Grindrod Limited

06/25/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/25/2025 09:43

Congratulations to Andrew Sturrock for completing the AMP programme at Harvard

Congratulations to Andrew Sturrock, the CEO of Grindrod's ships agency and marine technical division (SGM) and CEO of Grindrod's logistics operations. Andrew recently completed the prestigious Advanced Management Program (AMP) at Harvard Business School - a globally renowned executive education programme designed to equip senior leaders with the strategic insight and leadership capabilities needed to drive business success in a rapidly changing world.

Andrew was selected for the AMP as part of Grindrod's Leadership Development Programme. Spanning four months, the AMP is delivered in three intensive modules, with the first and third taking place in person at the Harvard campus in Boston, USA, and the second delivered online. During this period, Andrew temporarily stepped back from day-to-day operations at SGM, placing his full confidence in the company's Executive Committee and senior management teams to lead the business in his absence.

Reflecting on the experience, Andrew shared:

"The course required a significant amount of preparation, with extensive reading and case study analysis ahead of each class. Group work was a core element, fostering deep collaboration and connection with peers from around the world. Working alongside accomplished leaders across industries and countries was both humbling and inspiring."

The AMP is tailored for senior executives facing the challenges of global leadership, digital disruption, and complex decision-making. Course topics included behavioural economics and decision-making, authentic leadership, financial performance strategies, and marketing in a digital world. A key focus was also placed on the ethical and practical implications of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI).

Andrew noted that one of the most impactful takeaways was the scale and speed at which AI is transforming industries:

"AI is reshaping not only how businesses operate but how leaders need to think. It presents enormous opportunities - but also requires vigilance, strategic foresight, and a willingness to adapt."

When asked about the most challenging aspect of the programme, Andrew pointed to Module 2 - the online component:

"Balancing remote coursework with the time zone difference and daily business responsibilities was demanding. However, the support system and accountability within our AMP group helped carry each of us through. That camaraderie - across different cultures, sectors, and leadership styles - was invaluable."

A key strength of the programme lies in its diverse cohort of participants. With over 160 global executives enrolled in each intake, the AMP offers rich opportunities for mentorship, peer learning, and long-term networking.

"Despite our different industries and backgrounds, the challenges we face as leaders are remarkably similar. Sharing those experiences, and learning from how others navigate them, has given me fresh perspective and renewed energy," Andrew said.

The successful completion of the AMP represents more than just a personal milestone - it reflects Grindrod's commitment to cultivating leadership excellence and staying ahead in a fast-evolving marketplace. The encouragement and support to attend this program came from the Grindrod Group CEO, Xolani Mbambo, as well as the Head of HR, Thabo Moabi, and reflects fully on the company's values to develop people at all levels.

"At both Grindrod and SGM, we believe our strength lies in our people. Continuous learning, openness to new ideas, and embracing innovation are essential for us to stay relevant, resilient, and responsive to the needs of our customers."

Grindrod Limited published this content on June 25, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on June 25, 2025 at 15:43 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at support@pubt.io