Hi, I’m
Catherine Gordon
Cape Town,WC
Summary
Detail-oriented and highly organized hospitality and events professional with over 20 years of experience in event coordination, guest relations, hotel operations, and global mobility services. Skilled in managing multiple projects under pressure while delivering exceptional customer service and operational excellence. Strong communicator with experience liaising with corporate clients, suppliers, international guests, and internal departments. Proficient in event management systems, client relations, accommodation coordination, and training junior staff.
Overview
1
Certification
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Taj Cape Town
Groups & Events Coordinator
04.2025 - 10.2025
Job overview
- Coordinated group bookings, accommodation, and event logistics
- Managed rooming lists and accommodation allocations
- Created event floor plans and room layouts
- Liaised with suppliers including florists, photographers, and entertainers
- Compiled weekly event sheets for operational departments
- Met clients on event days and ensured smooth event execution
- Managed deposits, invoicing, and outstanding payments
- Assisted with training and onboarding of new coordinators and interns
- Maintained and updated standard operating procedures
A24 Group Hospitality
Guest Relations Executive
05.2024 - 01.2025
Job overview
- Delivered exceptional guest service and resolved customer concerns efficiently
- Assisted guests with reservations, spa bookings, and local recommendations
- Coordinated with housekeeping, maintenance, and front office teams
- Managed online payment processing
- Collected guest feedback to improve service standards
- Provided personalized service to VIP and repeat guests
- Promoted hotel facilities, events, and loyalty programs
- (Benguela Cove, Leonardslee Gardens UK & Mannings Heath UK)
The Garden Spot and Landscape
Personal Assistant
03.2023 - 05.2024
Job overview
- Coordinated daily operations and schedules
- Facilitated smooth office operations by managing supplies inventory and overseeing maintenance requests.
- Managed travel arrangements including flights, accommodations, and itineraries for smooth business trips.
- Managed communication between departments to enhance teamwork and project execution.
- Organized company events and meetings, facilitating effective planning and logistics.
- Assisted in inventory management, optimizing supply chain processes for landscaping materials.
- Developed and maintained filing systems, improving information retrieval efficiency.
- Responded to emails and other correspondence to facilitate communication and enhance business processes.
- Displayed absolute discretion at handling confidential information.
Executive Relocations Africa & Middle East
Global Mobility Coordinator
02.2021 - 02.2023
Job overview
- Coordinated relocation services for expatriates across Africa and the Middle East
- Managed end-to-end mobility assignments including housing, schooling, and settling-in services
- Built strong relationships with corporate clients and service providers
- Coordinated lease negotiations, legal documentation, and vendor services
- Managed confidential client information and maintained SLA standards
- Oversaw payment coordination including rental and legal fees
- Maintained assignment records on the IRBSE system
- Ensured high-quality client service throughout assignment lifecycles
The Vineyard Hotel
Senior Events Coordinator
01.2001 - 07.2020
Job overview
- Managed conference and event bookings from quotation through execution
- Coordinated accommodation, venue bookings, and supplier management
- Conducted client meetings and venue site inspections
- Created room layouts and operational event documentation
- Managed invoicing, deposits, and payment follow-ups
- Trained and supervised new coordinators and interns
- Developed and maintained operational procedures
- Ensured high service standards across all events
Grande Roche Hotel & Victoria & Alfred Hotel
Hospitality Intern
01.1998 - 01.2000
Job overview
- Completed practical rotations across front office, reservations, housekeeping, food & beverage, laundry, and kitchen departments
- Gained operational hospitality experience through structured in-service training
Education
Cape Peninsula University of TechnologyCape Town, South Africa
National Diploma from Hospitality Management
01-2000
Skills
- Event & Conference Coordination
- Client Relationship Management
- Hospitality Operations
- Quotations & Booking Management
- Guest Relations & VIP Services
- Vendor & Supplier Coordination
- Microsoft Office & Outlook
- Cvent Meeting Management System
- Opera PMS & Opera Sales & Catering
- Micros Fidelio
- Team Training & Mentorship
- SOP Development & Process Improvement
- Invoice Management & Payment Coordination
- Time Management & Multitasking
- Multitasking and organization
- Customer service
- Data entry
- Decision-making
- Work Planning and Prioritization
- Relationship building
- MS office
- Project coordination
- Scheduling and calendar management
Certification
FIDI Academy: Cultural Awareness, EU GDPR, Compliance, POPIA Act, Protection of Data
Languages
English
Advanced (C1)
Timeline
Groups & Events Coordinator
Taj Cape Town
04.2025 - 10.2025
Guest Relations Executive
A24 Group Hospitality
05.2024 - 01.2025
Personal Assistant
The Garden Spot and Landscape
03.2023 - 05.2024
Global Mobility Coordinator
Executive Relocations Africa & Middle East
02.2021 - 02.2023
Senior Events Coordinator
The Vineyard Hotel
01.2001 - 07.2020
Hospitality Intern
Grande Roche Hotel & Victoria & Alfred Hotel
01.1998 - 01.2000
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
National Diploma from Hospitality Management