UK based private equity firm Yellow Brick Capital have announced Johan van Zyl as Group wide CEO. Johan, who was previously group COO, will replace Johnathan Kol-Bar, who will now act as Executive Chairman.

As Group CEO, Johan will be responsible for the running of Yellow Brick Capital, who have investments in property development and management as well as sustainable and precision agricultural technology companies. As of 2020, the company has been centralised and is now headquartered in London with teams operating across the world.

On the property side, Yellow Brick Capital’s Yellow Brick Estates have developed residential projects across London and are set to launch their new Kensal View development in the coming weeks. Yellow Brick Capital’s AgTech activities is consolidated under YB AgTech, and count cloud-based precision farming technology Smart Fertilizer and fertigation hardware developer I-Feeder Technologies amongst their investments.

In his new role as CEO, Johan will continue to grow the company as they look to future investments. On the property front, Johan is looking to broaden Yellow Brick Estate’s offering by expanding their current buy to sell development portfolio whilst also venturing into buy to let products. Alongside this, Yellow Brick Estates will be growing their sales presence in the global markets, namely the Middle East and the Far East, with plans to open sales offices in key locations.

Within their YB AgTech collection of companies, Johan is looking to continue to push boundaries and stay ahead of curve within the fast-growing sustainable agtech industry. The company will continue to form strategic partnerships, such as their current collaboration with SupPlant on their shared GroPlant technology. YB AgTech will also grow its presence in EMEA and Eastern Europe whilst also playing a role in shaping white paper Government policy.

Born in Cape Town, South Africa, Johan gained a degree in Management Accountancy from the University of Stellenbosch. In 2000 he took over as Managing Director of I-Feeder South Africa, since merged into I-Feeder Technologies, making him the second generation in his family within the industry.

Whilst there, he transformed the company through profitability and strategy. The company achieved major success in Africa with prominent growth in Sudan, Egypt, Namibia, Ghana, Uganda, and Zambia. In 2020 Johan partnered with Yellow Brick Capital and was announced as COO of the company in 2021.

Previous company CEO Johnathan Kol-Bar will now act as the Group’s Executive Chairman where he will utilise his vast experience and expertise to offer insights into the company’s growth and direction. Johnathan will also lead on new business and will facilitate collaborations as well as mentor the employees of Yellow Brick Capital.

Johan van Zyl, CEO of Yellow Brick Capital commented: “As the new CEO of Yellow Brick Capital, I look forward to taking the company into its new phase. Under my direction, we will be growing both our property and sustainable ag tech interests across the world. This is a very exciting time for the company, with significant announcements set for the coming months. I look forward to growing and empowering our very capable team to ensure we not only lead in our activities, but also keep our shareholders extremely happy with their investments.”

Johnathan Kol-Bar, Executive Chairman at Yellow Brick Capital commented: “I am so pleased to announce the appointment of Johan as CEO of Yellow Brick Capital. In his new position, he will spearhead the growth and development of the company, utilising over two decades of experience. I also look forward to working as Executive Chairman as Yellow Brick Capital continues to achieve great things.”