Nicole Hart Afrikelp MDDr Nicole Hart, a well-known name in the agricultural industry, has been appointed as the new Managing Director at Afrikelp™, from 1 November 2020.

Nicole made history recently when she was elected to the position of chairperson of the Fertilizer Association of Southern Africa (Fertasa) – the first time a women has been elected in that position.  She has served as either Director or alternate Director on the Fertasa board since June 2013, and she has recently served as Chairperson of the Fertasa Technical committee.

Before she joined Afrikelp, Nicole was the Commercial General Manager in the International team at Omnia Fertilizer.  She has previously served as a Sales Director at Experse, an AECI company, where she gained 13 years of experience in the Agriculture Industry locally and internationally. She has extensive experience in leading sales teams, acquisitions and integrations, driving product development and directing research.

Nicole obtained her PhD in Chemistry at the University of KwaZulu Natal in 2005. She has 13 years’ experience in fertilizer coatings and additives and nearly 3 years’ experience in the AgriBio portfolio.

She firmly believes that inputs, such as those provided by Afrikelp and derived from nature itself, will be crucial for future food and fibre production. “What drives me as an individual, is helping companies to evolve and capitalise on changing market conditions whilst at the same time growing people to reach their full potential. I am passionate about South Africa and enjoy using my skills and experience to contribute to its economy and the development of all its people.”

Nicole is passionate about agriculture and is confident that the vast experience she brings, will not only make an important contribution to the company, but also towards sustainable food production. “I was born on a farm in KwaZulu-Natal in the eastern part of South Africa, so agriculture, the environment and sustainable food production are in my blood.”

Looking at the road ahead, she is positive that Afrikelp will continue to grow as a highly focused agricultural company not only in South Africa, but across the globe.

Nicole is the mother of two children, Rachel (7) and Matthew (4).