Courtney Williams
Johannesburg,Gauteng
Summary
Accomplished professional with extensive expertise in Brand & Portfolio Management, Go-to-Market & Launch Strategy, and Integrated Marketing Campaigns. Proven track record in Influencer & Talent Partnerships, Retail, Trade & Experiential Activation, and Commercial Planning & Forecasting. Adept at Budget & A&P Management and Stakeholder, Agency & Retailer Management.
Demonstrates strong Cross-Functional Leadership and Performance Tracking & Optimization skills. Known for being a confident decision-maker with a strong ownership mindset and strategic thinker with hands-on execution capability. Highly organised, detail-oriented, and deadline driven.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
2023
2023
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Brand Manager — Rabanne
The African Sales Company (ASCO)
Midrand
04.2024 - 12.2025
- Promoted to lead one of South Africa’s largest prestige fragrance brands during a critical period of business recovery and strategic refocus.
- Own end-to-end brand and launch strategy, from annual planning and forecasting through to execution across digital, influencer, PR, retail, and experiential touchpoints.
- Drive high-impact social and digital campaigns, significantly increasing brand visibility, share of voice, and relevance with younger consumer segments.
- Act as primary liaison between global brand teams, local agencies, sales, retail, and VM to ensure aligned, premium execution across all channels.
- Present brand strategy, launch plans, and performance updates at national conferences, retailer forums, and internal leadership meetings.
- Manage marketing budgets with strong commercial discipline, ensuring efficient spend and measurable return on investment.
Brand Manager — Cartier, Loewe, Ferragamo & GESKE
The African Sales Company (ASCO)
Midrand
07.2022 - 04.2024
- Led multiple luxury fragrance and skincare brands within a complex, multi-brand portfolio.
- Appointed project lead for the successful launch of GESKE (German holistic skincare brand) in South Africa, managing the process from market entry strategy to retail roll-out.
- Developed and executed trade, influencer, and digital marketing strategies in close collaboration with agencies and retail partners.
- Played a key role in launching LOEWE fragrances locally, including retailer sell-in, marketing planning, and execution.
- Implemented updated marketing and distribution strategies for Cartier fragrances to strengthen brand positioning and performance.
- Prepared and presented marketing calendars and brand strategies at retailer meetings and conferences.
- Managed brand budgets, forecasts, and performance tracking in partnership with planning and sales teams.
New Projects Coordinator
Dickon Hall Foods (LIBSTAR)
Southdale
01.2021 - 06.2022
- Managed end-to-end delivery of new product development and commercial projects within a fast-moving FMCG environment.
- Worked cross-functionally with sales, marketing, R&D, procurement, and operations to ensure timely and cost-effective execution.
- Built and managed detailed project plans, chaired regular NPD meetings, and tracked milestones against deadlines.
- Maintained strong B2B customer relationships through clear communication and delivery against agreed objectives.
Product Marketing Manager
Estée Lauder Companies
Kyalami
01.2017 - 12.2020
- Played a key role in the launch and establishment of the GLAMGLOW brand in South Africa, including retail, press, and influencer engagement.
- Led new product launches across multiple brands, managing forecasting, pricing strategy, cost of goods, discontinuations, and excess stock.
- Supported development and execution of annual marketing calendars and integrated launch campaigns.
- Contributed to differentiated channel and door growth strategies to improve productivity and performance.
- (Clinique, La Mer & GLAMGLOW)
Marketing Graduate / Intern
Estée Lauder Companies
Kyalami
01.2015 - 12.2016
- Supported marketing and sales teams in planning and execution of brand conferences and retailer strategy meetings.
- Produced sell-through and performance reports on new launches, partnering with sales teams to drive optimisation in-store.
- Managed procurement and distribution of marketing collateral across retail doors.
- (Smashbox, Jo Malone London & La Mer)
Communication Intern
L’Oréal Group
Woodmead
01.2013 - 12.2014
- Supported coordination of internal and external communication initiatives for employees and media stakeholders.
- Assisted with content creation for newsletters, email communications, and intranet platforms.
- Provided administrative support including diary management, meeting coordination, and travel arrangements.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Marketing Communications
University of Johannesburg
Johannesburg 01.2009 - 01.2012
Digital Marketing Certificate - Digital Marketing
Red & Yellow School of Business
JohannesburgSkills
- Brand & Portfolio Management
- Go-to-Market & Launch Strategy
- Integrated Marketing Campaigns (Digital, Influencer, Retail)
- Influencer & Talent Partnerships
- Retail, Trade & Experiential Activation
- Commercial Planning & Forecasting
- Budget & A&P Management
- Stakeholder, Agency & Retailer Management
- Cross-Functional Leadership
- Performance Tracking & Optimisation
- Confident decision-maker with strong ownership mindset
- Strategic thinker with hands-on execution capability
- Highly organised, detail-oriented, and deadline driven
- Credible communicator across senior stakeholders, retailers, and partners
- Adaptable leader with experience across luxury and FMCG sectors
Timeline
Brand Manager — Rabanne
The African Sales Company (ASCO)
04.2024 - 12.2025
Brand Manager — Cartier, Loewe, Ferragamo & GESKE
The African Sales Company (ASCO)
07.2022 - 04.2024
New Projects Coordinator
Dickon Hall Foods (LIBSTAR)
01.2021 - 06.2022
Product Marketing Manager
Estée Lauder Companies
01.2017 - 12.2020
Marketing Graduate / Intern
Estée Lauder Companies
01.2015 - 12.2016
Communication Intern
L’Oréal Group
01.2013 - 12.2014
Bachelor of Arts - Marketing Communications
University of Johannesburg
01.2009 - 01.2012
Digital Marketing Certificate - Digital Marketing
Red & Yellow School of Business