AFDA (The School for the Creative Economy) and Stadio Holdings are delighted to announce the appointment of Diaan Lawrenson as the new AFDA CEO, effective 1 January 2025.
“With 26 years of experience in the entertainment industry, Diaan has embraced diverse roles—actor, producer, content creator, AFDA lecturer, and Dean of AFDA Cape Town. Her work across all genres has given her a profound understanding of the industry’s disciplines and workflows. Now, as the newly appointed CEO of AFDA, she brings unique insights into what students need to thrive creatively and what AFDA must deliver to prepare them for the future.” says outgoing AFDA CEO, Teresa Passchier.
“I have had the privilege of serving as the Dean of AFDA Cape Town for the past five and a half years, an experience that has provided me with invaluable insights into every facet of AFDA’s operations. This role has not only deepened my understanding of the institution’s diverse functions but has also equipped me with the knowledge and skills to contribute meaningfully at a strategic level. As I aspire to step into the role of CEO, I am eager to continue expanding my expertise in these areas while applying the lessons learned to guide AFDA’s future.
In this capacity, I will be entrusted with steering the growth and evolution of our institution, ensuring its continued relevance and impact within the creative economies. This includes fostering the development of our student body and amplifying the contributions of our alumni to the creative economies. Our students and alumni consistently play a significant role in nation-building and strengthening South Africa’s economy, and I am both inspired by their achievements and excited about what the future holds for AFDA.
I am committed to building on our legacy and driving AFDA’s vision forward with innovation, dedication, and a passion for excellence.” says Diaan.
“Diaan has a wealth of experience, both in industry, as well as a proven track record within AFDA. As Dean of the Cape Town campus, the Cape Town campus was revitalised and we have seen tremendous growth on this campus and a growing excitement for this campus. We believe that Diaan can take her energy and passion for the industry, and specifically AFDA, to lead AFDA into a new era. We look forward to working with Diaan going forward and supporting Diaan and all our AFDA colleagues through this transition. Change is never easy. As Socrates said, “The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new”. says Chris Vorster STADIO Holdings, CEO.
“I also want to take this opportunity to thank outgoing AFDA CEO Teresa Passchier for her many contributions to AFDA, and the STADIO Group. Thank you for your leadership and dedication to AFDA. We wish you all the best on this new chapter of your life and know you will be supporting AFDA from the wings.” says Chris Vorster.
AFDA is the no.1 Oscar winning tertiary institution of its kind in Africa. With fully accredited and internationally recognised programmes, AFDA’s outcomes-based learning, empowers students with the skills they need to excel in the creative and innovation economies. AFDA graduates are shaping the future of the Creative Economy worldwide with their innovative and creative expertise.
AFDA is a Private Higher Education Institution owned by Stadio Holdings.