André’s experience in the agricultural sector spans over 24 years in various disciplines. As an academic, he was an Associate Professor and Chairperson of the Department of Agricultural Economics at the University of the Free State. At the National Agricultural Marketing Council, he spearheaded the establishment of the Markets and Economic Research Centre (MERC) and developed it into an acknowledged policy advisory unit in the South African and international context. As Chief Executive Officer, he led Potatoes SA, an industry organization, in strategy development and implementation of its core business mandates, including the building of business and public sector relations. André joined the Department of Agricultural Economics at Stellenbosch University as a Professor on 1 March 2021. In 2013 he was awarded Agriculturalist of the Year for the Agricultural Writers SA North.