RCI, Inc. today announced the appointment of Lionel van der Walt as its new Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer. Van der Walt succeeds James Birdsong, who will retire at the end of 2017 after nearly 17 years at the helm.
An organizational strategy and analysis expert, van der Walt brings to RCI more than 20 years of international executive leadership and association experience. He spent the early part of his career as an officer in the South African Air Force and, subsequently, over a decade with the International Air Transport Association (IATA). He was most recently President of the Cargo Network Services (CNS) and a member of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s Board of Directors.
“Lionel’s management style and leadership skills really stood out among a great group of candidates,” said RCI President Michael L. Williams. “His ability to team with other organizations for the benefit of all will surely lead to RCI being recognized as the group leading the building envelope design and consulting industry.”
Van der Walt’s immediate task will be to enhance the recognition and influence of RCI in the industry. He will further strengthen RCI’s mission through continued improvement of the association’s ongoing education and accreditation programs and its publications, which include RCI Interface technical journal, textbooks, and reference guides. As CEO, he will lead the 2018 33rd RCI International Convention & Trade Show to be held March 22-27, 2018, in Houston, TX.
“I will be doing a great deal of listening to employees, board members, committee heads, and members to better understand what works and where we might have opportunities to improve,” said van der Walt. “I look forward to some honest and frank feedback that will help us to shape the future direction of the organization, with a strong emphasis on helping our members to secure a healthy, profitable, and sustainable future for the building envelope consultants industry globally.”
Formed in 1983, RCI now boasts over 3,500 members across the United States, Canada, South America, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.
For more about Lionel van der Walt, read the upcoming November 2018 issue of RCI Interface.
