Meet Graham Wood, V&A Waterfront's new CEO

One of Cape Town’s most iconic destinations is preparing for a leadership transition, with Graham Wood taking over as CEO of the V&A Waterfront this month.

Wood brings extensive experience in hospitality, tourism and property, having previously held senior roles at Sun International, Tsogo Sun and Valor Hospitality Partners in the United States.

He tells CapeTalk's Amy MacIver it's a daunting new role, but he's more than up for the challenge.

"I come out of the tourism industry having led SunCity resort, so I think I've had some reasonably good experience in leading national tourism assets."

Wood succeeds long-serving CEO David Green, under whose leadership the V&A became one of Africa's most visited tourist spots.

He says it's important to recognise the legacy that has been created by Green over the years.

"It's a privilege for me to take over and build on that."

Woods says there are exciting developments in the pipeline.

"For me, and the exec team, it's about making sure those developments come on stream at the right time and continue to add value and grow the V&A Waterfront."

Woods says his focus will be on strengthening the precinct's mixed-use offering, enhancing its global tourism appeal, particularly capitalising on the 'ocean economy' from which the V&A benefits.

"We're going to be opening a superyacht basin, so that's very, very exciting."

To listen to Wood in conversation with CapeTalk's Amy MacIver, use the audio player below: