Ivan Gabriel
Economist, Managing Director
Diep River, Cape Town
Summary
Versatile Managing Director with proven abilities across all levels of organizational management. Talented in developing partnerships, overseeing personnel and developing tactical plans to meet strategic goals. Proven leader with significant background in international relationship development, Economics and Entrepreneurship Development.
In addition, top-tier skills in business and operations management. Analytical problem solver and critical thinker with remarkable decision-making and multi-tasking abilities.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
17
17
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Managing Director
Kibou Holdings
Cape Town
11.2017 - Current
- Spearheaded successful business development initiatives aligned with company's strategy and core competencies.
- Assessed performance management structures and implemented enhancements to improve frameworks and strengthen results.
- Led change and transformation across business areas to deliver benefits and align company resources.
- Monitored sales forecasts and projected financial planning for organization to achieve revenue goals.
- Aligned department vision, goals and objectives with company strategy to achieve consistently high results.
- Fostered work culture of collaboration and inclusion to increase morale and reduce turnover.
- Monitored and coordinated workflows to optimize resources.
- Introduced new methods, practices and systems to reduce turnaround time.
- Prepared annual budgets with controls to prevent overages.
- Negotiated new annual contracts and service agreements with vendors to achieve prime pricing.
- Performed statistical analyses to gather data for operational and forecast team needs.
- Evaluated service contracts and collaborated with legal counsel on negotiated improvements.
- Created and implemented aggressive action plan to address pressing cost control needs.
- Managed daily operations of [Type] organization, orchestrating forward-thinking strategies to accomplish profit and expansion goals.
- Upheld great standards of leadership for employees, consistently leading by example for best-in-class [Type] work.
- Recruited, hired and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new organization.
- Supported top-level decision-making and strategy planning, forging productive relationships with top leaders and serving as key advocate for various personnel issues.
- Delivered business strategy and developed systems and procedures to improve operational quality and team efficiency.
- Mitigated business risks by working closely with staff members and assessing performance.
- Promoted positive customer experience through day-to-day supervision and management of international relations
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- Boosted team member productivity by enhancing performance monitoring and instituting motivational approaches.
- Delivered leadership to executive team dedicated to driving ambitious targets with well-orchestrated plans.
- Implemented business strategies, increasing revenue and effectively targeting new markets.
- Initiated and facilitated the relationship with our BRICS entrepreneurial counterparts; and later expanded the relationship into Mauritius, which in turn provided us access into the UK and Seychelles. In this relationship we provide oversight on Research, Business Development and training material for potential entrepreneurs.
- I have also secured a partnership with Verde Frontier in Mauritius where we partner with incubators, venture capitalists and service providers from Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria and Ghana. Here we grow and extend SMMEs networks to new markets and opportunities. In addition, businesses obtain access to international markets and a collaborative ecosystem.
- In the organization entrepreneurship module particularly, I provide information, research, training and consultancy on entrepreneurship education and development. I also manage entrepreneurship workshops for Policy-makers and stakeholders. I develop Entrepreneurial culture in various organisations, academic institutions and universities, and inculcate a culture of innovation driven entrepreneurship through student projects and incubations.
- Until 2020, I was part of the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) professional team.
Adjunct Lecturer
Cornerstone University
Cape Town
02.2019 - 06.2021
- Engaged students with insightful and compelling classroom discussion of topics relevant to coursework to boost student learning and retention.
- Evaluated and revised lesson plans and course content to achieve student-centered learning.
- Used variety of learning modalities and support materials to facilitate learning process and accentuate presentations.
- Transitioned course material and applied technological options for online and course-related software for Economics and Entrepreneurship Development
Part Time Lecturer and PM Entrepreneurship Centre
University of the Western Cape
Cape Town
07.2018 - 06.2021
- Lectured in Business Management for 1st and 2nd year students.
- Developed curriculum and lectured in Entrepreneurship for Post Graduate students.
- Used coordination and planning skills to achieve results according to schedule.
- Improved operations through consistent hard work and dedication.
- Exceeded goals through effective task prioritization and great work ethic.
- Created plans and communicated deadlines to complete projects on time.
- Resolved conflicts and negotiated mutually beneficial agreements between parties.
- Solicited client feedback on consultant performance and reviewed, implemented and executed changes to enhance project delivery.
