In a world where less than 30% of family businesses transition successfully into the second generation and only 12% reach the third, the Beekman Group continues to stand out. More than five decades after its founding, it remains one of South Africa’s most resilient and forward-thinking examples of how legacy leadership can evolve and thrive through purposeful direction.
What began over 50 years ago as a small, family-run venture in holiday ownership has grown into one of the region’s most trusted names in hospitality and property development. Today, the Group manages and develops more than 40 premier resorts across Southern Africa and Australia. This journey reflects a simple, powerful truth: legacy in business is not about preserving what was; it is about progressing toward what can be.
Honouring the Past, Leading the Future
At the core of this longevity is a leadership philosophy built on our 5 company values: Our People, Excellence, Customer Focus, Innovation and Integrity. These values are not treated as heritage statements but as a living foundation that allows each new generation to reinterpret what leadership requires in their era.
“True legacy leadership is about building something that outlives you, not by standing still but by evolving with purpose,” says Fiona Broom, Group Executive at Beekman Group. “Each generation must ask: What does our founding spirit mean today? For us, that means combining tradition with transformation, using technology and creativity to enhance holidays, making vacation ownership more flexible and creating workplaces where people feel fulfilled. Multi-generational leadership is not defined by what we preserve, but by what we continue to grow.”
Thriving in the Tension Between Continuity and Change
Generational leadership carries a unique balance that honours the past while embracing the future. At the Beekman Group, this balance has fuelled lasting relevance and meaningful progress.
- The Group now employs over 1 400 people, contributing significantly to South Africa’s R142 billion tourism economy.
- Its commitment to growth was recently celebrated with The Holiday Club’s 10 millionth guest sent on holiday, a milestone that highlights both expansion and enduring impact.
- The Group continues to champion sustainable tourism, responsible tourism and community upliftment, reinforcing its commitment to long-term impact.
In a global environment where the average lifespan of a company on the S&P 500 has fallen from 60 years in the 1950s to less than 18 years today, Beekman Group’s continued relevance underscores the strength of a values-driven legacy.
A Leadership Model Built for the Next Generation
This philosophy of legacy in motion is shaping the Group’s next era. New-generation leaders are:
- Leveraging technology to enhance both guest experience and operational efficiency
- Embracing ESG principles to support sustainable growth
- Championing inclusivity and people-centred leadership
- Innovating to keep holiday accommodation and vacation ownership solutions flexible, accessible and future-ready
It is a leadership model built on the idea that success is not a sprint but a relay. Each generation carries the baton with vision and integrity before passing it forward.
The leadership team includes John Beekman, Managing Director, and Directors Cindy Allan (nee Beekman), Wayne Beekman and Neville Beekman. They balance deep respect for the Group’s origins with a forward-looking mindset that inspires stability, innovation and collaboration. Their people-first leadership style naturally extends to employees and guests, reflecting the resilience and long-term vision admired across KZN businesses.
Looking Ahead: A Legacy That Moves with Purpose
As the Beekman Group continues to grow its footprint and evolve its offerings, one belief remains at the heart of every decision. The greatest gift one generation can give the next is not a legacy to preserve but a foundation to build upon.
Legacy is not a monument to the past. It is a motion toward the future shaped by purpose, strengthened by values and carried forward through every new leader who steps into the story.
Learn more about Beekman Group’s leadership legacy and industry vision.