Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
LANGUAGES
Affiliations
Beekeeping
Work Availability
Timeline
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GARY PETERSEN

Cape Town,Western Cape

Summary

Entrepreneurial and results-driven founder and managing director with over 25 years of hands-on experience leading manufacturing operations and steering strategic growth. Adept at building respected brands and driving business performance through a strong commitment to quality, operational excellence, and innovation. Proven success in securing ISO 9001 certification and optimizing production with advanced MRP, and ERP systems. Skilled at managing complex, cross-border projects, and nurturing high-performing teams to consistently deliver premium products on time and within budget. Passionate about leveraging deep industry knowledge and leadership skills to unlock new opportunities, improve efficiencies, and deliver sustainable profitability for forward-thinking organizations.

Overview

29
29
years of professional experience

Work History

Founder & Managing Director

Beespoke Africa Beehives (Pty) Ltd
08.2021 - Current
  • Founded Beespoke Africa Beehives to design and supply innovative, eco-conscious beekeeping products tailored for the African market.
  • Conducted in-depth market research to validate demand, identify niche opportunities, and shape a differentiated value proposition.
  • Developed and executed a sustainable growth strategy focused on long-term customer engagement and product innovation.
  • Established strategic retail and digital distribution channels to build brand visibility and drive market penetration.
  • Positioned the company as a thought leader in sustainable beekeeping through education, community outreach, and online engagement.
  • Established strategic partnerships to enhance product distribution and market reach.
  • Developed innovative beekeeping solutions tailored to local agricultural needs.

Founder and Managing Director

Petersen's Lifestyle Furniture (Pty) Ltd
Cape Town
04.1996 - Current
  • Established and scaled Petersen's Lifestyle Furniture into a nationally and internationally recognized luxury brand, serving clients across Africa and Europe.
  • Led strategic operations that resulted in consistent year-over-year revenue growth, and secured ISO 9001:2000 certification, reinforcing quality and trust.
  • Implemented MRP and ERP systems to streamline production, achieving a measurable reduction in waste and operational costs, while improving delivery timelines.
  • Directed the successful launch of an export office in Zurich, expanding access to European markets, and increasing international sales.
  • Mentored cross-functional teams across production, procurement, and sales, cultivating a high-performance culture centered on quality, craftsmanship, and customer satisfaction.
  • Developed and executed business strategies to enhance market presence and profitability.
  • Led product innovation initiatives, resulting in expanded offerings and improved customer satisfaction.

Executive Director

Petersen's Mozambique
07.2018 - 02.2019
  • Led the end-to-end execution of a luxury furniture project for private villas in the Quirimbas Archipelago, from concept to on-site installation.
  • Established a fully functional workshop on Ibo Island by sourcing, importing, and commissioning specialized machinery under complex logistical conditions.
  • Supervised multidisciplinary teams through design, prototyping, and quality assurance phases, ensuring the delivery of bespoke, high-end pieces.
  • Delivered the full scope of the project on time and within budget, navigating remote operational challenges with strategic planning.
  • Ensured exceptional craftsmanship and client satisfaction by upholding rigorous quality standards throughout production and installation.
  • Directed strategic initiatives to enhance organizational effectiveness and operational efficiency.

Commercial Director

IGC Group Holland
09.2016 - 07.2018
  • Led high-value investment acquisition efforts to expand IGC Group's footprint in the luxury parasol and shade solutions sector.
  • Directed comprehensive sales and marketing campaigns, resulting in increased brand visibility and client acquisition across Europe.
  • Formulated strategic commercial plans to drive revenue growth and enhance market competitiveness.
  • Identified and capitalized on emerging business opportunities through rigorous market analysis and client engagement.
  • Collaborated with cross-border teams to align business objectives with regional market trends and consumer needs.
  • Directed commercial strategy to enhance market presence and drive revenue growth.
  • Led cross-functional teams in developing and executing business development initiatives.

Executive Director

Petersen's Ghana
02.2011 - 08.2016
  • Directed export operations for high-end furniture and joinery, expanding Petersen's footprint in West Africa through strategic market engagement.
  • Managed production workflows and logistics to ensure timely delivery and installation across multiple commercial and hospitality sites.
  • Contributed to the successful furnishing of landmark projects, including The Royal Senchi Hotel & Spa, and Standard Chartered Bank branches.
  • Coordinated cross-border shipments, navigating regional compliance, and customs to ensure seamless distribution.
  • Maintained strict quality control and customer satisfaction standards, reinforcing brand reputation in the Ghanaian luxury market.
  • Oversaw financial management, ensuring budget compliance and resource allocation aligned with strategic goals.

Education

Post-Graduate Law Studies (LLB) - International Law, Business, Trade, Commerce

University of Cape Town
Cape Town, South Africa

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - International Politics, Industrial Sociology

University of Cape Town
Cape Town, South Africa
12.1989

Grade 12 / Matric - General Secondary Education

St Joseph's College, Marist Brothers
Rondebosch, Cape Town, South Africa
12.1986

Skills

  • Strategic planning
  • Contract negotiation
  • Project management
  • Factory management
  • Business development
  • Financial management
  • Leadership
  • Analytical skills
  • Risk management
  • Product development
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Customer relationship
  • Proficiency in MS Excel
  • Operations management
  • Supply chain management
  • Manufacturing management
  • Pastel Accounting and Payroll
  • Quality assurance and control

LANGUAGES

English (spoken and written - fluent)
Afrikaans (spoken and written - fluent)
German (spoken)

Affiliations

  • Royal Cape Yacht Club

Beekeeping

Hobbyist Beekeeper

Work Availability

monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline

Founder & Managing Director

Beespoke Africa Beehives (Pty) Ltd
08.2021 - Current

Executive Director

Petersen's Mozambique
07.2018 - 02.2019

Commercial Director

IGC Group Holland
09.2016 - 07.2018

Executive Director

Petersen's Ghana
02.2011 - 08.2016

Founder and Managing Director

Petersen's Lifestyle Furniture (Pty) Ltd
04.1996 - Current

Post-Graduate Law Studies (LLB) - International Law, Business, Trade, Commerce

University of Cape Town

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - International Politics, Industrial Sociology

University of Cape Town

Grade 12 / Matric - General Secondary Education

St Joseph's College, Marist Brothers

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