ANDREAS HADJIDIMITRIADIS
Benoni
Summary
Marketing and communications leader with 15+ years of experience delivering product strategy and sales growth in lubricants and energy. Proven track record of increasing market share, launching new products, and negotiating multi-million-rand supply contracts. Managed marketing budgets and executed promotional campaigns to strengthen customer relationships and support commercial objectives.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
Work History
Strategic Initiatives Manager
African Group Lubricants
01.2022 - 08.2026
- Spearheaded market development initiatives to generate new business opportunities for ExxonMobil (PCIM & Strategic Global Accounts), Chemicals, and Quaker Houghton.
- Directed strategic projects to align with corporate objectives and fulfill MOP (Marketing Opportunity Potential) requirements.
- Oversaw the selection and contract negotiations for AGL's distributors and resellers across South Africa and AOBE.
- Initiated the development of all new products for local blending to achieve Market Localisation of the MOBIL Brand.
- Authored business cases that justified local blending for ExxonMobil, securing essential price support.
- Successfully introduced an additional 40 SKUs for the local blending of the MOBIL Brand.
- Managed a major project milestone for AGL, establishing the company as the first third-party blender for the TOYOTA Brand lubricant - TOYOTA GO SUPER 75W90.
- Negotiated two RFQs and secured contract supplies of lubricants to Transnet, valued at R66 million.
- Negotiated and finalised the contract from ExxonMobil Chemical for the distributorship of Mobil Somentor 32 & 34, subsequently setting up the contract for supply to Hulamin.
Commercial & Marketing Manager - Southern Africa (South Africa, Namibia & Madagascar) Cluster
ExxonMobil
06.2020 - 11.2021
- Maximized distributor capabilities, driving sales of MOBIL across all lines of business to meet targets outlined in 1YSMP & MOP.
- Oversaw sales revenues, volumes, and gross margins for finished products sold to Lubes Distributors.
- Lead & coordinated 5 Year Sales & Marketing plan with Sales, Marketing, Supply chain, and Logistics stakeholders.
- Implemented price adjustments for products to align with market trends.
- Proactively assisted ExxonMobil newest Distributor Galana (Madagascar) attain 4% Market Share within 3 years.
- Launch MOBIL Passenger Vehicle offering successfully with the APS channel (Retail space)
- Developed distributor capabilities through collaboration with sales, marketing, and engineering, leading to effective solutions for lubrication challenges.
- Implemented targeted marketing programs, resulting in increased sales and volumes.
- Successful negotiated extensions of LDA (Lube Distributor Agreement) contracts with South Africa and Namibia Distributors. Extend AGL LBA (Local Blending Agreement) for MOBIL & CAT branded lubricants.
- Negotiated the Glencore KCC contract successfully.
- Process management of change 38 SKUs MOBIL local blend
Market Development Manager AFRICA
ExxonMobil
05.2018 - 05.2020
- Launched the ExxonMobil Commercial Vehicle Lubricants brand, Mobil Delvac, a joint venture with Michelin at its MSTC sites, executing a 360-degree campaign that yielded a 211% ROI, exceeding the planned ROI by 111%.
- Managed Marketing Communications budget of $1.5 million, achieving a 20% cost saving while fulfilling all media and marketing plans.
- Developed launched a 360-master brand campaign with Mo Salah as the MOBIL Brand Ambassador during the African Cup of Nations in June 2019, resulting in a 48% incremental increase in flagship product sales & 4% ROI in Morocco, Tunisia, and Nigeria.
- Managed 5-year marketing and communication plans for distributors in AME (OLA, EMALU, & 11plc Nigeria) under 1YSMP for Galana (Madagascar), ensuring alignment with regional objectives.
- Identified and assessed quality of business leads within target sectors and channels, aligning with MOBIL strategies and 1YSMP to enhance market penetration.
- Onboarded Centlube/AGL for local blending operations using Project Management Information System.
- Conducted seminars and training sessions for Distributor customers on MOBIL Industrial product offering in Mining, PowerGen, and Cement sectors across Morocco, Cote d'Ivoire, and Kenya, boosting product knowledge and engagement.
- Launched & implemented an online APP for the Mining Customer in South Africa, earning the ExxonMobil Marketing Unrivaled Excellence Award.
- Executed dual promotional events with Red Bull (F1 Sponsors) across Southern Africa and AME.
Marketing Manager - South Africa & Namibia
ExxonMobil
08.2014 - 04.2018
- Successfully re-launched Mobil Lubricants into the South African market.
- Generated brand awareness for Mobil's re-entry into South Africa and Namibia through trade shows, press, and public relations initiatives.
- Coordinated local marketing and communication activities as in-country marketing focal point for ExxonMobil Lubricants Global Business Unit, increasing brand visibility and engagement.
- Developed and executed comprehensive 1-Year Sales and Marketing Plans and Marketing Calendars.
- Developed successful 1YSMP (1-year sales and marketing) plans for South African and Namibian distributors.
