She is currently head of the Centre for Leadership Studies at the Business School of the University of Stellenbosch (US) and will be the head of the Department of Business Management from 1 June at the same university.

Prof van Dyk, who has been part of the board of the Absa KKNK since 24 November 2006, says that she looks forward to her new role at the festival. “The Absa KKNK is dear to my heart and it is an honour for me to further build on the leading role that this festival played over the past 17 years. The arts come together at the Absa KKNK and over the next year it will be my focus to reflect upon the promotion of the arts with all our various role players.”

Prof Russel Botman, retiring chairperson, wished Prof Van Dyk best of luck. “It was a privilege to be chairperson of the Board of Directors over the past few years. The Board of Directors is an exceptional team thinking leaders of the arts in South Africa. I am certain that Prof van Dyk will experience as much delight in her term as chairperson.” Prof Botman resigns as both chairperson and board member to focus his attention on the interests of the US, where his term as rector was recently renewed.

“With her speciality in leadership and extended experience in business including amongst others Group Executive Director of Absa, Professor van Dyk is equipped to lead the Absa KKNK to new heights,” says Brett Pyper, CEO of the Absa KKNK.

Prof van Dyk is the first female chairperson of the Absa KKNK. This position is not unfamiliar terrain for her as she was also previously the first female chairperson of both the Institute of Bankers in South Africa and the Bankmed Board of Trustees. She is the fifth chairperson in the history of the festival and was at the head of the Human Resources and Remuneration Committee as well as a member of the Executive Committee.

Prof Botman, who served as chairperson for the past five years, was preceded by Nic Barrow (1994 to 1999), Jans Rautenbach (1999 to 2001) and David Piedt (2001 to 2006).

The 18th Absa KKNK takes place in Oudtshoorn from Saturday, 31 March to Saturday, 7 April 2012.