OL unveils reinvented brand identity in most significant transformation in its 100-year history

OL, one of Namibia’s most prominent business groups, has unveiled a reinvented brand identity, marking one of the most significant visual transformations in the organization’s 100+ year history.

OL Brand Identity Transformation

Windhoek, Khomas, Namibia, 21st May 2026 – OL, one of Namibia’s most prominent business groups, has unveiled a reinvented brand identity, marking one of the most significant visual transformations in the organization’s 100+ year history. Central to the new identity is the principle of One OL: A single, unified organization operating with one culture and one Persona and the new logo, merged into one integrated mark, gives tangible form to this new vision.

At the reveal Sven Thieme, Executive Chairman of OL stated: “The identity reset follows several years of deliberate internal transformation, built on the core characteristics of our OL Persona – Authentic, Caring and Passionate – which guide the way the organisation shows up in every interaction, every decision and every experience it creates for its people, its customers and its communities. We have strengthened our leadership, deepened our organizational culture and repositioned our operating companies for the next chapter, building towards our world-class ambitions with discipline, courage and care.”

Vision 2029 Strategy Goals

Thieme added that standing still was the riskiest move any leader could make as business history was full of organisations that refined what worked and, slowly, became irrelevant. “We have chosen a different path. Over the past few years, we have moved, transformed and reinvented. And tonight, we are aligning the outside with the inside.”

The reveal marks the starting point of OL’s path towards Vision 2029, which targets industry-standard returns across all operating companies, N$2.5 billion EBIT and an OL Persona score above 85%. The group also aspires to be recognised among the Top 10 Great Places to Work globally.

Heritage And Unified Future

“Our pioneers gave us the foundation. What we build on it is our responsibility and our honour,” Thieme concluded. “We are an organization that strives to be world-class while staying true to our heritage and authentically Namibian. I have never been more excited about what comes next. One OL. One Persona. One Future.”

The refined visual identity includes an updated colour palette chosen to express stature and world-class experience, new typography communicating modernity and forward momentum and the anchoring of “Est. 1919” at the base of the logo — an acknowledgement to founders and pioneers Herman Ohlthaver, Carl List and Werner List. The ampersand, which once connected two separate identities, has been deliberately removed in favour of a unified mark. As part of the rebrand, the group’s headquarters has also been renamed OL Haus, reconnecting the organization to its heritage while signaling a confident evolution.

About OL:

Founded in 1919, OL is one of Namibia’s largest privately held business enterprises. Guided by its Persona core characteristics of being “Authentic, Caring and Passionate,” OL is committed to fostering innovation, sustainability and a culture of excellence. With diverse business interests across 12 major subsidiaries, representing eight diverse sectors of the Namibian economy, OL is dedicated to creating shared value for its people, communities and stakeholders.

Our operations span fishing and aquaculture through Hangana Seafood and Hangana Abalone; fresh produce via Namibia Dairies and Hartlief meat processing and retail through our Model grocery chain. We develop and manage premier properties including Wernhil through Broll Namibia, while OL Leisure operates 6 distinguished hotels and lodges. Our renewable energy investments through OL Energy and OL Organic Energy Solutions demonstrate our commitment to sustainability, complemented by Kraatz’s industrial and maritime engineering services, Mach 10’s IT solutions, OL Centre’s centralized services and OL BrandX’s marketing, advertising and event expertise.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is OL?

OL is one of Namibia’s largest privately held business groups. It operates across many industries, including fishing, energy, retail, hospitality, engineering, and property development. In addition, the company has operated since 1919 and manages several subsidiaries.

2. What major announcement did OL recently make?

OL announced a redesigned brand identity. In fact, this change marks one of the biggest transformations in its 100+ year history. Moreover, the update reflects a unified direction under a single brand vision.

3. What is the meaning of “One OL”?

“One OL” refers to the company’s unified structure and identity. In other words, it shows that all subsidiaries and operations work under one culture. In addition, they follow one organizational identity and a single integrated brand.

4. Why did OL change its brand identity?

OL introduced the brand transformation to align its external image with internal changes. In addition, the company wanted to reflect years of organizational development. These changes focus on culture, leadership growth, and long-term strategy.

5. Who announced the OL brand transformation?

Sven Thieme, Executive Chairman of OL, highlighted the transformation. In addition, he explained that the change supports the company’s long-term vision. It also aligns with its future growth strategy.

6. What are OL’s Vision 2029 goals?

Vision 2029 includes several goals. For example, OL aims to achieve strong returns across all operating companies. In addition, it targets N$2.5 billion EBIT. It also aims to improve culture scores and become a Top 10 Great Place to Work globally.

7. What changes were made to OL’s visual identity?

The updated identity includes a new color palette and modern typography. In addition, OL redesigned its logo. The company also removed the ampersand to show unity. Finally, it added “Est. 1919” to highlight its heritage.

8. What is OL Haus?

OL renamed its headquarters as OL Haus. In addition, this change reflects a link to the company’s heritage. It also shows a more modern and unified identity.

9. What industries does OL operate in?

OL operates across several industries. For example, it works in seafood production, dairy, meat processing, retail grocery, hospitality, renewable energy, engineering, IT solutions, and property management. In addition, these sectors support its diversified business model.

10. What is the main goal of OL’s transformation?

The main goal is to unify the organization under one identity. In addition, the transformation strengthens its long-term growth strategy. It also aligns culture, operations, and branding with future business goals.

Company Details

Organization: The Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group

Contact Person: Carmen Maartens

Website: https://www.ol.na

Email: Send Email

Contact Number: +264612075207

Address: OL Haus, 7th Floor,

Address 2: South Block, 22-33 Fidel Castro Street, Windhoek, Namibia

City: Windhoek

State: Khomas

Country: Namibia

Release Id: 21052645300