- Guided distributors on analysed lead effectiveness to determine return on investment and tracked lead closure rates, supporting initial sales growth through targeted marketing strategies. Recognised with ExxonMobil Marketing Unrivaled Excellence Award for contributions to sales growth and brand presence.
- Ensured strict adherence to MARCOM (Marketing Communications) budget requirements and controls.
Regional Marketing Support Manager AFRICA
Puma Energy
05.2011 - 06.2014
- Led communication, marketing, and business development initiatives for Puma Energy Fuel & Lubricants, managing Castrol brand across African market to strengthen market presence.
- Directed marketing campaigns to enhance brand visibility and engage customers, contributing to increased market share.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure marketing strategies were aligned with overarching business objectives.
- Developed promotional materials for product launches, supporting sales initiatives and driving customer interest.
B2B Activation Manager
BPSA/Castrol
08.2010 - 05.2011
- Spearheaded development of marketing and activation strategies for Mining, Industrial, AGRI, and Heavy-Duty Channels; managed Africa Distributor Network, providing B2B support, communications, and marketing for Castrol Brand.
- Led cross-functional teams in implementing operational improvements for product distribution, enhancing service delivery.
- Managed inventory levels to ensure consistent product availability for customer demands.
- Developed training programmes for staff, enhancing skills and knowledge to improve team capabilities.
World Cup Project Manager
BPSA/Castrol
01.2008 - 08.2010
- Oversaw events and campaigns for Castrol across South Africa and Africa, enhancing brand visibility and engagement.
- Coordinated cross-functional project team to ensure timely delivery of all project deliverables, meeting Global Business Unit requirements.
- Developed detailed project plans and schedules to meet all Global Business Unit (GBU) requirements.
- Facilitated stakeholder communication for project updates and feedback, ensuring transparency and collaboration.
Project Manager - Special Projects Brand Assets
FIFA
04.2006 - 01.2008
- Led collaboration with FIFA Brand Team, Local Organizing Committee, Host Cities, and Event Sponsors to align and implement FIFA brand assets and communication strategies for FIFA World Cup 2010 in South Africa.
- Managed project timelines and resources, ensuring successful execution of major international events.
- Coordinated with stakeholders to achieve consensus on project objectives, enhancing project alignment.
Activation Specialist Consultant
SA 2010 World Cup Local Organization Committee
Johannesburg
01.2003 - 02.2006
Account Director
VWV Group
Johannesburg
06.1997 - 01.2003
- Developed client strategies that increased brand visibility and engagement.
- Cultivated strong client relationships through ongoing communication and feedback sessions.
- Led client engagement strategies to strengthen relationships and enhance satisfaction.
- Developed comprehensive account plans to align services with client needs.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams to deliver integrated solutions for clients.
Client Service Manager
Ideadata
Johannesburg
01.1990 - 05.1997
- Managed client accounts to deliver timely service and enhance client satisfaction, fostering strong relationships through regular communication.
- Coordinated project timelines and resources to align with client expectations while successfully managing Anglo-American 75th Anniversary - First International Roadshow.
- Managed client accounts to ensure satisfaction and retention.
- Developed strong relationships with key stakeholders and decision-makers.
- Coordinated communication between clients and internal teams for seamless service.
Education
Certificate - Public Relations & Communications: Marketing Management and Research
University of Cape Town
Cape Town, South Africa01-2015
MaST - Management Development Program (MDP), Business Administration and Management
Johannesburg, South Africa09-1993
Skills
- Project management
- Strategic planning
- Market analysis
- Market research
- Product Strategy
- Business development
- Sales strategy
- Digital marketing
- Digital marketing communications
- Budget Control
- Stakeholder analysis
- Stakeholder relations
- Vendor management
- Contract negotiation
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Cross-functional teamwork
- Effective communication
- Presentation Skills
- Relationship Building
- Brand management
- Data analysis
- Competitive analysis
- Market Share Growth
- Business planning
- CRM
- Conflict resolution
- Leadership skills
- Digital marketing
- Market research
Personal Information
Title: Communications Manager
Timeline
Strategic Initiatives Manager
African Group Lubricants
01.2022 - 08.2026
Commercial & Marketing Manager - Southern Africa (South Africa, Namibia & Madagascar) Cluster
ExxonMobil
06.2020 - 11.2021
Market Development Manager AFRICA
ExxonMobil
05.2018 - 05.2020
Marketing Manager - South Africa & Namibia
ExxonMobil
08.2014 - 04.2018
Regional Marketing Support Manager AFRICA
Puma Energy
05.2011 - 06.2014
B2B Activation Manager
BPSA/Castrol
08.2010 - 05.2011
World Cup Project Manager
BPSA/Castrol
01.2008 - 08.2010
Project Manager - Special Projects Brand Assets
FIFA
04.2006 - 01.2008
Activation Specialist Consultant
SA 2010 World Cup Local Organization Committee
01.2003 - 02.2006
Account Director
VWV Group
06.1997 - 01.2003
Client Service Manager
Ideadata
01.1990 - 05.1997
Certificate - Public Relations & Communications: Marketing Management and Research
University of Cape Town