Johann Kotzé grew up in a farming family in the North West province and went on to complete a Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Economy at the University of Pretoria, a Master’s Degree in Business Management and Administration as well as an Executive Development Programme at the Stellenbosch Business School.

More recently, he completed an executive leadership course at the National University of Singapore.

Kotzé started his career as a farmer and thereafter, he became an agricultural banker at Absa Bank in the Western Cape. After working as a corporate banker in Mozambique, he became an independent business consultant operating across multiple provinces and agricultural value chains.

In 2013, Kotzé returned to banking and oversaw Africa Agriculture for FNB where he gained vast exposure to agriculture in Southern Africa.

Since 2017, he has served as the Chief Executive Office of the South African Pig Producers Organisation (SAPPO).

He was appointed as Chief Executive Director of Agri SA on 1 October 2023. In his spare time Kotze enjoys surfing waves with his canoe and doing woodwork. Johann is married to Hanli and has three daughters as well as a French poodle. He finds great joy and meaning in the depth of his relationships.