Chris Prinsloo - Sustainability Officer
As the Sustainability Officer at De Heus South Africa, Chris Prinsloo brings a diverse set of experiences to the role. He has worked in a range of industries, including energy, feed milling, fast-food franchising, and human resources. Starting at North-West University in Potchefstroom, South Africa, in the Faculty of Economic Sciences, Chris moved into the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, beginning as a depot manager and rapidly progressing to senior management roles. He became the General Manager, overseeing 47 fast-food franchise units in South Africa and Zambia, and achieving notable outcomes in areas such as operational efficiency, cost reduction, customer satisfaction, and regional expansion. In 2019, Chris joined De Heus South Africa as the National Customer Service Coordinator, concentrating on enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency. He was quickly promoted to the position of Sustainability Officer.
Why sustainability?
For Chris, this role aligns perfectly with his core values. “Sustainability gives me the chance to make a positive impact on the world every day, even from my desk,” he explains. The position allows him to engage with all aspects of De Heus’s operations, both internally and externally, while collaborating with stakeholders across the company’s value chain. Driven by a commitment to sustainability, Chris aims to make a lasting impact that benefits both current and future generations.
Chris views sustainability as crucial to the long-term success of De Heus. "As pressure on resources continues to increase, we must adjust our operations. My role is key in strengthening our reputation, improving resource efficiency, and supporting long-term financial performance," he says. For Chris, sustainability is not just a trend but a necessity, as consumers, investors, and regulators increasingly prioritise responsible growth.
A day in the life of the Sustainability Officer
“As the Sustainability Officer at De Heus South Africa, my day involves setting and achieving sustainability targets, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, and fostering sustainable practices across the company.” Chris develops internal policies for ethical sourcing, waste management, and energy conservation, while also identifying environmental risks like climate change and resource scarcity. Engaging with stakeholders—including investors, customers, and employees—Chris drives sustainability initiatives, tracks progress through detailed metrics, and advocates for innovation with new technologies, such as renewable energy solutions. Collaboration with teams in operations, finance, and marketing is key to embedding sustainability into every aspect of the business, making it a central part of De Heus's operations in South Africa.
Sustainability isn’t just a trend—it's a necessity. My goal is to drive meaningful change that benefits both our business and the environment.
Chris Prinsloo
Sustainability Officer at De Heus , South Africa
Projects of pride
For Chris, De Heus is a “people-centred” organisation, committed to animal feed production on a global scale. “I value the company’s culture, where every employee is encouraged to contribute to the company’s success.” During his time at De Heus, he had the opportunity to lead some truly impactful projects. “One of my proudest achievements is the development of a 550 kWh Solar PV Farm in Modimolle, Limpopo, which supports our sustainability goals by harnessing solar energy. I also streamlined our ordering process by centralising order entry, making our operations more efficient. Additionally, I introduced an Order Track & Trace System, allowing our customers to track their orders in real-time, which has significantly improved transparency and customer satisfaction.”
World-class Workplace
We are extremely proud that De Heus was awarded the World-class Workplace label for 2024-2025. At De Heus you work in an environment where the employee is central.
Driving sustainable progress
In summary, Chris Prinsloo’s journey from fast-food franchise management to sustainability reflects his dedication to responsible business practices. As the Sustainability Officer at De Heus, he continues to drive significant changes that benefit the company, its stakeholders, and the environment, reinforcing his belief in sustainable progress.
