Experience

• 

  The coca-cola company

  Jan 1991 - now

  Spearhead the development of the business in the 18 markets in Southern & East Africa. Provide business leadership across all facets of country and brand operations; manage a virtual team (located in Kenya, South Africa) and interact with R&D in Brussels. The role involves identification and development of strategies to capitalize on opportunities in the region, developing and launching new businesses.★ Notable Successes: 1) developed a dairy product portfolio and created the positioning strategy for the dairy market entry strategy for Africa; 2) built operational capability for the dairy product portfolio; and  3) developed an innovation product pipeline into 2020. Show less Carried full strategic accountability for marketing for the beverage portfolio (fruit juice, bottled water, iced tea, energy drinks) spanning 18 markets in Africa. Led long term strategic direction and growth strategy, overseeing a team of 8. Developed brand plans, communication strategies, creative campaigns (TV, radio and other media), innovation strategies and new products.★ Notable Successes: 1) developed and launched the Power Play product, which became the #1 energy drink in South Africa (ahead of Red Bull); 2) developed and implemented the bottled water strategy in Southern Africa, which became recognised as a leader in extracting value, and the #2 “Most Profitable” Coca-Cola water business globally. Show less Managed P&L (profit & loss) for the Hot Beverages business (ZAR60 million in revenue in 2009 and 10 million cups of coffee in 2010). Lead a team of 20, managed a portfolio of 600 customers. Key responsibilities included: operating income, sales volume, marketing, innovation, key accounts and supply chain.★ Notable Successes: 1) introduced measures to maximise efficiency across the supply chain which resulted in higher customer service levels; 2) instituted a customer identification program based on global best practice, to target customers and offer maximum value; 3) played a pivotal role in developing a long-range warehouse and delivery plan to ready the business for the future; and 4) via cost savings programs turned around the business - from loss to profit - in 2009. Show less Managed a portfolio of brands (fruit juices, energy drinks, soft drinks, bottled water and nutritional and dairy) and carried executive responsibility for marketing for Southern Africa. Developed strategies and plans, new products, brand pans, advertising and communication campaigns for TV and radio to deliver growth.★ Notable Successes: 1) achieved market leadership for the Powerade drink within 3 years, growing it from 38% to 52% market share – through thorough planning, clear leadership, strong brand identity, product innovation and effective marketing; 2) reversed negative growth of the Schweppes brand in South Africa (its 2nd largest market globally) by improving systems and optimizing investment; and 3) gained market leadership for Power Play, in Red Bull’s strongest channel (petroleum food marts), through innovation and customer programmes. Show less

  • Executive Manager: Business Development

    Jan 2017 - now

  • Executive Manager: Marketing

    Jan 2011 - Jan 2017

  • Business Manager

    Jan 2009 - Jan 2011

  • Divisional Strategic Marketing Manager

    Jan 2003 - Jan 2009

  • Marketing Services Manager / Territory Manager / Senior Brand Manager

    Jan 1991 - Jan 2003