The Centre for Strategic Communication Excellence (CSCE) is proud to recognise André Oberholzer as a CSCE Fellow, honouring his outstanding impact on organisational performance, his leadership within the global communication profession and his sustained contribution to advancing communication as a strategic management discipline.
Across more than three decades, André has built a career defined by senior leadership in complex, global environments, where communication plays a central role in navigating risk, stakeholder expectations and long-term business priorities. His work spans corporate affairs, public policy, sustainability and reputation management, reflecting a breadth of experience that connects diplomacy, governance and organisational leadership.
CSCE co-founder Sia Papageorgiou FRSA, FCSCE, SCMP, shared:
“André represents the kind of leader we rarely see at this level of consistency over such a long period of time. What stands out is not just the scale of his role, but the way he has used communication as a genuine lever for organisational performance, stakeholder trust and long-term sustainability.
He has also given back to the profession in a way that is both practical and meaningful. Through his leadership in IABC, his contribution to certification and professional standards, and his willingness to share his experience with others, he has helped strengthen the profession well beyond his own organisation.
André’s career reflects exactly what we look for in a CSCE Fellow — sustained impact, principled leadership and a clear commitment to advancing the profession.”
In his role as Group Head of Corporate Affairs at Sappi Limited, André leads communication and reputation management across a global organisation operating in Africa, Europe and North America. Reporting directly to the Group CEO and serving on the Group Management Committee, he has embedded communication as an enterprise-wide capability that supports organisational performance and strategic alignment.
Under his leadership, Sappi has implemented integrated global communication platforms, strengthened stakeholder engagement practices, and advanced sustainability reporting and corporate citizenship initiatives. He has led major transformation efforts, including global brand repositioning and digital platform renewal, while building internal capability in risk and crisis communication. These contributions have strengthened organisational resilience and reinforced the role of communication as a strategic function at the highest level.
Beyond his organisational impact, André has played a significant leadership role within the communication profession. He has served on the boards of the IABC Pretoria Chapter and the IABC Africa Region, including as Chair of the Africa Regional Board. Through these roles, he has contributed to strengthening governance, advancing professional standards and reinforcing the importance of ethical communication practice.
His involvement with the Global Communication Certification Council and the IABC Foundation further reflects his commitment to building capability and supporting the longterm development of the profession. These contributions demonstrate both his influence and his dedication to advancing communication as a recognised and respected discipline globally.
André has also contributed to the profession’s body of knowledge through publications, conference presentations and academic engagement. His work bridges theory and practice, offering insights into stakeholder engagement, sustainability communication and the evolving role of corporate affairs. His ongoing engagement with postgraduate students and professional audiences reflects a strong commitment to developing the next generation of communication leaders.
CSCE co-founder Adrian Cropley OAM, FRSA, IABC Fellow, FCSCE, added:
“André exemplifies what it means to lead communication at the highest level. He has consistently positioned communication as a strategic driver of organisational performance, trust and long-term sustainability within a complex global environment. Beyond his executive role, his contribution to the profession through IABC leadership, certification standards and knowledge sharing reflects a deep commitment to advancing our field. André’s ability to connect practice, governance and professional development is rare, and his impact extends well beyond his organisation. He represents the calibre of leadership and contribution we seek to recognise in a CSCE Fellow.”
André Oberholzer joins a distinguished group of CSCE Fellows whose work reflects excellence, leadership and sustained contribution to the communication profession. His career demonstrates the standard CSCE seeks to recognise — where strategic impact, professional leadership and commitment to advancing the field are consistently evident.
