Andy Haefner
@andyhaefner
Senior educational leader driving turnarounds and people development.
What I'm looking for
I am a senior organisational leader with over 35 years' experience in people development, operational management, culture transformation, and strategic project leadership. I led a major turnaround within the ADvTECH Group, moving a large institution from the bottom of a 130-unit network to the Top 10 in two years, and was awarded Innovator of the Year for scalable systems and leadership frameworks adopted group-wide.
I specialise in developing people, building cohesive teams, optimising processes, and leading cross-functional projects from concept to implementation. Known for calm, structured leadership that fosters psychological safety, accountability, and low staff turnover, I mentor emerging leaders, deliver financial and operational oversight, and drive data-driven decision-making to improve performance and sustain organisational capacity.
Experience
Work history, roles, and key accomplishments
Head of Schools
Pinnacle Colleges
Jan 2023 - Present (3 years 1 month)
Led a complex turnaround for a 500+ learner institution within the ADvTECH Group, moving the school from bottom of a 130-unit network to Top 10 within two years and earning Innovator of the Year for scalable systems and leadership frameworks.
Executive Head
King David School
Jan 2022 - Jan 2023 (1 year)
Oversaw multi-campus operations, HR, finance and curriculum development; introduced a Cambridge-aligned curriculum and built high-performance leadership teams to support growth and inclusive school culture.
Vice Principal / Educator
Saheti School
Jan 2018 - Jan 2022 (4 years)
Led operations, staff management, budgets and parent engagement; delivered classroom teaching (Grade R–6) and directed strategic projects including playground redevelopment, staff appraisal restructuring, and digital learning initiatives.
Principal (Head)
Redhill School
Jan 2016 - Jan 2017 (1 year)
Provided strategic direction and operational leadership for a 50+ staff school, led curriculum initiatives and teacher training in inquiry-based instruction, and mentored principals in leadership and performance management.
Principal (Head)
King David School (SABJE)
Jan 2012 - Jan 2016 (4 years)
Managed school-wide operations including curriculum, HR, finance and facilities while fostering a nurturing, inclusive culture and implementing foundational systems across administration and education.
Education
Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework
University of the Witwatersrand
Financial Acumen
2025 - 2025
Completed a University of the Witwatersrand program in Financial Acumen in 2025.
ADvTECH
Leadership development, Leadership Development
2023 - 2023
Completed leadership development program with ADvTECH in 2023.
University of South Africa (UNISA)
Postgraduate Certificate, Gifted Child Education
2014 - 2014
Grade: Cum Laude
Completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Gifted Child Education in 2014, awarded Cum Laude.
University of South Africa (UNISA)
Postgraduate Higher Diploma in Education, Education
1994 - 1994
Completed a Higher Diploma in Education in 1994.
University of the Witwatersrand
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology & English Literature
1991 - 1991
Completed a Bachelor degree in Psychology and English Literature in 1991.
Availability
Location
Authorized to work in
Job categories
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