Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Affiliations
Timeline
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Irene Vallihu

Irene Vallihu

Sales and Business Executive
Durban,KwaZulu Natal

Summary

Transformational Leader | Cross-Functional Expert | Growth Strategist

Results-driven sales, events, and marketing leader with 30+ years of hospitality experience and 14+ years of management expertise. Proven track record of driving revenue growth, delivering successful events, and developing innovative marketing strategies through collaborative leadership, strategic planning, and project execution.

Key Strengths

  • Driving sales growth and revenue expansion
  • Executing impactful events and exhibitions
  • Developing and implementing effective sales strategies
  • Building and leading high-performing teams
  • Fostering open communication and resolving conflicts
  • Delivering exceptional results through strategic planning and project oversight
  • Comprehensive knowledge and expertise in exhibitions, conventions, meetings, and entertainment events.

Adept at navigating the intersection of sales, events, and marketing to drive business success. Poised to leverage expertise and passion to drive growth, excellence, and innovation in a dynamic organization.

Overview

34
34
years of professional experience

Work History

Sales and Business Executive

Durban International Convention Centre
04.2022 - Current
  • Develop strategy to combat increased competitive presence within territory.
  • Cultivate a high-performance culture rooted in accountability, transparency, trustworthiness, and continuous learning to drive company success.
  • Implemented data-driven decision-making to optimize resource allocation, driving revenue growth for the company.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction, addressing and resolving client concerns promptly and professionally.
  • Consistently exceeding sales and revenue targets through diligent tracking of leads, systematic follow-up strategies, and excellent closing skills during negotiations.
  • Improved team performance by providing consistent mentoring, coaching, and professional development opportunities..
  • Safeguarded business continuity and minimized risk by implementing robust risk management frameworks aligned with industry best practices.
  • Established clear and competitive goals, growth roadmaps, and strategic business plans.
  • Devise and present business plans and forecasts to board of directors.
  • Represent the organization at industry conferences, events and trade shows.
  • Analyze industry trends and track competitor activities to inform decision making.
  • Drive continuous improvement within the organization by establishing performance metrics and monitoring progress toward goals regularly.
  • Developed strong relationships with key industry partners to foster collaboration and drive business success.
  • Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
  • Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

Acting Marketing, Sales and Events Director

Durban International Convention Centre
03.2021 - 03.2022

General Manager: Marketing, Sales and Events

Durban International Convention Centre
11.2017 - 02.2021

Sales and Events Project Manager

Durban International Convention Centre
10.2012 - 10.2017

Events Manager

Durban International Convention Centre
10.2010 - 09.2012

Senior Events Executive

Durban International Convention Centre
10.2007 - 09.2010

Event Coordinator

Durban International Convention Centre
07.2006 - 09.2007

Wedding Coordinator

Durban International Convention Centre
06.2005 - 06.2006

Reservationist

Holiday Inn Garden Court North Beach
11.1993 - 05.2005

Receptionist and Shift Leader

Maharani Sun
01.1991 - 10.1993

Education

Bachelor Of Commerce Honors - Marketing Management

MANCOSA
12.2021

Advanced Diploma - Business Management

MANCOSA
12.2020

Certificate - Management Development Programme

University of Stellenbosch Business School
12.2010

Diploma - Project Management

Varsity College
12.2009

Certificate - Hotel Reception

ML Sultan Technikon
1989

Skills

  • Executive Leadership
  • Strategic Planning
  • Business Development
  • Partnership Development
  • Consultative Sales
  • Revenue Growth
  • Market Planning
  • Marketing & Advertising
  • Contract Negotiation
  • Budget Planning
  • Event Management
  • Profit & Loss Management
  • Process Improvement
  • Leadership & People Development
  • Team Collaboration
  • Stakeholder Engagement
  • Client Relationship Management
  • Training & Development
  • Problem-Solving Abilities
  • Analytical & Critical Thinking
  • Excellent Communication
  • Effective Decision-Making
  • Self-Motivation
  • Adaptability
  • Continuous Improvement
  • Professionalism

Accomplishments

Top Performer

Recognized for outstanding performance and exceptional results in 2022


Sales Excellence

Consistently exceeded sales targets by 80% (2021) and 92% (2022)


Academic Excellence

Achieved an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration with Distinction in 2020

Affiliations

Member of the following Associations:

  • ICCA (International Congress and Conference Association)
  • SAACI (South African Association for the Conference Industry)
  • EXSA (Exhibition Association of Southern Africa)
  • AIPC (International Association of Convention Centres)

Timeline

Sales and Business Executive

Durban International Convention Centre
04.2022 - Current

Acting Marketing, Sales and Events Director

Durban International Convention Centre
03.2021 - 03.2022

General Manager: Marketing, Sales and Events

Durban International Convention Centre
11.2017 - 02.2021

Sales and Events Project Manager

Durban International Convention Centre
10.2012 - 10.2017

Events Manager

Durban International Convention Centre
10.2010 - 09.2012

Senior Events Executive

Durban International Convention Centre
10.2007 - 09.2010

Event Coordinator

Durban International Convention Centre
07.2006 - 09.2007

Wedding Coordinator

Durban International Convention Centre
06.2005 - 06.2006

Reservationist

Holiday Inn Garden Court North Beach
11.1993 - 05.2005

Receptionist and Shift Leader

Maharani Sun
01.1991 - 10.1993

Bachelor Of Commerce Honors - Marketing Management

MANCOSA

Advanced Diploma - Business Management

MANCOSA

Certificate - Management Development Programme

University of Stellenbosch Business School

Diploma - Project Management

Varsity College

Certificate - Hotel Reception

ML Sultan Technikon
Irene VallihuSales and Business Executive