Entrepreneurial Executive with Award-Winning Marketing Acumen

Curriculum Vitae of Derek Hugo Bouwer Page */*

DEREK HUGO BOUWER

EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL

Durbanville, Cape Town 083-***-**** *****@************.**.** PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

A seasoned entrepreneur, Derek Hugo Bouwer demonstrates deep commercial intellect in the launch, development, and growth of successful enterprises within the FMCG and transportation industries. Founder and Owner of multiple companies from 1992 to present, his strategic acumen led to the creation and exponential growth of several lucrative ventures. Under his leadership, these companies flourished, generating multi-million-rand revenues. In the competitive realm of sales and marketing, Derek stands out as a visionary leader whose intuitive grasp of market dynamics and consumer psychology significantly shaped the trajectories of his businesses. His approach combines a deep understanding of global market trends with a keen sensitivity to local nuances, allowing him to craft strategies that are both globally ambitious and locally resonant. Leveraging market insights, he captures and captivates consumer interest, championing a bold, immersive marketing philosophy that emphasizes consumer engagement at every touchpoint.

Derek possesses extensive experience in event management, successfully organising and executing a range of corporate events, conferences, and promotional activities that drove significant brand visibility and customer engagement. His track record includes collaborating with corporate clients to create tailored experiences that align with their business objectives, ensuring seamless execution and exceptional client satisfaction. With expertise encompassing tactical market penetration and partnership development, Derek has showcased robust skill in identifying and seizing market opportunities, leading aggressive strategies, and forging alliances with key industry players. Beyond realising substantial financial returns, his initiatives have also set the stage for sustainable business practices that prioritise long-term value over short-term gains.

He is recognised for his dynamic management style that involves deep personal engagement with his teams, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and mutual growth. Derek’s leadership style is infectious, imbuing teams with the confidence and creativity needed to think outside the box and execute initiatives that break moulds and benchmarks alike. By championing a culture of continuous improvement and knowledge-sharing, he inspires breakthrough strategies and impactful solutions, significantly advancing organisational performance and stakeholder value.

Possessing a keen understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within the hospitality sector, Derek is well-equipped to navigate the complexities of the industry. His forward-thinking leadership style and dynamic experience empower him to face the challenges of rapidly evolving markets. With a sharp eye for the next big thing and a relentless drive to push brand boundaries, he engages consumers with personalised experiences that not only enhance brand loyalty but also set new standards for what it means to be a consumer-centric brand in the modern era.

PROFESSIONAL CV

Curriculum Vitae of Derek Hugo Bouwer Page 2/4

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Strategic Planning

Executive Leadership

Market Positioning

Market Penetration and

Expansion

Brand Strategy

Revenue Management

Return on Marketing

Investment (ROMI)

Integrated Marketing

Communications

Business Strategy

Development

Business, Client, Market,

Competitor Analysis

Customer Experience

Go-to-Market (GTM)

Strategy

Pricing Strategy and

Management

Event Strategy

Development

Key Performance Indicator

(KPI) Development

Risk Management

Corporate Social

Responsibility (CSR)

Change Management

Sales Forecasting &

Analysis

Project Management

Partnership

Development

Preferred Supplier List

(PSL)

Client Relationship

Management

Cross-Functional Team

Leadership

Talent Recruitment and

Retention

Training and

Development

Operational Excellence

KEY CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Awarded the Lowveld Chamber of Business and Commerce of the Year in 2012, highlighting exceptional business growth, community engagement, and effective marketing strategies that drove market presence and customer loyalty.

Recognised as one of the top sales performers in South Africa by Toyota S.A., contributing to the business being ranked among the top five dealerships nationwide. This achievement underscores a strong track record in sales excellence and effective brand representation. QUALIFICATIONS

N4; Kempton Park College, 1987

Senior Certificate / Matric; HTS Bloemfontein, 1984 CURRENT CAREER EXPERIENCE

Nelspruit National Fresh Produce Market March 2005 to Date Owner

Core Overview:

Serves in an oversight capacity role, focusing on high-level financial performance and operational sustainability. Reviews financial statements and operational reports to ensure the market's strategic goals are being met. Engages with management teams to evaluate performance metrics, identify potential risks, and ensure compliance with industry regulations, facilitating a proactive approach to business management and growth. Key Contributions to Business Development:

Established operational frameworks and comprehensive business processes that enable seamless daily operations, focusing on efficiency, quality control, and customer satisfaction. Developed a structured approach to inventory management that minimised waste and ensured a consistent supply of fresh produce.

Designed and executed innovative sales strategies that drive a significant monthly turnover of ZAR 6 million, utilising market research and data analysis to identify growth opportunities. Curriculum Vitae of Derek Hugo Bouwer Page 3/4

Enhanced revenue streams by diversifying product offerings and introducing seasonal promotions tailored to customer preferences.

