ALITA MAHARAJ
Johannesburg,South Africa
Summary
Accomplished marketing leader with expertise in regional marketing leadership and field and channel marketing. Proven track record in executive stakeholder management and revenue growth strategies, driving demand generation initiatives and executing go-to-market strategies. Skilled in partner ecosystem development, team leadership and mentorship, budget management, and ROI analysis. Adept at digital and integrated marketing, strategic planning and execution, with a focus on cross-functional collaboration to achieve business objectives. Committed to leveraging skills for continued professional growth within dynamic environments.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work history
Head of Marketing – CEMEA
SUSE
2021.04 - 2026.05
- Lead regional marketing strategy and execution across Central Eastern Europe, Middle East, Africa region align marketing initiatives with business growth objectives and sales pipeline targets.
- Lead regional field, channel, partner, and digital marketing strategy across multiple geographies.
- Manage integrated GTM campaigns focused on pipeline generation, customer engagement, and partner ecosystem growth.
- Drive measurable marketing contribution to pipeline and revenue targets.
- Partner closely with executive sales leadership to align marketing investments with strategic business priorities.
- Lead regional events, executive engagement programs, partner initiatives, and customer marketing activities.
- Mentor and develop marketing team members across the region.
- Manage agency, vendor, and partner relationships while overseeing regional marketing budgets and ROI reporting.
- Key Responsibilities & Achievements
Marketing & Communications Lead – MEA
Hitachi Vantara
2017.01 - 2021.01
- Led strategic field, digital, and channel marketing initiatives across the Middle East and Africa region.
- Developed and executed regional marketing strategies aligned to revenue and pipeline objectives.
- Managed integrated partner marketing initiatives and alliance GTM programs.
- Led regional communications, PR, digital campaigns, and executive engagement activities.
- Managed and mentored regional marketing resources and interns.
- Highlights
Inbound & Field Marketing Manager – EUSO & SSA
Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise
2014.01 - 2017.01
- Led inbound marketing, digital demand generation, and regional field marketing initiatives across Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Latin America.
New Business & Channel Marketing Manager – MEA
Symantec
2013.01 - 2014.01
- Managed partner and channel marketing programs across the Middle East and Africa, driving pipeline generation and partner engagement initiatives.
Marketing Leadership Roles – MEA & SSA
IBM
2008.01 - 2013.01
- Held multiple marketing leadership and brand management roles focused on demand generation, digital transformation, partner marketing, and market growth initiatives across the Middle East and Africa.
- Managed multimillion-dollar partner marketing investments.
- Delivered significant pipeline contribution through integrated marketing campaigns.
- Led digital marketing transformation initiatives and strategic market programs.
- Key Highlights
Education
B.Admin Degree - Marketing & Human Resource Management
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Durban12.2007
Skills
- Regional marketing leadership
- Field and channel marketing
- Executive stakeholder management
- Revenue growth strategies
- Partner ecosystem development
- Demand generation initiatives
- Go-to-market strategy execution
- Team leadership and mentorship
- Budget management and ROI analysis
- Digital and integrated marketing
- Strategic planning and execution
- Cross-functional collaboration
REFERENCES
Available upon request.
Accomplishments
- FY25 Global Field and Corporate Marketing award
- FY25 EMEA Q3 Marketing Manager of the Quarter
- Global Field & Partner Marketing Award – SUSE
- Hitachi Vantara Excellence/Appreciation Award
- EMEA Best Newcomer Award – Hitachi Vantara
- Brand Ambassador Award – Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise
- IBM WW Field Excellence Award
- IBM EMEA Excellence Award
- IBM Top Marketing Contributor Award
Timeline
Head of Marketing – CEMEA
SUSE
2021.04 - 2026.05
Marketing & Communications Lead – MEA
Hitachi Vantara
2017.01 - 2021.01
Inbound & Field Marketing Manager – EUSO & SSA
Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise
2014.01 - 2017.01
New Business & Channel Marketing Manager – MEA
Symantec
2013.01 - 2014.01
Marketing Leadership Roles – MEA & SSA
IBM
2008.01 - 2013.01
B.Admin Degree - Marketing & Human Resource Management
University of KwaZulu-Natal