Marius Hugo Appointed Managing Director

Abagold has entered a new chapter of leadership with the appointment of Marius Hugo as our Managing Director. Marius steps into the role in 2025 after three years as our Chief Operating Officer, during which he oversaw farming operations in South Africa and Oman.

He brings a blend of technical and commercial grounding to the position, holding an engineering degree from Stellenbosch University and an MBA from the University of Cape Town — a fitting combination for a business where careful farming and disciplined management go hand in hand.

Marius is supported by an experienced executive team: Enver Manchest as Financial Director, Rowan Timmer as Chief Operating Officer, and Werner Piek as Sales & Marketing Executive. Together they carry forward our commitment to responsible aquaculture and to producing premium abalone from our home in Hermanus.

You can meet the full leadership team on our Key Management & Directors page.