Gregory Daynes
Cape Town
Summary
Dynamic and performance-driven business professional with high integrity, strong work ethic and great leadership skills. Meticulous and resourceful Business Manager with proven success leading productive teams, controlling budgets, networking to drive growth initiatives and marketing to maximize brand outreach.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Operations Director
Genesis CBD
Johannesburg
01.2021 - Current
- Co-founded hemp cultivation company focused on export to US and EU markets.
- Negotiated offtake contracts, licenses, and compliance frameworks to ensure regulatory adherence.
- Oversaw daily operations, optimizing workflow and enhancing team collaboration.
- Managed cash flows and financial reporting to maintain operational efficiency.
Co-Founder & Director
Future Farms
06.2017 - Current
- Led South Africa’s premier hydroponics contractor, constructing over 28 commercial and rooftop farms.
- Spearheaded R&D for LED grow lights to advance technological innovation.
- Managed daily operations (and finance) for efficient farm management and resource optimization.
- Formulated business strategies driving sustainable practices and market expansion.
Buy Improve & Exit
SnackAttack
07.2019 - 07.2023
- Developed a quick-service food venture, scaling operations into a profitable business before exiting.
Founder & Exit
Halon Energy Partners
Cape Town
06.2015 - 11.2021
- Built an energy efficiency solutions company, led consulting and financial management, and secured contracts with Unilever, Pepsico, RCL Foods, and SPAR. Successfully sold the business in 2020.
Founder & Exit
Africraft Emporium
Cape Town
02.2020 - 10.2020
- Created an e-commerce platform for African craft exports during COVID-19. Grew into a sellable enterprise and exited in 2022.
Environmental Consultant
WSP
Cape Town
03.2011 - 09.2015
- Environmental consultant at WSP and sustainability department at Woolworths, with projects in remediation, compliance auditing, water strategy, and sustainability audits.
Education
BA (Hons) - Environmental Water Management
Rhodes University
Grahamstown01.2011
BA - Environmental Science & Geography
Rhodes University
Grahamstown01.2010
Executive short courses - Finance, Accounting, Marketing & Sustainability
Skills
- Business Growth & Operations Strategy
- Financial Oversight & Deal Structuring
- Impact & Climate-Smart Agriculture
- Business Development & Partnerships
- Venture Building & Exits
- Cash flow management
- Strategic planning
- Project management
- Operations management
- Contract negotiation
Awards
Best Startup of the Year – African Development Bank, Youth Empowerment Competition (Future Farms)
Personal Information
Affiliations
Paragliding, Adventure Riding, Surfing, Mountain Biking, Fishing, Running
Timeline
Operations Director
Genesis CBD
01.2021 - Current
Founder & Exit
Africraft Emporium
02.2020 - 10.2020
Buy Improve & Exit
SnackAttack
07.2019 - 07.2023
Co-Founder & Director
Future Farms
06.2017 - Current
Founder & Exit
Halon Energy Partners
06.2015 - 11.2021
Environmental Consultant
WSP
03.2011 - 09.2015
BA (Hons) - Environmental Water Management
Rhodes University
BA - Environmental Science & Geography
Rhodes University