- Tracked project progress and updates and monitored deliverables, milestones and issues for accurate reporting.
- Collaborated with external Stakeholders to coordinate and organize inputs and logistics.
- Liaised with team members (Internal and external) to resolve issues that impacted project delivery.
- Organized and participated in meetings and workshops to foster shared project approach and track progress.
- Took proactive approach to assessing and correcting problems at all stages.
- Scheduled and participated in meetings to discuss project progress and identify solutions to bottlenecks.
- Applied knowledge of project management life cycle to keep project work moving smoothly.
- Configured and maintained processes and systems for effective project delivery.
- Identified, targeted and delivered opportunities to make valuable contributions to strategic business objectives.
- Drove team success through shared vision and recognition of quality performance.
- Maintained clear communication with precise technical writing to document and inform critical processes.
- Provided detailed technical and operational direction in project challenges, consistently meeting deliverables according to deadlines.
- Led project teams through design, construction and launch process.
- Orchestrated projects within strict timeframes and budget constraints by solving complex problems and working closely with senior leaders.
Chief Economist
Anix Consulting
Cape Town
03.2014 - 10.2017
- Translated economic evidence-based findings into comprehensible narrative to communicate policy and project development.
- Conducted broad‐based economic research and prepared articles, digests and reports for management, specialty publications and clients.
- Developed economic standards and provided points of view used in forecasting trends and formulating economic policy.
- Designed and improved models to further strengthen macroeconomic analysis.
- Provided consultation on economic relationships to businesses, public and private agencies and other clients.
- Developed market, economic and sector analysis to inform business strategy.
- Worked effectively to influence key players across private and public sectors.
- Analyzed macroeconomic variables to provide related forecasts.
- Provided technical support to increase policy impact through high-level economic and public policy advice and analysis.
- Supported thought-leadership topics to facilitate dialogue with policymakers and shape outcomes.
- Rendered advice relating to formulation of Industrial Policy, Entrepreneurship Development, and Built Environment with respect to industrial sector in general with thrust to new business development.
- I initiated the BRICS Entrepreneurship Development Consortium and introduced/implemented it at the new business development at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) Bellville.
- I was also the Project Manager on the National and Foreign Sites (France, Cuba and United Kingdom) for the South African Heritage Resource Agency (SAHRA). Here I worked with major multilateral agencies (like The Commonwealth War Grave Commission), French Government, Presidency, Government Departments, French and SA Embassies. As part of my responsibility I had to research and strategically advise linkages of heritage to Tourism Development. I also had to do foreign exchange market research to advice on exchange rate fluctuations. The Project was due for completion in February 2017, with the President of South Africa launching the built environment work in July 2016.
- The work that was done in France culminated into our consortium winning several international awards, including the overall heritage award
Senior Economist (Deputy Director)
Department of Economic Development and Tourism
Cape Town
02.2008 - 02.2014
- Carried out day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Prepared variety of different written communications, reports and documents.
- Learned new skills and applied to daily tasks to improve efficiency and productivity.
- Developed team communications and information for meetings.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and fast-paced atmosphere.
- Created plans and communicated deadlines to complete projects on time.
- Managed team of employees, overseeing hiring, training and professional growth of employees.
- Resolved problems, improved operations and provided exceptional service.
- Exceeded goals through effective task prioritization and great work ethic.
- Collaborated with team members to achieve target results.
- Drove operational improvements which resulted in savings and improved profit margins.
- Participated in team-building activities to enhance working relationships.
- Maintained energy and enthusiasm in fast-paced environment.
- Increased customer satisfaction by resolving issues.
- Used coordination and planning skills to achieve results according to schedule.
- Provided sound economic research and policy advice in support of the work of the Department and Provincial Government more broadly.
- Drafted quarterly economic market analysis of the economy where, amongst others, highlighted the areas of weaknesses in policy and provided forecasting and scenarios based on the current state of the economy.
- Served on a number of working groups, which included, amongst others HSRC, World Bank, OECD, Universities and Provincial strategic objectives. In addition, I facilitated work plans between the CITY OF CAPE TOWN, Economic Development Partnership, Wesgro, Provincial Treasury and DEDAT.
- Seconded to work on policy analyses projects for the Department of the Premier and the District Municipalities where I piloted data collection on LED in Stellenbosch Municipality.
