CLEVEnARD ANNOUNCES ISCHTELLE HECHTER AS A FEATURED SPEAKER AT THE 2027 CLEVEnARD OPEN PROJECT AND 4TH EDITION OF THE CLEVEnARD GLOBAL AWARDS IN TORREMOLINOS, MÁLAGA, SPAIN

Málaga, Spain | 2026

Clevenard SL is proud to announce Ischtelle Hechter, Founder and Chairperson, strategic leader, governance specialist, and advocate for ethical leadership and institutional excellence, as a Featured Speaker at the Clevenard Open Project 2027 — 6th Edition, taking place from 22 to 25 June 2027 at the Palacio de Congresos de Torremolinos in Málaga, Spain.

With more than 25 years of professional experience spanning governance, risk management, compliance, internal auditing, ethics, and organisational transformation, Ischtelle brings a wealth of expertise and a distinctive perspective on strengthening institutions, empowering leaders, and advancing sustainable development across Africa.

Her participation will contribute to the international dialogue on leadership, institutional accountability, business excellence, and the importance of ethical governance in building resilient organisations and thriving economies.

A Distinguished Career in Governance, Risk and Ethical Leadership

Ischtelle Hechter has built an accomplished career across the public, private, and non-profit sectors, earning recognition for her strategic insight, professional integrity, and commitment to institutional advancement.

Throughout her career, she has worked with organisations across multiple industries, delivering audit and risk-management services, facilitating enterprise risk management workshops, developing governance frameworks, and supporting organisations in strengthening internal controls, accountability, and operational effectiveness.

Her professional journey includes senior leadership responsibilities at the Institute of Internal Auditors South Africa, where she served as Head of the Executive Leadership Network and Acting Ethics Officer from 2013 to 2023. During this period, she established and led initiatives designed to support Chief Audit Executives and strengthen leadership capability among senior professionals across the country.

Her experience also includes executive responsibilities in operations, assurance, consulting, internal auditing, and financial administration, providing her with a broad understanding of the governance challenges and strategic opportunities facing institutions in Africa and beyond.

Driving Innovation Through Governance and Risk Management

A notable achievement in Ischtelle's career is her role in designing the functionality of U-Risk® software, reflecting her commitment to applying innovation and technology to improve governance, risk management, and compliance processes.

Her work has included facilitating more than 100 enterprise risk management workshops and assessments across South Africa and other African contexts, helping organisations identify risks, strengthen controls, and improve decision-making.

Through her company, 4H Projects (Pty) Ltd, she continues to contribute to internal audit quality assurance, governance advisory services, risk management, professional development, and community-based socio-economic initiatives.

Her approach recognises that effective governance is not simply about compliance; it is about creating the conditions for trust, transparency, innovation, and sustainable organisational performance.

Championing Leadership Development and Africa's Potential

As Co-Founder and CEO of Africa Pioneers of Excellence, Ischtelle is committed to advancing a continental vision centred on excellence, leadership development, and Africa's long-term development.

Her work reflects a strong belief that the continent's progress depends on capable leadership, accountable institutions, ethical business practices, and the empowerment of individuals to contribute meaningfully to society.

She is also the Founder of The Navigator, a socio-economic school initiative designed to contribute to community development and opportunity creation.

By combining strategic leadership with capacity building and social impact, Ischtelle seeks to bridge the gap between institutional performance and the broader needs of communities.

Her professional philosophy places particular emphasis on preparing future-ready leaders who can navigate complexity, embrace innovation, uphold ethical standards, and contribute to sustainable economic and social transformation.

Featured Speaker: Governance, Accountability and Sustainable Development

At the Clevenard Open Project 2027, Ischtelle Hechter's participation will bring valuable insight to conversations surrounding institutional excellence, leadership accountability, ethical decision-making, risk-informed strategy, and sustainable development.

Her professional expertise is particularly relevant to discussions about how businesses, governments, non-profit organisations, and emerging enterprises can strengthen their governance structures while pursuing innovation, growth, and social impact.

Her contribution will underscore the importance of embedding integrity, transparency, and effective risk management into leadership practices, particularly as African institutions respond to evolving economic conditions and increasing demands for accountability.

With her extensive experience in professional training, executive development, and public speaking, she brings a practical perspective grounded in decades of work across complex organisational environments.

Professional Excellence and Personal Achievement

Ischtelle's professional credentials include the Professional Internal Auditor (PIA) designation and Internal Audit Technician (IAT) designation from the Institute of Internal Auditors South Africa.

Her academic background includes a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting, Auditing and Business Management, an Associate Diploma in Banking, and qualifications in Business Management.

Beyond her corporate and governance achievements, she is a South African All-Style Karate Champion and a Toastmasters International presenter, reflecting her commitment to discipline, communication, confidence, and continuous personal development.

She speaks English and Afrikaans and brings a combination of technical expertise, leadership experience, and a strong commitment to developing people and institutions.

A Global Platform for Leadership, Business and Collaboration

The Clevenard Open Project 2027 will bring together international leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, diplomats, professionals, creatives, and development stakeholders from Africa, Europe, the Caribbean, and other regions.

Through its programme of summits, professional exchanges, cultural celebrations, and recognition initiatives, the event aims to create opportunities for collaboration, promote innovation, and encourage meaningful partnerships across sectors and borders.

Ischtelle Hechter's participation reinforces the event's commitment to recognising individuals whose work contributes to leadership excellence, institutional development, professional advancement, and positive social change.

Her presence will add an important governance and ethical leadership perspective to the wider conversation about building stronger institutions and unlocking Africa's potential through responsible leadership and collaboration.

About the Clevenard Open Project 2027

The Clevenard Open Project 2027 — 6th Edition is an international flagship event themed:

“A Global Celebration of Business, Culture, Creativity & Human Connection.”

The four-day gathering is designed to connect people, cultures, industries, and opportunities through business dialogue, investment discussions, education, tourism, film, fashion, and cultural exchange.

Four-Day Programme

Day 1 — 22 June 2027

Global Authors' Recognition and Education Summit.

Day 2 — 23 June 2027

Global Economy, Trade, Solid Minerals, Agriculture and Investment Summit.

Day 3 — 24 June 2027

Global Tourism and International Film Celebration.

Day 4 — 25 June 2027

Clevenard Global Awards — 4th Edition, alongside the International Fashion Runway, art, and cultural performances.

Event Details

• Event: Clevenard Open Project 2027 — 6th Edition
• Awards: Clevenard Global Awards — 4th Edition
• Dates: 22–25 June 2027
• Venue: Palacio de Congresos de Torremolinos
• Address: C/ México 3, 29620 Torremolinos, Málaga, Spain
• Organiser: Clevenard SL
• Website: www.clevenard.com

About Clevenard

Clevenard is an international platform dedicated to connecting people, cultures, businesses, and opportunities worldwide.

Through media, technology, international events, and strategic partnerships, Clevenard works to amplify voices, encourage cross-cultural understanding, support entrepreneurship, and promote economic and social development.

Mission: To connect the world, amplify voices, and create opportunities that transform lives.

The Clevenard Open Project continues this mission by bringing together established leaders, emerging talent, entrepreneurs, and changemakers to foster meaningful dialogue, professional collaboration, innovation, and global cooperation.

Category:

Press release 

Writer:

Tolu Osindero

Phone:

+34 631 279 811 | +34 672 93 12 16