Andrea Neumann
Product Owner
Johannesburg
Summary
Experienced with developing and executing brand strategies that align with business goals. Utilizes market research and consumer insights to inform brand positioning and marketing tactics. Track record of leading cross-functional teams to deliver cohesive and impactful brand experiences.
Overview
3
3
Languages
2
2
Certifications
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Head of Brand Development
Consulting
02.2025 - Current
- Lead digital and brand initiatives for clients across multiple industries.
- Gather business requirements and translate business objectives into actionable project plans.
- Manage stakeholder communication and project delivery across multiple workstreams.
- Coordinate the delivery of digital, marketing, and branding initiatives.
- Provide strategic guidance to clients on brand positioning, digital presence, and growth opportunities.
Product Owner
Discovery Invest
05.2021 - 12.2024
- Supported the delivery and ongoing enhancement of Cogence, a discretionary fund management platform developed through a strategic partnership between Discovery and BlackRock.
- Worked alongside a Senior Product Owner to support roadmap planning, feature prioritisation, and product delivery.
- Gathered, analysed, and refined business requirements into user stories and actionable backlog items.
- Maintained and prioritised the product backlog to support business objectives and customer needs.
- Collaborated closely with developers, UX designers, architects, testers, and business teams throughout the product lifecycle.
- Used Google Analytics and internal reporting tools to support product decisions and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Key Achievements
- Contributed to the successful launch of Cogence through the strategic partnership between Discovery and BlackRock.
- Supported the delivery of South Africa's first global discretionary fund management offering.
- Assisted in integrating Vitality behavioural insights into the investment experience to create a differentiated retirement solution.
- Collaborated with design and development teams to improve platform usability and simplify complex investment processes.
- Supported the implementation of digital onboarding and training capabilities for advisers and users.
- Contributed to the continuous improvement of Agile delivery practices within the product team.
Head of Brand Development
Barcelos
01.2019 - 04.2021
- Conducted market research to support franchise expansion and growth opportunities.
- Worked closely with senior leadership to provide strategic marketing insights and recommendations.
- Created and implemented training content and communication material to support brand consistency.
- Managed photography and visual content for national and international brand campaigns.
- Supported customer experience improvements through research and user-focused initiatives.
- Led comprehensive brand strategy initiatives, enhancing market positioning and customer engagement.
- Developed and implemented innovative marketing campaigns, driving brand awareness and loyalty.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure cohesive brand messaging across all platforms.
Head of Content Creation
Rubix Cube Digital Agency
01.2018 - 03.2021
- Developed and implemented digital marketing campaigns across multiple brands.
- Managed content creation, copywriting, graphic design, and campaign execution activities.
- Created brand identities and communication strategies for clients across various industries.
- Supported campaign performance through content optimisation and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Developed innovative content strategies that increased audience engagement and brand visibility.
- Led a team of content creators, ensuring high-quality output and adherence to deadlines.
- Conducted market research to inform content direction, resulting in targeted messaging and improved relevance.
Senior Relationship Manager
NJIN Digital Agency
01.2017 - 12.2020
- Managed relationships between clients and internal delivery teams.
- Gathered requirements and translated client needs into actionable project plans.
- Coordinated project delivery while balancing timelines, resources, and stakeholder expectations.
- Identified opportunities to improve client outcomes and campaign performance.
- Worked closely with creative, development, and marketing teams to ensure successful project execution.
- Developed and maintained strategic relationships with key clients, enhancing loyalty and retention.
- Led cross-functional teams to implement client-focused solutions, resulting in improved service delivery.
- Analyzed client feedback to identify service improvements, driving enhanced user experience and engagement.
Retail Administrator & Marketing Assistant
Polo
01.2016 - 12.2017
- Managed sales reporting and operational administration for multiple retail locations to enhance data accuracy and streamline processes.
- Assisted in execution of national and local marketing initiatives to increase brand visibility and engagement.
- Managed sales reporting and operational administration across multiple retail locations.
- Supported merchandising and customer experience activities across stores to optimize product presentation and enhance shopper satisfaction.
- Supported merchandising and customer experience activities across stores.
Education
LLB - Law
UNISA
University Of South Africa01-2019
Brand Building - Brand Building
Vega School
Johannesburg, South Africa 04.2001 -
National Senior Certificate -
Sasolburg High School
Sasolburg, South Africa12-2014
Skills
Brand strategy development
Brand identity strategy
Consumer insights analysis
Campaign management
Partnership development
Performance analytics
Backlog management
Feature prioritization
User story development
Sprint planning
Agile methodology
Cross-functional collaboration
Stakeholder communication
Lifecycle management
Certification
Certified Product Owner
Timeline
Head of Brand Development
Consulting
02.2025 - Current
Certified Product Owner
12-2024
Certificate in Generative AI
12-2024
Product Owner
Discovery Invest
05.2021 - 12.2024
Head of Brand Development
Barcelos
01.2019 - 04.2021
Head of Content Creation
Rubix Cube Digital Agency
01.2018 - 03.2021
Senior Relationship Manager
NJIN Digital Agency
01.2017 - 12.2020
Retail Administrator & Marketing Assistant
Polo
01.2016 - 12.2017
Brand Building - Brand Building
Vega School
04.2001 -
LLB - Law
UNISA
National Senior Certificate -
Sasolburg High School