- Lead the provincial representatives to specific research papers presented at specific research committees in order to stimulate multistakeholder dialogue and enhance the final research product.
- Provided oversight and analyses on all 30 Municipalities’ LED strategies.
- oversaw the Department chapters into the Provincial Economic Review and Outlook (PERO) and drafted the Departmental chapters for the Municipal Economic Review and Outlook (MERO).
- Published several chapters on Entrepreneurship in these publications.
- Facilitated and chaired the international peer review of the MEDS where the Department was found to be at the cutting edge of industrial policy.
- Editor for the MEDS 5 year review.
- Presented (January 2013) our finding of the SMME total entrepreneurial activity (TEA) for the Western Cape in Santiago Chile where we brain stormed policy development through country comparative analysis. Also presented and facilitated the discussion on Entrepreneurial policy development.
Economist
Provincial Treasury Western Cape
Cape Town
04.2006 - 01.2008
- Conducted broad‐based economic research and prepared articles, digests and reports for management, specialty publications related to Local Government
- Translated economic evidence-based findings into comprehensible narrative to communicate policy and project development for both Local and Provincial Government.
- Designed and improved models to further strengthen Local Economic Development.
- Conducted direct survey with target individuals and reviewed market data.
- Provided fiscal policy advice, oversaw expenditure planning and the provincial budget process particularly for Vote 1, 12 and the 30 municipalities in the Western Cape.
- Lead the budget reform programme and managed official development assistance and compiled public finance statistics.
- Oversaw budgetary planning and execution in provincial departments, and provided advice and analysis on sectoral policies and programmes.
- FAcilitator and primary link between municipalities and provincial departments.
- Coordinated fiscal relations between national, provincial and local government, and promoted sound provincial and municipal budgetary planning, reporting and financial management.
- Facilitated intergovernmental strategic projects between The City of Cape Town and The Western Cape Provincial Government.
- Developed the LGMTEC process for municipal budgeting linked to policy and IDP; and was also part of National Treasury’s team, which developed the MFMA audio programme for officials and politicians.
- Developed the framework to assess municipalities’ Annual Financial Reports, Draft Budgets and Service Delivery Budget Implementation Plan (SDBIP) and was the coordinator for economic development
Director
Integrated Skills Development Facilitators (ISDF)
Cape Town
07.2002 - 03.2006
- Spearheaded innovative approaches to resource allocation and strategic planning.
- Analyzed business needs while soliciting customer feedback for process improvements.
- Leveraged marketplace trends to create solutions and refine business strategies.
- Oversaw supply chain functions to verify inventory levels and budget adherence.
- Established departmental performance goals and provided feedback for underperforming areas.
- Leveraged professional networks and industry knowledge to strengthen client relationships.
- Oversaw operations and provided corrective feedback to achieve daily and long-term goals.
- Formed strategic partnerships and connected with potential clients to drive business development.
- Drafted and distributed reports to assist board members with critical business decisions.
- Evaluated scripts to identify creative strategies and resource needs.
- Monitored expenditures to mitigate risk of overages.
- Optimized operational processes using analytics tools to address client-specific metrics.
- Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy.
- Evaluated company documentation to verify alignment with regulatory requirements.
- Directed work of key team members to create cutting-edge cinematography work.
- Monitored and coordinated workflows to optimize resources.
- Assisted with sales and marketing strategies to foster achievement of revenue goals.
- Documented processes and drafted SOPs to comply with regulations and company policies.
Executive Director
X'el Youth Academy
Cape Town
02.2003 - 01.2006
- Initiated and set up Non Profit Organization to be owned by ISDF
- Seconded to X'el Youth Academy by ISDF
- Updated and maintained membership database on consistent basis
- Negotiated new annual contracts and service agreements with vendors to achieve prime pricing.
- Provided exceptional counseling, case management, education and job training to diverse client base.
- Supervised writing of all grant applications and checked information for accuracy prior to submission.
- Fostered work culture of collaboration and inclusion to increase morale and reduce turnover.
- Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy.
- Spearheaded successful business development initiatives aligned with company's strategy and core competencies.
- Created promotional materials and provided insightful information to social media, websites and print media to educate public.
