THYS Giliomee has been appointed the first CEO of Western Cape Liquor Authority, provincial economic development MEC Alan Winde announced.

Giliomee started on August 1. He was previously acting municipal manager for the Bitou municipality in Plettenberg Bay.

Winde said Giliomee had vast experience in financial management, business, labour law, staff discipline, and the implementation of turn-around strategies.

"The Western Cape government is determined to reduce alcohol abuse in our province. The liquor authority is set to play a vital role in ensuring that we achieve this goal by getting traders to operate responsibly," Winde said.

Giliomee said "his sleeves were rolled up" and he was ready to do whatever it took "to steer the liquor authority to clear waters".