"Ms January-Mclean is currently the appointed South African Ambassador to Portugal. Her appointment as [chief executive officer] will be for a term of three years and will commence on January 1," he said.

"We are very excited about having her on board at SAT. During her term as ambassador, South Africa's relationship with Portugal has flourished and we have seen significant growth in trade between the two countries and tourism from Portugal to South Africa.

"I am confident that her skills as a consummate manager, her exceptional understanding of the South African brand and her insight into the strategic challenges faced by the tourism industry will serve her well in her new position."

He said tourism in South Africa has grown in "leaps and bounds" in the past decade, but that the industry also faced many challenges.

"I am sure Ms January-Mclean will steer SAT ably in order to take advantage of the new opportunities that lie ahead," Van Schalkwyk said.

He also expressed his gratitude to Didi Moyle, the chief operating officer of SAT, who acted as chief executive officer from March 2009.

"Ms Moyle did an outstanding job as acting chief executive officer during this very busy period as we build up to the 2010 Soccer World Cup and it was a privilege to have her at the helm of SAT.

"I would like to thank her for her dedication and the professionalism with which she led the team at SAT," he said

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