- Monitored sales forecasts and projected financial planning for organization to achieve revenue goals.
- Exercised appropriate cost control to meet budget restrictions and maximize profitability.
- Aligned department vision, goals and objectives with company strategy to achieve consistently high results.
- Established new customer service and problem resolution processes to improve client satisfaction rates.
- Drove strategic improvements to enhance operational and organizational efficiencies.
- Evaluated service contracts and collaborated with legal counsel on negotiated improvements.
- Defined company roles and responsibilities to establish and enhance processes.
- Devised new promotional approaches to boost customer numbers and market penetration while enhancing engagement and driving growth.
- Recruited new members by networking at community events and distributing promotional materials to attendees.
- Prioritized and allocated valuable resources to meet business targets.
- Managed divisional marketing, advertising and new product development.
- Increased business profit 8% by streamlining processes and trimming unnecessary positions.
- Initiated a Private Public Partnership between ISDF and the Western Cape Education Department where we implemented poverty alleviation and entrepreneurial developments programmes through skills development.
- Facilitated business relationships and funding models in London, France, Norway and Denmark
Education
High School Diploma -
Livingstone High School
Cape Town, South Africa 01.1987 - 12.1991
Ph.D. - Kingdom Entrepreneurship
Christian Leadership University
New York 03.2022 - Current
Ph.D. - Business And Managerial Economics
University of The Western Cape
Cape Town, South Africa 09.2015 - 12.2020
M.D. - Development Economics And International Development
University of The Western Cape
Cape Town, South Africa 02.2002 - 09.2004
M. Econ (Honors) - Development Economics And International Development
University of The Western Cape
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa 01.2001 - 12.2001
Certificate in Economic Principles -
University of The Western Cape
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa 04.2001 -
DREGIS Law - Law (Pre-Law)
UNISA
Pretoria, South Africa 02.1996 - 11.1998
Skills
Mentoring and training
Project Management
Business planning
Negotiation
Financial Management
Strategic planning
Problem solving skills
Business Development
Deliverables oversight
Budgeting
Operations management
Business administration
Staff Management
Recruitment
Employee reviews
Effective leader
Delegation
Relationship building
Coaching and mentoring
Budget development
Staff training/development
Scheduling
Accomplishments
2002 received an award from the MEC of Education for Youth Entrepreneurship Development
2013 Mapped the Cut Make and Trim (CMT) Sector in Western Cape
2016 received Rotary International Award for Community, Entrepreneurship Development
2017 International Award for Best Heritage Project and Best Design for the Dellville Wood Memorial, France
Short Courses
- MS Suite
- Conflict Management
- Senior Management Course
- Employment Equity
- Strategic Planning
- Scope Management
- Diversity Course
- Management Course
- Business Administration Course,
- SAM and Input/Output Modelling
- Sports Administration Course
- Econometrics for Practitioners
- Write to Learn (Policy writing)
- Advanced Project Management
- Advanced Project Management, Municipal Budgeting process, MFMA, Financial management and Stata (econometrics)
Timeline
Ph.D. - Kingdom Entrepreneurship
Christian Leadership University
03.2022 - Current
Adjunct Lecturer
Cornerstone University
02.2019 - 06.2021
Part Time Lecturer and PM Entrepreneurship Centre
University of the Western Cape
07.2018 - 06.2021
Managing Director
Kibou Holdings
11.2017 - Current
Ph.D. - Business And Managerial Economics
University of The Western Cape
09.2015 - 12.2020
Chief Economist
Anix Consulting
03.2014 - 10.2017
Senior Economist (Deputy Director)
Department of Economic Development and Tourism
02.2008 - 02.2014
Economist
Provincial Treasury Western Cape
04.2006 - 01.2008
Executive Director
X'el Youth Academy
02.2003 - 01.2006
Director
Integrated Skills Development Facilitators (ISDF)
07.2002 - 03.2006
M.D. - Development Economics And International Development
University of The Western Cape
02.2002 - 09.2004
Certificate in Economic Principles -
University of The Western Cape
04.2001 -
M. Econ (Honors) - Development Economics And International Development
University of The Western Cape
01.2001 - 12.2001
DREGIS Law - Law (Pre-Law)
UNISA
02.1996 - 11.1998
High School Diploma -
Livingstone High School
01.1987 - 12.1991