O&L Group Launches Inaugural Persona Champion of 2029 Awards, Honouring Exceptional Employees
The O&L Group celebrated a major milestone at Midgard Otjihavera Windhoek with the first-ever O&L Persona Champion of 2029 awards ceremony, recognising employees who embody the Group’s core Persona values: Authentic, Caring, and Passionate. The awards highlight individuals driving meaningful impact across the organisation.
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The O&L Group celebrated a major milestone at Midgard Otjihavera Windhoek with the first-ever O&L Persona Champion of 2029 awards ceremony, recognising employees who embody the Group’s core Persona values: Authentic, Caring, and Passionate. The awards highlight individuals driving meaningful impact across the organisation.
The ceremony marks the evolution of O&L’s employee recognition initiatives, transitioning from the previous Value Star programme to this new transformative system, launched earlier this year by O&L Executive Chairman Sven Thieme.
"This is a significant moment for the Group," said Franziska Rüeck, Chief Experience Officer of the O&L Group. "The programme allows us to celebrate employees who bring our O&L Persona to life through their authentic, caring, and passionate contributions. Our Persona defines who we are, how we lead, and how we overcome challenges."
Executive Chairman Sven Thieme added, “The O&L Persona Champion of 2029 programme reflects our commitment to recognising employees who consistently exceed expectations, drive meaningful success and sustainability, and create lasting impact. To you, our Persona Champions, thank you for making a difference – your contributions embody the uniqueness and values of O&L.”
Employee recognition is increasingly acknowledged as critical for organisational success. Research shows that lack of recognition is the top reason employees leave their jobs, while companies with strong recognition programmes experience 31% lower turnover and are 12 times more likely to achieve superior business outcomes. Global companies like Disney, Apple, Zappos, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, and Southwest Airlines have successfully implemented recognition programmes that balance intrinsic and extrinsic motivation.
Following this best practice, O&L has designed a peer-driven recognition system that aligns with international standards while reflecting the Group’s unique culture. Employees across all operating companies can nominate colleagues, fostering mutual appreciation and recognition.
Award winners received commemorative trophies, personalised items, and special pins. The overall champions will also embark on an exclusive trip to a destination to be announced.
Adding an innovative twist, the ceremony included a “giving back” component, allowing overall winners to leave a legacy through projects aligned with O&L’s Vision 2029 metrics that benefit the community or the business.
The O&L Persona Champion of 2029 awards underscores the Group’s ongoing commitment to celebrating its people and driving a culture of excellence, authenticity, and impact.
