[WATCH] Exclusive interview: Meet AmericanHort's new president and CEO Lionel van der Walt

Lionel van der Walt, who took the helm of AmericanHort in 2026 after Ken Fisher departed, sat down with the GIE Media Horticulture Group at Cultivate'26 and discussed his background, his first impressions of the industry and his goals for leading the association.

The AmericanHort Board of Directors announced on May 7, 2026, the appointment of Lionel van der Walt as its new president and CEO, effective June 2, 2026.

Van der Walt succeeds Ken Fisher, who announced last fall his plans to depart in May 2026 after 10 years with the organization. The board thanked Fisher for his leadership and contributions to the association and the green industry.

Van der Walt sat down with the GIE Media Horticulture Group at Cultivate'26 for an exclusive interview to discuss his background, his first impressions of the industry and his goals for leading the association.

Watch the full interview above.