Brett Thomas
Executive
Camps Bay
Summary
Business leader prepared for advancing organizational objectives and fostering high-performance culture. Proven record of driving strategic growth and enhancing operational efficiencies. Recognized for fostering team collaboration and adaptability in dynamic environments. Expert in strategic planning and financial management.
During my career, I have held a number of international executive sales and business development positions at organisations such as Samsung, Gijima, Dimension Data (I was part of the M & A executive team which led to DD being acquired by NTT), WDS (I was part of t6he initial M & A which ultimately led to the company being acquired by Xerox) and Apex BI (later acquired Adapt IT).
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
1990
1990
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Managing Director (EMEA)
QSXL Connect
Cape Town
06.2025 - Current
- Led the creation and implementation of comprehensive sales and marketing strategies, utilizing market research, data analytics, and CRM systems.
- Delivered consistent revenue growth by identifying new business opportunities and expanding service offerings.
- Strengthened client relationships with regular communication, timely project delivery, and high-quality services.
- Spearheaded global franchise expansion by empowering recruitment partners to leverage proprietary AI-driven methodologies, resulting in rapid market penetration and scalable revenue growth.
- Formed key partnerships with industry allies, navigating contract negotiations and executing collaboration agreements to secure initial customer pipeline and drive early revenue for the newly established location.
- Collaborated with software development teams by transferring client and partner market intelligence, enhancing the SaaS offering of the AI-driven recruitment platform.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams to align business goals with operational execution, enhancing collaboration and effectiveness across channel partners using enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
- Oversaw operations and provided corrective feedback to achieve daily and long-term goals.
- Expanded market presence through successful negotiation of key partnerships and acquisitions.
- Launched innovative products/services that captured new market share while maintaining competitive pricing structures.
- Implemented robust financial controls and reporting systems, ensuring accurate forecasting and budget management.
Chief Sales & Marketing Officer (Contract)
Apex BI
Durban
10.2020 - 03.2022
- Developed and implemented a multi-year sales and marketing strategy to enable extensive revenue growth and drive long-term sustainability across three continents, leveraging CRM systems and real-time analytics for performance tracking.
- Directed the transition from a fragmented direct and informal channel approach to an exclusive, formalized partner/channel model using CRM and enterprise resource planning systems.
- Applied cross-functional collaboration tools and digital marketing platforms to centralize and streamline internal sales processes, setting the stage for multi-year growth.
- Developed and executed a formalized partner/channel framework utilizing CRM and data analytics platforms to establish additional annuity revenue streams aligned with long-term revenue objectives.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams for product launches, resulting in higher market penetration and brand awareness.
- Designed and executed email marketing campaigns that increased open rates, click-through rates, and lead generation.
- Oversaw budget allocation for marketing campaigns, ensuring optimal resource utilization for maximum impact on sales targets.
- Provided training and mentorship to junior team members, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and high performance.
- Analyzed market trends to adapt sales strategies, ensuring consistent growth in a competitive landscape.
- Streamlined internal communication channels between sales and marketing departments for more effective collaboration towards common goals.
- Conducted detailed competitor analysis to identify unique selling points and opportunities for differentiation in the marketplace.
- Crafted compelling sales presentations tailored to individual client needs, enhancing conversion rates on proposals submitted.
- Utilized CRM systems to track sales performance metrics, identify areas for improvement, and inform future strategies for sustained growth.
- Cultivated and maintained strategic alliances with key partners and vendors.
Managing Partner (EMEA)
QSXL
Cape Town
01.2015 - 01.2020
- Initiated start up business and create self-sustaining region, recruit and train local staff and establish office presence.
- Develop strategy and continuously monitor it, adjust medium/long term strategy to meet the dynamic market - emphasis on SaaS strategy.
- Spearheading all sales and business development for the company, co-ordinate/leverage the associated sales and operational resources in 3 countries.
- Establish and support channel partners, creating parallel revenue streams for the company.
- Spearheaded successful client engagements resulting in repeat business and positive referrals from satisfied clients.
- Oversaw financial management of the firm, including budgeting, forecasting, and analysis, ensuring fiscal responsibility and profitability.
- Built strong networks with key stakeholders both internally and externally to support business growth objectives.
- Drove innovation initiatives that resulted in unique service offerings for clients while differentiating our firm from competitors in the industry.
