If you’re in the tourism industry in South Africa, then you will know of Nic Griffin! Besides his extremely warm demeanour, he’s been a powerhouse in the industry for over 40 years, first at Avis Rental Car and then for the past 12 years at the helm of Thornybush.
During his tenure at Thornybush it has grown from just six lodges to 12 – offering a broad range of accommodation options for a local and international market. Not only have him and his team managed to double the offering, there has also been an impressive 424% growth in revenue from around R25 million when he started, to around R131 million when he stepped down earlier this year.
This has not simply happened organically, Nic is an astute businessman who believes wholeheartedly in creating and maintaining relationships in the industry, and it’s these relationships with travel partners, that have helped to grow the business over the years, establishing Thornybush as a solid game lodge brand.
As Joanne Dickson steps into the role of new CEO, carrying with her an extensive background in the tourism industry too, Nic can finally start his retirement – which at 73 years of age – has been very well earned in a competitive, dynamic industry.
We wish Nic the very best on the next chapter and it’s with heartfelt gratitude that we bid him a happy retirement.