Thekiso Rakolojane
Regional Head
Johannesburg
Summary
Results-driven business administrator with extensive experience leading teams and driving growth in highly competitive environments. Strong leadership skills, strategic talent, and deep understanding of markets. Led the development of business strategies that increased revenues and improved customer satisfaction. In-depth understanding of business management and adaptation gained from various markets and diverse industries. Solid background in sectors including television, retail, engineering, banking, travel, and tourism.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Regional Head; West Africa
South African Tourism - Africa Region
Johannesburg, Gauteng
12.2018 - Current
- Development and Execution Oversight of Marketing Strategies and Business Plans
- Expanded market presence with targeted marketing campaigns and strong customer relationship building.
- Conducted regular performance reviews, setting clear expectations and supporting employee development initiatives.
- Improved regional performance by implementing strategic sales initiatives and effective team management.
- Increased revenue by identifying new business opportunities and closing high-value deals.
- Implemented data-driven decision making, using analytics to identify trends and inform strategy development.
- Drove innovation within the region by encouraging creative problem-solving approaches among team members.
- Championed diversity and inclusion efforts within the organization, promoting an inclusive workplace culture that valued individual perspectives.
- Led cross-functional teams to achieve regional goals and improve overall business performance.
- Mentored junior team members for career growth, contributing to a skilled and motivated workforce.
- Aligned regional objectives with overarching organizational goals to ensure comprehensive success across all areas of operation.
- Established partnerships with industry leaders, expanding services offered and increasing market share.
- Streamlined operations for increased efficiency through process improvements and staff training.
- Developed a collaborative culture, fostering teamwork and open communication throughout the region.
- Delivered consistent results in challenging markets, adapting strategies to meet changing conditions.
- Optimized resource allocation to maximize profits, reducing costs without compromising quality or service levels.
- Leveraged technology for improved operational efficiency, streamlining processes across multiple departments.
- Cultivated a high-performance environment through effective goal-setting and ongoing performance monitoring.
- Managed budgets responsibly while investing in long-term growth opportunities that yielded positive returns.
- Monitored staff performance by actively engaging in and observing day-to-day activities.
- Reviewed financial reports to identify potential issues, cost saving opportunities and significant departures from budget.
- Attended weekly meetings to discuss and optimize strategies.
- Represented company at various national and global events.
- Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.
- Leveraged data and analytics to make informed decisions and drive business improvements.
- Defined clear targets and objectives and communicated to other team members.
- Cultivated positive rapport with fellow employees to boost company morale and promote employee retention.
- Successfully managed budgets and allocated resources to maximize productivity and profitability.
- Set aggressive targets for employees to drive company success and strengthen motivation.
- Opened and closed location and monitored shift changes to uphold successful operations strategies and maximize business success.
- Managed senior-level personnel working in marketing and sales capacities.
- Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
- Established performance goals for employees and provided feedback on methods for reaching those milestones.
Regional Brand Manager: Africa & Special Projects
South African Tourism - Brand and Marketing
06.2017 - 11.2019
- Regional Marketing Development and Support
- Evaluated agency partnerships regularly, ensuring high-quality services were being provided at competitive costs while maintaining strong working relationships.
- Championed innovative marketing tactics that helped differentiate the brand from competitors in a crowded market landscape.
- Boosted regional sales through effective product positioning, pricing strategies, and promotional offers.
- Implemented data-driven marketing strategies that led to increased customer acquisition rates and retention levels.
- Increased brand awareness by implementing targeted marketing campaigns and engaging social media content.
- Optimized advertising budgets by reallocating resources towards high-performing channels based on detailed performance analysis.
- Spearheaded rebranding efforts that resulted in improved consumer perception and positive sentiment towards the company''s offerings.
- Established a consistent brand image across all customer touchpoints, resulting in increased recognition and trust among target audiences.
- Secured valuable media coverage for brand initiatives, effectively leveraging earned and owned channels to expand reach and influence.
- Collaborated with internal stakeholders such as sales, finance, and operations teams to align business objectives with branding activities.
- Coordinated successful trade shows and events to showcase products and strengthen industry connections.
- Managed cross-functional teams to ensure timely execution of marketing initiatives and product launches.
- Led quarterly reviews of regional performance indicators, identifying areas for improvement and adjusting strategies accordingly.
- Developed strong relationships with key strategic partners to enhance brand visibility and market penetration.
- Monitored and evaluated marketing and advertising campaigns to support brand consistency and engagement.
