Navigating Challenges : From the Pandemic to Civil Unrest
Throughout his tenure as Group CEO , Horne has faced numerous challenges , and each one has provided invaluable lessons in leadership , resilience , and adaptability .
Perhaps the most significant test of Horne ’ s leadership came during the COVID-19 pandemic . As a company activity or operations across 37 countries in Africa , Broll faced unique challenges in ensuring business continuity . Horne and his executive team quickly implemented the company ’ s Business Continuity Plan ( BCP ), which had already been put in place years prior . The proactive planning ensured that Broll was able to transition to remote work seamlessly , despite the uncertainty caused by the pandemic .
Beyond the logistical challenges , Horne was particularly moved by how the company ’ s employees responded to the crisis . The pandemic created a deep sense of camaraderie within the company , with employees going out of their way to support one another .
For example , those with excess leave offered it to colleagues who were struggling with caregiving responsibilities . This spirit of solidarity and empathy was a reminder that in times of crisis , human connection is just as important as business continuity .
Horne also implemented the “ Strengthening The Core ” strategic plan during the pandemic - a forward-thinking initiative designed to refocus the business on its core strengths . This strategy was deliberately crafted to drive long-term growth by reinforcing Broll ’ s core operations and continuously refining its primary service lines . The Core Strategy laid the groundwork for new service lines at Broll , including Broll Risk Management , Workplace Strategy ( Internal Developers ), and Broll Soft Services . These new initiatives not only helped Broll weather the storm during the pandemic but also positioned the company for future growth .
Civil unrest also posed a significant challenge to Broll , particularly during the riots in KwaZulu-Natal in July 2021 . Once again , Horne and his team proved their resilience , responding quickly and effectively to ensure the safety of employees , customers at malls - whilst securing the safety of their clients assets and continuity of operations .
Broll ’ s ability to navigate such crises underscored the importance of having robust frameworks and comprehensive business continuity plans in place .
22 REI MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2025