- Developed comprehensive business plans that led to significant revenue growth and expansion opportunities.
- Streamlined internal processes for improved efficiency and productivity within the firm.
- Evaluated market trends to identify new business opportunities and develop targeted growth strategies accordingly.
- Championed change management initiatives that enhanced operational efficiency without compromising on service quality or employee satisfaction.
Managing Director (MEA)
Unison
Johannesburg
01.2009 - 01.2012
- Accurate P & L reporting to the shareholders of the company.
- Institute Change Management and rebuild management team.
- Cultivated a strong organizational culture built on integrity accountability teamwork which resulted in higher retention rates among staff.
- Optimized resource allocation for improved efficiency and profitability across all departments.
- Directed large-scale projects from inception to completion on time/budget with strict adherence to quality standards.
- Fostered an inclusive work environment by championing diversity initiatives and empowering employees at all levels.
- Championed process improvement initiatives to streamline workflows, reduce costs, and enhance productivity.
- Promoted a culture of continuous learning by investing in employee development programs and resources.
- Revitalized company's online presence, launching user-friendly website and engaging social media platforms.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction and loyalty by developing and implementing comprehensive customer service excellence program.
- Strengthened stakeholder relationships, providing regular updates and managing expectations through effective communication strategies.
- Enhanced team productivity with implementation of agile methodologies, fostering culture of continuous improvement.
- Drove company revenue growth, orchestrating effective sales and marketing strategy that targeted untapped markets.
- Led company through successful digital transformation, enhancing operational effectiveness and customer engagement.
- Developed comprehensive business plans, outlining long-term goals and actionable steps toward success.
- Oversee the creation of new innovative software product and develop sales pipeline, through new and existing customers.
- SaaS strategy for new product - mobile billing/reporting software.
- Develop new regions and markets, culminating in escalated revenue streams.
Country Manager (MEA)
WDS
Johannesburg
01.2006 - 01.2009
- Working in tandem with other regions and Country Managers to leverage unique benefits existing in each region to increase sales and margins.
- Regularly meet with key decision makers in Europe and APAC to develop business in the EMEA region.
- Managed budgets, financial planning, and forecasting to optimize profitability for the country operations.
- Established strong relationships with key industry players for business growth and expansion.
- Increased both revenue and GP in excess of targets, annually
- Maintain 24/7 call center for 2nd/3rd tier support, capture of BI for all major cellphone manufacturers.
- Provide strategic BA to clients creating downstream revenue for clients and WDS.
- Increase the active footprint and associated revenue in the EMEA region.
- Optimised resource allocation, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing costs.
- Increased market share by developing and implementing effective sales strategies.
- Delivered exceptional customer service by addressing client concerns promptly and effectively.
- Coached and mentored team members, fostering a culture of continuous learning and development.
- Managed cross-functional teams to ensure seamless operations and drive business objectives.
- Built a high-performing sales team through targeted recruitment, training, and performance management initiatives.
- Monitored performance metrics to assess progress towards goals, identifying areas for improvement as needed.
- Analysed market trends and competitor activities to inform strategic decision making.
Director: Sales & Marketing
Dimension Data
01.2004 - 01.2006
- Identify and remove redundant products being supported.
- Formulate a strategy to introduce a new business unit into the company which would offer the future foundation of company revenue.
- Re-structure the company and in particular the sales team, ramp up revenue.
- Design and implement a cost-effective and high-impact Marcom strategy for the group.
- Develop new channels and partners throughout EMEA and provide sales support.
- Developed and executed strategic plans, resulting in significant business growth. Revenue increased in excess of 50% during my tenure and margins remained consistent.
- Improved project efficiency with strategic planning, resource allocation, and time management practices.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
- Facilitated cross-functional collaboration for improved decision-making processes within the organisation.
- Evaluated employee performance objectively using established metrics, leading to fair compensation adjustments based on meritocracy principles.
- Boosted client satisfaction rates through exceptional relationship management and prompt resolution of issues.
- Spearheaded innovative approaches to resource allocation and strategic planning.
- Leveraged data analytics insights for informed decision-making in critical areas such as sales forecasting, budgeting, or personnel management.
G.M: Sales & Marketing
AST Networks
01.2001 - 01.2004
- Revenue and GP targets were met and exceeded during my tenure, AST Networks also became the most profitable BU.