- Developed and executed branding campaigns to educate target audiences on product features, benefits and values.
- Created and managed budgets to maximize brand reach and engagement.
- Managed and oversaw creative projects to drive quality, accuracy and deadline management.
- Created and managed social media campaigns to increase brand engagement.
- Coordinated with design and media teams to develop high-quality creative assets.
- Devised content strategy to effectively engage target audiences.
- Launched successful digital marketing campaigns that achieved goals for increased website traffic.
- Oversaw preparation of marketing copy, images, videos, emails, and other collateral.
- Managed budget allocation and resource utilization to maximize marketing ROI.
- Continually maintained and improved company's reputation and positive image in markets served.
- Analyzed and reported on KPIs to validate and demonstrate success of marketing campaigns.
- Improved website visibility through development and implementation of SEO strategies.
Marketing and Communications Manager
South African Tourism - Tourism Grading Council of South Africa
Johannesburg, Gauteng
11.2009 - 05.2017
- Business Operations and Marketing and Communication
- Increased brand awareness by developing and executing strategic marketing campaigns.
- Managed a Marketing budget of R12 million.
- Led team of marketing professionals, providing guidance on best practices and fostering an environment of continuous improvement.
- Implemented data-driven approach to optimize digital marketing campaigns, improving overall performance metrics.
- Established partnerships with complementary brands for co-marketing opportunities that maximized exposure while minimizing costs.
- Managed public relations efforts, securing positive media coverage to promote company events and accomplishments.
- Analyzed campaign performance data to identify opportunities for optimization and growth in target markets.
- Streamlined internal communications by implementing a centralized system for information sharing across departments.
- Trained junior team members on effective communication strategies and techniques for engaging diverse audiences successfully.
- Conducted comprehensive market research to identify emerging trends and inform future marketing strategies.
- Enhanced customer engagement through the creation of compelling content for social media and email marketing initiatives.
- Optimized search engine rankings through keyword research implementation and ongoing monitoring of web analytics.
- Developed targeted messaging for diverse audiences, ensuring consistent brand voice across all channels.
- Developed comprehensive content calendars, streamlining workflow processes across multiple platforms.
- Oversaw website design updates, enhancing user experience and boosting site traffic numbers.
- Coordinated trade show participation, increasing visibility within industry circles and generating valuable leads.
- Contributed expertise to multiple committees to enhance outreach and branding strategies.
- Built strong relationships with key influencers and partners, amplifying reach of marketing efforts.
- Crafted persuasive press releases announcing new products and initiatives, garnering widespread media attention.
- Maintained positive relationships with external marketing and PR teams, optimizing value with collaborative approach.
- Revamped online and print materials in collaboration with graphic designers, photographers and printers.
- Managed consistent design theme, look and content of organization's online presence.
Communications Manager
Standard Bank
Johannesburg, Gauteng
05.2007 - 11.2009
- Strategic planning of communications that support Business Banking projects and initiatives
- Developed communications strategies to drive forward progress in public relations.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop effective marketing materials and messaging.
- Enhanced brand visibility by developing and implementing strategic communication plans.
- Evaluated existing communication strategies and made data-driven recommendations for improvement, resulting in increased overall effectiveness.
- Negotiated favorable contracts with external vendors for services such as event planning or graphic design, reducing overall project costs while maintaining high-quality results.
- Developed key message frameworks to ensure consistent messaging across all channels and touchpoints within the organization.
- Evaluated program effectiveness to determine return on investment.
- Managed communication department's R10 million budget.
- Built and maintained relationships with key business unit heads, spokespeople, advocates and opinion leaders.
- Coordinated advocacy relations meetings and prepared necessary materials in advance.
- Streamlined process for gathering and disseminating important company updates.
- Boosted public engagement with impactful social media campaigns.
- Analyzed feedback from communication campaigns to refine strategies and tactics.
- Enhanced brand recognition by developing and executing comprehensive communication strategies.
- Elevated customer satisfaction by optimizing customer service communication protocols.
- Coordinated with marketing department to align advertising campaigns with overall communication goals.
- Designed and implemented crisis communication plans, safeguarding company reputation during critical times.
- Negotiated with vendors to secure cost-effective solutions for communication tools and platforms.
- Developed internal newsletters that kept staff informed and engaged.
- Crafted compelling press releases and media statements, significantly increasing media coverage.
- Conducted market research to inform and adapt communication tactics for target audiences.