Developed and implemented robust marketing initiatives that increased brand visibility and customer engagement. Leveraged digital marketing, local advertising, and community outreach programs to build a strong brand presence, resulting in a loyal customer base and increased foot traffic to the market.

Set operational performance and financial metrics, leveraging key performance indicators

(KPIs) to guide decision-making and strategic planning. As market conditions evolved, drove the adaptation and evolution of these metrics to ensure continued sustainability and growth of the business, enabling management teams to effectively respond to shifting consumer demands.

Built and nurtured strategic partnerships with local farmers and suppliers, ensuring a reliable source of high-quality fresh produce. Negotiated favourable terms and conditions, fostering long-term relationships that supported the market's mission of promoting local agriculture while enhancing product quality and variety.

Conducted thorough market analysis to identify emerging trends, competitive positioning, and customer needs. Utilised insights gained to adapt business strategies, ensuring alignment with market demands and maintaining a competitive edge in the fresh produce sector.

Implemented advanced supply chain management practices that optimised inventory turnover and reduced operational costs. Established processes for efficient ordering and logistics, resulting in improved cash flow and sustainability in operations. Cultivated a culture of excellence and accountability through the development of comprehensive training programs and succession plans. Designed and implemented targeted training initiatives that focus on enhancing employee skills in customer service, product knowledge, and operational procedures. Established succession planning frameworks to identify and develop high-potential employees, ensuring a robust pipeline of talent for key leadership positions and fostering a sense of ownership and career development among staff.

PRIOR TENURES

Mpumalanga Freight February 2006 to November 2015

Owner

Developed and implemented comprehensive operational procedures to ensure efficient freight movement, from initial client inquiries to final delivery. Focused on optimising routes, reducing transit times, and enhancing overall service quality to meet customer expectations.

Oversaw all financial aspects of the business, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting. Monitored key financial metrics to ensure profitability and sustainability, identifying areas for cost reduction and revenue enhancement.

Cultivated and maintained relationships with key stakeholders, including suppliers, logistics partners, and regulatory bodies. Negotiated contracts and agreements that ensured competitive pricing and service levels while complying with industry regulations. Designed and executed targeted marketing campaigns to promote services and expand the customer base. Leveraged digital marketing, direct outreach, and industry networking to attract new clients and retain existing ones.

Navigated the complexities of transportation regulations and compliance requirements, ensuring that all operations adhered to local and national laws. Implemented safety protocols and training programs to minimise risks and enhance operational safety. Oversaw the maintenance and management of the company’s fleet of vehicles, ensuring optimal performance and compliance with safety standards. Developed preventative maintenance schedules to minimise downtime and extend the lifespan of assets. Curriculum Vitae of Derek Hugo Bouwer Page 4/4

Managed recruitment, training, and development of staff, focusing on building a skilled and motivated team. Established performance metrics and conducted regular evaluations to foster a culture of accountability and excellence. Leveraged technology to improve operational efficiency, such as adopting transportation management systems (TMS) to streamline logistics processes. Analysed data to enhance decision-making and operational performance.

Monitored industry trends and competitive landscape to adapt business strategies accordingly. Evaluated new opportunities for service offerings and market expansion, ensuring the company remained competitive and relevant. EARLIER CAREER SYNOPSIS

Lowveld Fruit and Veg [Fresh Produce Distribution Business] 1992 to 2005 Owner

Eastern Transvaal Truck Centre 1987 to 1992

Sales Manager

HOLISTIC SKILLS PORTFOLIO

Growth Mindset: Infuses strategic

planning with a forward-looking vision,

continuously seeking new opportunities

and innovative approaches to drive future

success.

People Centricity: Embodies a dedication

to understanding and prioritising the

needs and motivations of individuals, both

within the organisation and in the

marketplace. Drives collaborative success

and ensures that every strategy and

initiative aligns with the human element

at its core.

Challenges the Status Quo: Consistently

questions existing paradigms and seeks to

redefine standards and practices. Takes a

proactive stance in challenging

conventional approaches, fostering a

culture of innovation, and leading

transformative changes that enhance

competitive positioning.

Cultural Intelligence: Skilled in navigating

and managing cross-cultural dynamics,

enhancing team collaboration and driving

initiatives within diverse environments.

Thrives in Ambiguity: Navigates

uncertain and evolving environments with

composure and insight. Embraces

ambiguity as an opportunity to develop

agile strategies and manage risks

effectively, ensuring robust decision-

making and adaptability in the face of

changing circumstances.

Achievement Focused: Cultivates a

dynamic and inclusive organisational

culture that supports and accelerates

goals. Fosters an environment of

collaboration and empowerment, driving

collective progress and achieving

ambitious objectives through a shared

commitment to transformation.

PERSONAL DETAILS

Nationality South African

Languages English Afrikaans

Driver’s Licence Code 14

References & Certificates Presented upon request

Availability Immediately

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