BECOMING A SENIOR BRAND MANAGER
Akhona Gondwana
Executive PA
Johannesburg
Summary
Proactive professional with extensive experience in executive assistance, project administration, event coordination, and office management. Skilled in managing executive calendars, coordinating corporate events, and overseeing office operations. Strong multi-tasking abilities and adaptability in fast-paced environments ensure efficient support for organizational objectives.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Office Manager/Receptionist
Wilmar SA
05.2022 - Current
- Front Office Management:
- Handle incoming and outgoing correspondence, ensuring timely communication.
- Office Operations & Administration:
- Independently track, purchase, and manage office supplies, ensuring optimal stock levels.
- Prepare reimbursement claims, process invoices, and maintain records for office expenses.
- Oversee the office budget, monitoring expenditures and suggesting cost-saving opportunities.
- Coordinate with external vendors for repairs, maintenance, and service requirements.
- Executive Support:
- Manage executive managers' calendars, scheduling meetings, conferences, and appointments.
- Organize and prepare travel arrangements for executive staff, including flights, accommodation, and itineraries.
- Assist with the preparation of business correspondence, presentations, and reports.
- Support HR functions such as onboarding new employees, maintaining employee records, and facilitating office communications.
- Event Planning & Coordination:
- Organize and coordinate internal and external company events, including logistics, venue selection, catering, and budgeting.
- Manage communication with event stakeholders to ensure smooth planning and execution.
Events Coordinator
MQQR Investments and Communications
01.2014 - 05.2017
- Planned and managed corporate events, ensuring all activities were within budget.
- Coordinated teams, service providers, and event logistics, ensuring seamless execution.
- Prepared event materials, including name tags, seating cards, and registration systems.
- Processed payments for vendors and contractors, maintaining accurate financial records.
Executive Assistant to Executive Manager
Trans Caledon Tunnel Authority
04.2009 - 11.2011
- Managed executive diaries, coordinated meetings, and handled travel arrangements.
- Assisted with drafting correspondence and updating project documentation.
- Organized departmental filing systems, ensuring efficient document retrieval.
- Coordinated and supported internal and external communications for the executive team.
Executive Assistant to CEO
iBurst
02.2008 - 08.2008
- Managed the CEO's schedule, correspondence, and travel itineraries.
- Assisted in preparing reports, board presentations, and meeting agendas.
- Liaised with stakeholders, providing administrative support and ensuring smooth office operations.
Marketing Secretary
Alexander Forbes
07.2007 - 11.2007
- Provided administrative support to the marketing team, including travel arrangements and event coordination.
- Assisted with database management and cold calling for client data collection.
- Organized client lunches and company functions.
Senior Secretary to General Manager
SABC
03.2006 - 02.2007
- Managed GM's diary, scheduled meetings, and arranged travel to optimize time management.
- Coordinated preparation of professional presentations and reports to enhance communication effectiveness.
- Supported GM in daily communications and streamlined office administration functions for improved workflow.
Education
Matric Certificate -
Khomanani College
Diploma - Marketing
IMM Graduate School
07-2026
Skills
Front office management
Administrative Support
Project & Event Coordination
Office Budget Management
Travel coordination
Diary & Calendar Management
Vendor management
Call handling
Client communication
Interests
Timeline
Office Manager/Receptionist
Wilmar SA
05.2022 - Current
Events Coordinator
MQQR Investments and Communications
01.2014 - 05.2017
Executive Assistant to Executive Manager
Trans Caledon Tunnel Authority
04.2009 - 11.2011
Executive Assistant to CEO
iBurst
02.2008 - 08.2008
Marketing Secretary
Alexander Forbes
07.2007 - 11.2007
Senior Secretary to General Manager
SABC
03.2006 - 02.2007
Diploma - Marketing
IMM Graduate School
Matric Certificate -
Khomanani College
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- References available upon request.
- Availability: 1 calendar month.