- Pioneered use of new communication technologies to keep company at forefront of digital trends.
- Collaborated with other departments to develop integrated branding and public relations strategies.
- Wrote engaging and successful press releases to control information and public opinion.
- Reviewed marketing materials and documents for brand accuracy and trending design.
- Developed and promoted corporate brand, images and identity to media and public.
- Managed editorial calendars and rescheduled PR events and meetings.
- Identified metrics to measure and evaluate effectiveness of public relations campaigns and initiatives.
- Built and strengthened industry partnerships to improve product placements, amplify coverage and maximize effectiveness of marketing strategies.
- Increased brand awareness through development and implementation of successful public relations campaigns.
- Fostered positive relationships with key business journalists in national and trade publications.
- Cultivated strong corporate image and identity with clear branding.
- Conducted media training for company executives and business leaders.
- Oversaw team of communications and media relations professionals with focus on achieving PR results.
Business Unit Communications Manager
Siemens Limited
08.2005 - 05.2007
- Developing and managing marketing plans and budget
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop effective marketing materials and messaging.
- Developed communications strategies to drive forward progress in public relations.
- Restructured department workflows for greater efficiency, allowing more time to focus on high-impact projects that drove tangible business results.
- Developed compelling content for company website and social media channels, driving user engagement and conversions.
- Implemented comprehensive analytics tracking systems to monitor the success of communication campaigns and make data-driven decisions.
- Leveraged social listening tools to stay informed about relevant industry trends and inform communication strategy adjustments as needed.
- Analyzed market data to inform strategic decisions.
- Pioneered use of new communication technologies to keep company at forefront of digital trends.
- Tailored communication styles to suit diverse audiences, ensuring messages were effectively received.
- Reviewed marketing materials and documents for brand accuracy and trending design.
- Developed and promoted corporate brand, images and identity to media and public.
- Identified metrics to measure and evaluate effectiveness of public relations campaigns and initiatives.
- Fostered positive relationships with key business journalists in national and trade publications.
- Conducted media training for company executives and business leaders.
- Created and implemented systems and processes for monitoring media coverage.
Marketing & Communication Specialist
BANKSETA
04.2004 - 07.2005
- Planned and directed external and internal information programmes
- Streamlined internal communication processes for increased efficiency and employee engagement.
- Assisted with marketing strategy development to increase public awareness and customer engagement.
- Forged strong media relationships to further public relations goals.
- Helped with photo and video production and performed visual and sound editing tasks.
- Gathered information on customer opinions and adjusted plans to capitalize on current trends.
- Built strong relationships with media outlets and communications professionals to expand personal network.
- Enhanced brand awareness by developing and executing strategic communication plans.
- Managed public relations efforts, securing positive media coverage and strengthening brand reputation.
- Spearheaded email marketing campaigns that drove substantial traffic to the website while maintaining low bounce rates.
- Developed key messaging frameworks that aligned with organizational values, mission, and vision.
- Provided administrative support to senior team members.
- Coordinated successful events that fostered community connections and enhanced brand visibility.
- Conducted communications audits to identify areas of improvement and develop targeted action plans.
- Created engaging multimedia content such as infographics, videos, and blog posts to illustrate complex concepts in an accessible manner.
- Liaised between departments during project-based collaborations ensuring timely delivery of high-quality outputs.
- Copyedited, proofread and revised company advertisements, print materials and press releases before dispersal.
- Answered client queries and complaints to provide strong customer service.
- Developed comprehensive media outreach plan to increase visibility of organization in local, regional and national markets.
- Conducted media relations and responded to media requests for information.
- Engaged in professional networking to maintain strong relationships with communications and media professionals to drive partnerships and effective dissemination of mass communications.
- Collaborated with internal and external stakeholders to identify key messages and create compelling content for press releases and other materials.
Communications Officer (PR & Ad Agency)
Complex Development
07.2003 - 03.2004
- Developed and implemented an annual marketing business plan
- Conducted thorough market research to inform strategic communication decisions aligned with organizational goals.
- Produced engaging multimedia content such as videos and infographics to support various marketing efforts.
- Monitored media coverage of the organization closely to identify opportunities for proactive outreach.
- Evaluated campaign performance using analytics tools, refining strategies based on data-driven insights.
- Led corporate social responsibility initiatives, increasing community involvement, and positive brand association.
- Maintained a comprehensive library of up-to-date promotional materials for use in presentations, pitches, or events.
- Built relationships with key media personnel, securing favorable coverage.
