Experience

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  Strait Access Technologies

  • South Africa
  • Medical Device
  • 1 - 100 Employee

  • Chief Operating Officer

    • Sep 2021 - Present

    Strait Access Technologies is a medical technology company specialising in cardiovascular medical devices, and specifically trans-catheter aortic valves. My primary responsibilities are:- managing a team of 60+ engineers, technicians, clerical and scientific staff- negotiating with existing and potential investors- planning route to market- evaluating strategic opportunities- analysis of industry trends and ensuring company strategy alignment- internal business process improvement- regulatory compliance

  • Head of Business Affairs

    • Apr 2018 - Aug 2021

    - lead contact with new and existing investor partners- develop and refine company strategy- negotiate major contracts- manage internal and external business risks

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  GLG (Gerson Lehrman Group)

  • Cape Town Area, South Africa

  • Management Consultant

    • Sep 2015 - Present
    • Cape Town Area, South Africa

    Scope of impact: Global client baseArea of responsibility: Advisory: Strategic, Process, Organisational and Lean OperationsSample projects• Advised a large FMCG business on how to streamline their supply and demand planning process.• Advised an African government on the ideal organisational structure for a marketing and communications team, with roles and responsibilities, reporting lines and performance management.• Advised a number of venture capital firms on investments in potential acquisition targets.• Advised an asset management firm on a large equity position in their portfolio, given recent and potential shifts in consumer behaviour and government legislation.• Advised an automotive manufacturer on setting up a manufacturing, distribution and retail operation in Africa.

• 

  Lexus UK

  • Motor Vehicle Manufacturing
  • 700 & Above Employee

  • Head of Brand & Product Planning

    • Jul 2011 - Dec 2014

    Scope of impact: >200 Head Office employees and >800 retail employees. Turnover circa GBP400m.Area of responsibility: Head of a team responsible to manage the product portfolio of all Lexus cars in the UK market. Ultimately responsible for the profitability of each vehicle/model line.Main achievements• Lexus sales growth by 40% in a market that only grew 15%• Achieved #1 position for Lexus in most respected ownership satisfaction survey (JD Power)• Returned all model lines to profitability • Became the ‘go-to’ market when Lexus global sought advice on European products

  • National Manager: Strategy & Planning

    • Jun 2010 - Sep 2011

    Area of responsibility: Setting the strategic agenda for Lexus UK in the 1-3 year timeframe.Main achievements• Redesigned the annual business planning process with greater individual accountability for management, more buy-in and greater transparency.• Proposed and managed the Lexus UK budget to profitability following ’08/09 financial crisis.• Achieved per unit reductions in incentive spending while increasing sales at a time of rising industry incentive spend.

  • National Manager: Marketing

    • Jan 2009 - May 2010

    Scope of impact: Head a team of communications, CRM and experiential staff and external agencies in the UK. Responsible to efficiently deploy marketing budget of>£12m/R240m via traditional and new media. Main achievements• Lead the communications agenda for Lexus in Europe, allowing for agreed levels of autonomy in each market, but within globally agreed brand standards.• Implemented accountable marketing practices internally and within agencies, ensuring each campaign had measurable targets. Post campaign analysis to evaluate ROI, leading to tried-and-tested knowledge bank of most effective campaigns.

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  Toyota GB

  • London, UK

  • Head of Sales and Demand/Supply Planning

    • Apr 2003 - Dec 2008
    • London, UK

    Scope of impact: Lead a team of analysts responsible to optimise the supply/demand balancefor 130,000+ cars per year in the UK market. This equated to annual turnover in excess of GBP2bn (ZAR40bn), and average vehicle stock value of GBP300m (ZAR60m). Main achievements• Restructured a demotivated team into one viewed as best-in-Europe by regional HQ.• Implemented new processes to make more effective decisions.• Designed new documentation to allow easier decision-making, and ensure greater accountability at all levels. Now replicated in other markets.

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  BMW

  • Johannesburg Area, South Africa

  • Product & Brand Manager

    • 1999 - 2001
    • Johannesburg Area, South Africa

    Brand and product management for all Land Rover products at BMW SA, at the time when BMW owned Land Rover.

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  General Motors

  • Johannesburg Area, South Africa

  • Brand Strategy Manager

    • 1997 - 1999
    • Johannesburg Area, South Africa

    Brand Strategy Manager for all Opel products at GM SA.

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  General Motors

  • Johannesburg Area, South Africa

  • Management Trainee Programme

    • 1993 - 1996
    • Johannesburg Area, South Africa

    Experience gained by hands-on work in vehicle manufacturing, engineering, after sales, product planning, vehicle distribution, sales and supply planning.