Linda Pampallis will step down as CEO of Thompsons Africa as she makes a personal move to Germany in December.

After much consideration, the board announced the appointment of Alessandra Allemann to the position of CEO of Thompsons Africa.

A handover period will take place towards the end of October, with Allemann taking over fully from early December. Pampallis will, however, remain part of the leadership team for an indefinite period to provide strategic advice to the board of directors of Cullinan Holdings Group, working closely with the Executive Committee, made up of Group CEO and CFO, Michael Tollman and David Standage, to ensure a smooth transition.

Pampallis has made a significant contribution to Thompsons Africa, Cullinan Holdings and South Africa’s tourism over the years. She started her journey with Thompsons Africa 25 years ago and has sat on the Board of Directors for Tourism KwaZulu Natal, Cape Town Tourism, and the Durban ICC at various times. She has also actively supported the South African National Department of Tourism, and South African Tourism.

In a press release, Thompsons Africa said: “A true champion and valued friend of tourism in Africa, she will be missed on a daily basis by all her colleagues, customers, partners, peers and friends.”

David Frost, CEO of the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (Satsa) said: “Linda Pampallis is an institution within inbound travel – it’s like she wrote the book.” Frost regards her as down to earth, honest, humble, and always demonstrating integrity.

“As an industry, we’ve been privileged. She has busied herself to play the role as an industry leader, which is amazing to see, as she really stepped up to the plate, and was at the forefront of all discussions pertaining to the industry,” said Frost.

“South Africa’s tourism industry, and country, is stronger for having Linda as one of its greatest leaders for over two decades. We look forward to her continued contribution,” said Thompsons Africa.

Allemann, the new CEO, began her career as a tour guide, and subsequently joined Tourvest, where she spent 12 years in various roles, including Sales Executive, Sales Manager, Operations Director and Sales Director. She has an in-depth knowledge of the inbound tourism industry to Southern Africa from all aspects of the tourism experience chain.

“We are honoured that Alessandra has chosen Thompsons Africa as her new home, and we welcome her to her new role leading our award-winning brand and team, confident that under her leadership we will continue to deliver the exceptional quality and service that Thompsons Africa is renowned for,” said Pampallis.