- Organized press conferences for product launches, significantly boosting media coverage.
- Directed creation of promotional materials, supporting sales team goals.
Public Relations / Promotions Officer
Adele Lucas Promotions
01.2001 - 06.2003
- Implemented promotions with reference to promotional procedure
- Established effective relationships with key stakeholders both internally and externally for increased collaboration opportunities.
- Streamlined report writing processes, allowing for quicker turnover and more accurate record-keeping.
- Created and managed project plans, timelines and budgets.
- Evaluated customer needs and feedback to drive product and service improvements.
Public Relations Intern
Multichoice Africa
01.2000 - 12.2000
- Assisted with event management
- Maintained and updated media contact lists and databases for ease of access.
- Coordinated media events, photo opportunities and press interviews to drive client engagement.
- Assisted in the organization of promotional events, boosting brand recognition and engagement.
- Assisted in developing media strategies and campaigns for client needs.
- Managed media lists and relationships to secure valuable coverage opportunities for clients.
- Participated actively in brainstorms sessions that generated innovative ideas for upcoming PR campaigns.
- Built strong relationships with media outlets and communications professionals to expand personal network.
- Increased awareness of company services and products with implementation of PR strategies.
- Produced monthly reports highlighting PR campaign results, informing client communications and future strategy adjustments.
- Contributed to development of annual PR plans and budgets.
- Supported PR team in creation of media kits and other promotional materials.
- Enhanced stakeholder engagement through regular updates and targeted communication strategies.
- Managed PR aspect of product launches, contributing to successful market introductions.
- Enhanced community relations with creation and implementation of outreach programs.
- Improved internal communications with development of employee newsletter.
- Monitored and reported on media coverage, providing insights for strategy adjustments.
Education
National Diploma in Public Relations Management - Public Relations And Organizational Communication
University of Johannesburg
01.1998 - 2001.04
Certificate in Desktop Publishing - Advertising
AAA School of Advertising
Johannesburg, South Africa 01.2004 - 2004.04
Introduction to the Basic Concepts of Marketing and Branding - undefined
Institute of Marketing Management
01.2005 - 2005.04
Strategic Marketing Programme - Marketing Management And Research
Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS)
01.2011 - 2012.04
Programme for Management Development (PMD) - Post Grad - Business Administration And Management
Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS)
Johannesburg, South Africa 01.2017 - 2018.04
Digital Marketing - undefined
University of Cape Town
01.2021 - 2021.04
Skills
Managing Operations and Efficiency
Team Leadership
Strategic Planning
Budget Administration
Staff Training and Development
Business Development
Operational & Financial Risk Thorough knowledge of PFMA and related regulations
Risk Management In-depth understanding of the legislative environment and regulations
Strategic planning & Execution In-depth understanding of effective execution including PRINCE2, Waterfall and Agile
Business growth strategies
Operational oversight
Strategic thinker
Personal Information
- ID Number: 790319 5436 082
- Nationality: South African
Languages
English
Timeline
Digital Marketing - undefined
University of Cape Town
01.2021 - 2021.04
Regional Head; West Africa
South African Tourism - Africa Region
12.2018 - Current
Regional Brand Manager: Africa & Special Projects
South African Tourism - Brand and Marketing
06.2017 - 11.2019
Programme for Management Development (PMD) - Post Grad - Business Administration And Management
Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS)
01.2017 - 2018.04
Strategic Marketing Programme - Marketing Management And Research
Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS)
01.2011 - 2012.04
Marketing and Communications Manager
South African Tourism - Tourism Grading Council of South Africa
11.2009 - 05.2017
Communications Manager
Standard Bank
05.2007 - 11.2009
Business Unit Communications Manager
Siemens Limited
08.2005 - 05.2007
Introduction to the Basic Concepts of Marketing and Branding - undefined
Institute of Marketing Management
01.2005 - 2005.04
Marketing & Communication Specialist
BANKSETA
04.2004 - 07.2005
Certificate in Desktop Publishing - Advertising
AAA School of Advertising
01.2004 - 2004.04
Communications Officer (PR & Ad Agency)
Complex Development
07.2003 - 03.2004
Public Relations / Promotions Officer
Adele Lucas Promotions
01.2001 - 06.2003
Public Relations Intern
Multichoice Africa
01.2000 - 12.2000
National Diploma in Public Relations Management - Public Relations And Organizational Communication
University of Johannesburg
01.1998 - 2001.04
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