Leadership Overview
STADIO Holdings has 5 executives leading key functions including academic strategy, higher education management, creative arts administration, financial oversight, and digital infrastructure.
Committed to expanding academic reach across southern Africa, STADIO Holdings delivers high-quality education through diverse institutions to transform lives and empower students.
Committed to expanding academic reach across southern Africa, STADIO Holdings delivers high-quality education through diverse institutions to transform lives and empower students.
Leadership Roles at STADIO Holdings
Andrew Horsfall - Chief Executive Officer, Milpark Education
Andrew Horsfall, the Chief Executive Officer, Milpark Education at STADIO Holdings, directs the strategic trajectory of the institution. Horsfall manages the delivery of commerce and professional education programs, ensuring alignment with industry standards across southern Africa. By overseeing academic quality and student outcomes, the Chief Executive Officer, Milpark Education maintains rigorous educational benchmarks. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the broader group to optimize resource allocation and institutional growth. Andrew Horsfall drives the expansion of online and contact learning models to meet the needs of working professionals. Through the implementation of innovative pedagogical frameworks, the Chief Executive Officer, Milpark Education secures the competitive position of the institution within the regional market. Ultimately, Horsfall fosters an environment of academic excellence that supports the overarching mission of increasing access to quality higher education for diverse student populations.
Stan Du Plessis - Chief Executive Officer, Stadio Higher Education
Stan Du Plessis, the Chief Executive Officer, Stadio Higher Education at STADIO Holdings, architects the academic vision for the core higher education division. Du Plessis manages a broad portfolio of qualifications, ranging from education to management, while ensuring operational efficiency across all campuses. By driving the development of new curricula, the Chief Executive Officer, Stadio Higher Education expands the reach of the institution to both school-leavers and adult learners. This leadership role requires close coordination with the board to execute long-term growth strategies. Stan Du Plessis oversees the integration of technology into the learning experience, enhancing accessibility for students throughout southern Africa. Through the optimization of faculty performance and student support services, the Chief Executive Officer, Stadio Higher Education strengthens the institutional reputation. Ultimately, Du Plessis ensures that the educational offerings remain relevant, impactful, and aligned with the evolving demands of the regional labor market.
Diaan Lawrenson - Chief Executive Officer of AFDA
Diaan Lawrenson, the Chief Executive Officer of AFDA at STADIO Holdings, directs the creative arts and film education strategy. Lawrenson manages the unique operational requirements of a specialized arts institution, ensuring that students receive industry-aligned training. By overseeing the creative output and production standards, the Chief Executive Officer of AFDA maintains the institution's status as a leader in the arts sector. This leadership role involves fostering partnerships with creative industries to provide students with practical experience and career pathways. Diaan Lawrenson drives the expansion of the AFDA brand across southern Africa, focusing on high-impact educational programs. Through the management of specialized facilities and faculty, the Chief Executive Officer of AFDA ensures that the curriculum remains at the forefront of global creative trends. Ultimately, Lawrenson supports the growth of the creative economy by preparing graduates for successful careers in film, television, and performance arts.
Ishak Kula - Chief Financial Officer
Ishak Kula, the Chief Financial Officer at STADIO Holdings, directs the financial health and fiscal strategy of the entire organization. Kula manages capital allocation, budgeting, and financial reporting across all three educational institutions. By overseeing the fiscal sustainability of the group, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that resources support the mission of expanding educational access. This leadership role involves rigorous analysis of market trends and financial performance to guide investment decisions. Ishak Kula drives the implementation of cost-effective operational models that enhance the profitability of the business. Through the management of financial risk and compliance, the Chief Financial Officer protects the long-term viability of the organization. Ultimately, Kula provides the financial foundation necessary for the group to scale its operations and continue delivering high-quality education to students throughout the southern African region.
Merwe Roux - Group Chief Information Officer
Merwe Roux, the Group Chief Information Officer at STADIO Holdings, architects the digital infrastructure and technological strategy for the entire group. Roux manages the integration of learning management systems and data analytics platforms that support the educational mission. By overseeing the cybersecurity and IT operations, the Group Chief Information Officer ensures the stability of digital learning environments across all institutions. This leadership role involves collaborating with academic leaders to implement tools that improve student engagement and administrative efficiency. Merwe Roux drives the digital transformation agenda, enabling the organization to reach students in diverse geographic locations through robust online platforms. Through the optimization of IT resources, the Group Chief Information Officer supports the scalability of the business model. Ultimately, Roux ensures that the technological backbone of the organization remains secure, innovative, and capable of meeting the evolving needs of a modern higher education provider.