of corporate governance violations in its dealing with the airline. First to hand in his resignation was Willy Mertens, who is reported to have resigned on Monday, after the airline on Friday had entered into a settlement agreement with Belgian company, Challenge Air whom it owed for a 1998 airplane lease agreement. Air Namibia board Chairperson, Escher Luanda, and Heritha Muyoba are reported to have tendered their resignations on Wednesday, a position confirmed by Public Enterprises Minister, Leon Jooste, with the status…