Barend Smit

• Lead digital marketing initiatives and act as the main point of contact for leadership, technology, product management, analytics, finance, and external vendors.
• Optimize website UX/UI design through extensive A/B testing, leading to higher visitor retention rates and increased conversions.
• Increased website traffic by implementing effective SEO strategies and optimizing web content.
• Developed and motivated high-performing team of digital marketers.
• Maximized online sales with the development of user-friendly e-commerce websites and targeted email marketing campaigns.
• Championed an agile project management approach within the digital department to improve efficiency and responsiveness to rapidly shifting market demands.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to deliver cohesive digital branding, ensuring consistency across all channels.
• Conducted competitor analysis regularly to stay ahead of industry trends and identify opportunities for differentiation within the market.
• Mentored junior digital team members, fostering professional growth and ensuring the consistent delivery of quality work.
• Managed relationships with external vendors such as creative agencies or software providers to ensure timely delivery of high-quality products/services at optimal costs.

Since joining the Motus Group in January 2016, I have made significant contributions in the field of innovation. In addition to my primary role, I became part of MX (Motus Innovation), dedicating 20% of my time as an Innovation Coach. In this capacity, I help lead innovation sprints, driving creative problem-solving, and fostering a culture of innovation within the organization.

• Enhanced collaboration between cross-functional teams for stronger ideation and faster product development.
• Organized impactful workshops and training sessions that enhanced employee skills related to creative problem-solving and design thinking methodologies.
• Coordinated multidisciplinary teams throughout the entire product lifecycle, from concept generation to commercialization.

• Responsible for building, marketing, and nurturing the brand.
• Key strategic focus areas include developing alternative revenue streams, developing the brand's e-commerce and mobile app strategies, implementing a customer lifecycle communication (CLC) program, and strengthening the customer value proposition.
• Operational focus on smart contextual marketing, quality lead generation, and data efficiency.
• Coordinated with creative team to generate dynamic marketing content and communication tools for promotional campaigns.
• Built strong relationships with industry professionals and influencers.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop innovative product launches and promotions.
• Mentored junior team members, fostering professional development within the organization.
• Spearheaded comprehensive rebranding initiative, resulting in enhanced market positioning and brand recognition.

• Helped clients create new business designs by connecting people, business, and things to drive efficiency and revenue.
• Improved company-wide communication regarding upcoming innovations, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Managed senior-level personnel working in marketing and sales capacities.
• Planned, created, tested and deployed system life cycle methodology to produce high quality systems to meet and exceed customer expectations.
• Leveraged data and analytics to make informed decisions and drive business improvements.

• Unlocked the power of email and mobile messaging, delivering electronic delivery solutions to increase customer adoption of paperless bills, statements, policies, marketing, and other high-volume system-generated documents.
• Presented progress reports to executive leadership, sharing insights on performance metrics and growth indicators.
• Strengthened client relationships through consistent communication and timely resolution of issues.
• Aligned departmental objectives with company-wide goals, ensuring a cohesive approach towards growth.
• Managed cross-functional teams to drive successful project completion and achieve organizational goals.

• Led strategic and innovative projects implementing mobile technology solutions for South Africa's blue-chip companies.
• Developed and implemented mobile and digital communication strategies, including a Personal Financial Management (PFM) strategy for Momentum Insurance.
• Handled sensitive information with discretion, maintaining confidentiality of company documents and personnel records.
• Coordinated office events and meetings, ensuring timely execution and optimal scheduling for all participants.
• Assisted in the recruitment process, conducting interviews and onboarding new employees to promote a seamless integration into the team dynamic.

• Helped clients reach or exceed their business objectives through consulting, designing, implementing, managing, and supporting IT infrastructure services and solutions.
• Generated new business with marketing initiatives and strategic plans.
• Reached out to potential customers via telephone, email, and in-person inquiries.
• Increased client base by identifying new business opportunities and cultivating strong relationships with key decisionmakers.