Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Residentialaddress
Computerliteracy
Othercoursescompleted
Specialachievements
Occupation
Personal Information
References
Languages
Timeline
Generic
Durall Sebastian

Durall Sebastian

Research & Analytics
Johannesburg

Summary

With over 15 years of experience in client research, I have consistently driven impactful change by shaping strategic business decisions through data-driven insights. As Research, Insights, and Analytics Manager at Rand Merchant Bank, I led numerous customer-centric research initiatives and helped foster a client-focused culture across 19 regions during my tenure at Standard Bank CIB.

Since joining IQbusiness Insights as an Insights Lead and Specialist, I’ve gained a dual perspective—both from a client and agency standpoint—allowing me to approach client needs with a uniquely holistic view. I lead a team delivering end-to-end research solutions, including client satisfaction surveys, brand tracking, and product testing for major South African blue-chip companies.

Recognised for my results-driven approach, strong work ethic, and problem-solving skills, I’ve been nominated for awards and identified as key talent in previous roles. I am eager to contribute my expertise in delivering actionable insights and building strong client relationships to your team.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience

Work History

Insights Lead and Specialist

IQbusiness Insights
3 2023 - Current
  • Spearhead research and insights for blue-chip companies, guiding research design, analytics, data visualisation, and storytelling to meet client needs
  • Led a team, fostering skills in research and insights, while delivering high-quality, clear insights under pressure across multiple accounts: Cultivated strong client relationships, gaining deep business and industry understanding
  • Led Client Satisfaction Research, mentoring staff to meet corporate client needs
  • Directed community-based research for South African blue-chip companies
  • End-to-end management of diverse studies, including brand tracking, pack testing, FMCG and Financial Services product testing, and price elasticity testing, delivering valuable insights and ensuring successful execution.

Research, Insights and Analytics Manager

Rand Merchant Bank
11.2021 - 02.2023
  • Advanced strategic brand, marketing, and client insights through data analytics and business engagement
  • Deliverables include: Led CSI and Brand Health projects across South Africa and Africa for RMB and FNB across CIB, Commercial, SME, and Retail segments
  • Managed end-to-end implementation of a real-time Client Feedback portal
  • Conducted client research to assess RMB’s CX promise and identify behaviours needed to align with CX principles
  • Analysed user experience on RMB’s online RSVP portal and evaluated event performance against strategic objectives
  • Measured client experience at flagship events and assessed RMB Brand Campaigns
  • Delivered bespoke client research using RMB’s online survey tool.

Strategic Insights Analyst

Standard Bank Corporate and Investment Bank
11.2008 - 11.2021
  • Led end-to-end management of Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) projects across South Africa and other African countries
  • Identified areas for improvement, facilitating workshops to address client expectations
  • Developed an early warning system to improve client retention by identifying potential defectors
  • Integrated client ratings into staff performance evaluations, driving a shift in service culture
  • Managed subcontractors, designed questionnaires, conducted data analysis, and created dashboards
  • Presented findings and recommendations to executives, customising data for different business areas
  • These projects enhanced client retention and helped shape the bank’s client-centric strategy.

Business Consultant

Standard Bank Corporate and Investment Bank
01.2008 - 11.2008
  • Conducted data analysis on a new automated debit order product, identifying optimal debit dates and strategies for consecutive debits
  • Developed an Excel-based billing engine using complex mathematical logic and advanced functions
  • Mapped workflows for New Business Online system and African Transactional Gateway product
  • Analysed fraud cases and identified root causes
  • Conducted socio-economic research to support Standard Bank’s market entry into African countries.

Education

University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, Pietermaritzburg Campus

Skills

Strong team player

Strategic thinker - converting insights into corrective actions

Analytical

Problem solving abilities

Presenting

Client experience

Project management

Quantitative and qualitative research

Stakeholder management

Detail orientated

Multitasking

Residentialaddress

76 2nd Avenue, Linden, Johannesburg, 2195

Computerliteracy

Intermediate, Advanced, Advanced, Advanced

Othercoursescompleted

  • Leadership training at Standard Bank’s Global Leadership Centre
  • Mechanics of Financial Markets
  • Firstb@nk Simulation Programme

Specialachievements

  • Recognised as key talent for retention during performance appraisals at RMB
  • Consistently recognised as key talent during performance appraisals at Standard Bank for exceeding expectations over multiple consecutive years

Occupation

Insights Lead and Specialist

Personal Information

  • ID Number: 8404025305083
  • Ethnicity: Coloured
  • Date of Birth: 04/02/84
  • Nationality: South African

References

  • Diedre Moller, Head Client Insights, True, Standard Bank, 083 303 2830, Diedre.Moller@standardbank.co.za
  • Laurell Roelofsz, Client Insights Manager, True, Standard Bank, 082 922 4810, Laurell.Roelofsz@standardbank.co.za
  • Jason Moss, Executive Head: Data, Analytics and Insights, True, Standard Bank, 084 403 6082, Jason.Moss@standardbank.co.za
  • Jefferson Murdoch, Relationship Manager, True, RMB, 083 469 3061

Languages

English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Afrikaans
Intermediate (B1)

Timeline

Research, Insights and Analytics Manager

Rand Merchant Bank
11.2021 - 02.2023

Strategic Insights Analyst

Standard Bank Corporate and Investment Bank
11.2008 - 11.2021

Business Consultant

Standard Bank Corporate and Investment Bank
01.2008 - 11.2008

Insights Lead and Specialist

IQbusiness Insights
3 2023 - Current

University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, Pietermaritzburg Campus
Durall SebastianResearch & Analytics