AmericanHort names Lionel van der Walt as president and CEO

We are pleased to share an important leadership update for AmericanHort.

Following a thorough and thoughtful search process, the Board of Directors has selected Lionel van der Walt as the new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective June 2, 2026.

Lionel has previously served in leadership roles at organizations such as Nallian, a technology company specializing in data-sharing solutions for the global air cargo industry; the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC); and Cargo Network Services (CNS), a subsidiary of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

He brings a strong mix of business and association experience, global insight and a collaborative approach that will serve our members and industry well. He is a passionate champion of high-performance teams, innovation and diversity, and is dedicated to building upon AmericanHort’s strong legacy of advocacy and growth.

In the coming weeks, Lionel will be focused on listening and learning—connecting with members, partners and our team to better understand your priorities and how AmericanHort can best support your success.

We also want to express our sincere gratitude to Ken Fisher for his leadership and contributions to the organization and industry for the past 10 years.

This transition represents an exciting opportunity to build on our strong foundation and continue advancing the interests of the horticulture industry together.

Please join us in welcoming Lionel to AmericanHort.