- Conducted comprehensive competitor analyses to identify market trends and capitalised on emerging opportunities.
- Acquired and integrated Philips Business Solutions into the AST Group.
- Leverage the Philips client base to create new business development for a host of other solutions developed by AST.
- Develop and oversee local and global supplier network.
- Increase revenue output of existing channels and partners, add new ones.
- Create a marketing strategy and budget which was linear to growth.
- Boosted customer satisfaction by implementing effective communication strategies and addressing concerns promptly.
- Enhanced employee retention, providing ongoing training and development opportunities.
- Achieved sales targets consistently by employing persuasive negotiation techniques and building strong relationships with key clients.
- Delivered exceptional customer experiences through personalized service offerings tailored to individual preferences.
- Championed staff performance recognition initiatives, promoting a culture of continuous learning and professional development within the organization.
- Reduced costs with thorough budget analysis and strategic financial planning.
- Streamlined operations for increased efficiency by identifying areas of improvement in workflow processes.
- Fostered a positive work environment to improve team morale and productivity levels.
- Increased market share through strategic partnerships and alliances with complementary businesses in the industry.
- Led organizational restructuring efforts aimed at improving overall efficiency and cost effectiveness.
- Monitored financial performance, set budgets and controlled expenses to provide financial stability and long-term organizational growth.
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Maximized operational excellence mentoring personnel on management principles, industry practices, and company procedures.
- Drove year-over-year business growth while leading operations, strategic vision, and long-range planning.
- Managed budget implementations, employee evaluations, and contract details.
- Implemented business strategies, increasing revenue, and effectively targeting new markets.
- Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new organization.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
- Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
G.M: Sales & Marketing
Global Telematics
01.1999 - 01.2001
- Led organisational restructuring efforts aimed at improving overall efficiency
- Negotiated favorable contracts with suppliers, securing competitive pricing without compromising on product quality or service delivery standards.
- Restructuring the sales team as the company was running at a loss.
- Turned the company around through increased sales, met and exceeded all ensuing targets set for my team.
- Increase the channel and partner business with the appointment of more effective partners.
- Drive vendor costs down to assist the recovery of G.P margins.
- Conducted comprehensive competitor analyses to identify market trends and capitalize on emerging opportunities.
- Reported issues to higher management with great detail.
- Identified and qualified customer needs and negotiated and closed profitable projects with high success rate.
- Implemented innovative programs to increase employee loyalty and reduce turnover.
- Tracked trends and suggested enhancements to both challenge and refine company's product offerings.
- Reduced financial inconsistencies while assessing and verifying billing invoices and expense reports.
- Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
- Boosted customer satisfaction by implementing effective communication strategies and addressing concerns promptly.
- Achieved sales targets consistently by employing persuasive negotiation techniques and building strong relationships with key clients.
- Championed staff performance recognition initiatives, promoting a culture of continuous learning and professional development within the organization.
- Reduced costs with thorough budget analysis and strategic financial planning.
Sales Manager
Samsung
01.1994 - 01.1999
- Help establish an office as Samsung had just entered South Africa.
- Develop a partner and channel network from the ground up.
- Develop business and take market share from the two biggest players - Sony and Panasonic at the time.
- Develop a full retail channel with all the major local retailers.
- Meet aggressive growth and revenue targets set by Samsung.
Education
Some College (No Degree) - Marketing & Management (Incomplete)
Institute of Marketing & Management
Durban, South AfricaMatric/A Levels - undefined
Glenwood High School
01.1979 - 01.1984
Skills
Timeline
Managing Director (EMEA)
QSXL Connect
06.2025 - Current
Chief Sales & Marketing Officer (Contract)
Apex BI
10.2020 - 03.2022
Managing Partner (EMEA)
QSXL
01.2015 - 01.2020
Managing Director (MEA)
Unison
01.2009 - 01.2012
Country Manager (MEA)
WDS
01.2006 - 01.2009
Director: Sales & Marketing
Dimension Data
01.2004 - 01.2006
G.M: Sales & Marketing
AST Networks
01.2001 - 01.2004
G.M: Sales & Marketing
Global Telematics
01.1999 - 01.2001
Sales Manager
Samsung
01.1994 - 01.1999
Matric/A Levels - undefined
Glenwood High School
01.1979 - 01.1984
Some College (No Degree) - Marketing & Management (Incomplete)
Institute of Marketing & Management