JUSTIN ZIETSMAN
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Kraaifontein
Summary
Internationally experienced Chief Executive and Business Transformation Executive with more than 25 years of success leading organisational growth, commercial transformation, operational excellence and high-performing teams across Healthcare Staffing, Recruitment, Logistics, Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), Financial Services and the Non-Profit sector. Proven track record of leading businesses through rapid growth, organisational transformation and operational turnaround, with executive responsibility for divisions generating approximately R1 billion in annual turnover, commercial portfolios exceeding £70 million, and operations spanning more than 30 countries. Experienced in scaling businesses, entering new markets, improving profitability, strengthening governance and delivering sustainable business performance. Recognised for building high-performing executive teams, accelerating commercial growth, improving customer retention, driving operational efficiencies and implementing technology-enabled business transformation. Successfully built a United States healthcare staffing operation from inception to approximately US$20 million, contributed to organisational growth from £20 million to £80 million, increased partnership revenue by 20%, improved client retention by 50%, and reduced recruitment turnaround times by 50%. A servant leader with a commercial mindset, committed to building resilient organisations, empowering people and creating long-term stakeholder value through disciplined execution, strategic innovation and ethical leadership.
"Leadership is measured not by the position you hold, but by the organisations you strengthen, the people you develop and the legacy you leave behind." I believe exceptional organisations are built by leaders who combine strategic vision with operational discipline and genuine care for people. My leadership philosophy centres on integrity, accountability, innovation and servant leadership—creating environments where individuals, teams and organisations consistently exceed expectations while delivering sustainable value to customers, employees and stakeholders.
I believe sustainable business success is created through clear strategy, disciplined execution and a culture where people are empowered to achieve exceptional outcomes. Throughout my career I have been entrusted with transforming organisations, accelerating growth, leading through complexity and developing high-performing teams. My commitment is to create lasting value for shareholders, customers, employees and the communities in which organisations operate. Leadership is not defined by the title we hold, but by the organisations we strengthen, the people we develop and the legacy we leave behind.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Recruitment Transformation Leader
CAREERBOX
01.2026 - 03.2026
- Recruited to transform an underperforming recruitment function that was consistently missing contractual Service Level Agreement (SLA) targets. Led a comprehensive transformation programme focused on technology adoption, AI-enabled recruitment, operational excellence and cultural change.
- Business Transformation | Recruitment Strategy | AI Integration | Operational Excellence
- Executive Summary
- Key Responsibilities
- Led recruitment transformation across large-scale BPO campaigns supporting 500–1,000 operational seats.
- Managed 50 direct reports, collaborating with executive operational leadership to enhance recruitment effectiveness.
- Redesigned recruitment strategies and performance management frameworks to align with organisational goals.
- Introduced AI-enabled recruitment methodologies and Lean process improvements.
- Drove organisational culture change through leadership development initiatives, fostering accountability among teams.
- Key Achievements
- Successfully transformed recruitment operations, significantly improving SLA performance and recruitment quality.
- Introduced AI-enabled recruitment processes, increasing recruiter productivity and operational efficiency.
- Implemented Lean Sigma principles to streamline workflows and improve delivery performance.
- Developed a culture of accountability, innovation and continuous improvement.
- Enhanced recruitment capability to support international campaigns across the United Kingdom, United States and Australia.
Client Services Director | Head of Strategic Partnerships
THE CFO HQ
06.2025 - 12.2025
- Appointed to strengthen strategic partnerships, improve client retention, optimize customer experience and contribute to the organization's commercial growth strategy. Partnered with executive leadership to develop scalable operating processes, expand strategic alliances and enhance long-term client value.
- Executive Leadership | Strategic Partnerships | Commercial Growth | Client Success
- Executive Summary
- Key Responsibilities
- Directed development of strategic partnerships and management of executive client relationships to enhance collaboration and drive mutual growth.
- Developed commercial growth strategies that increased revenue and reinforced market positioning through targeted initiatives.
- Designed scalable client success frameworks and operational processes that improved service delivery and client satisfaction.
- Worked cross-functionally with sales, finance and operations to improve service delivery.
- Managed executive stakeholder relationships and strategic partner engagement.
- Key Achievements
- Increased partnership revenue by 20% through strategic business development and relationship management.
- Improved client retention by 50% by implementing structured customer success initiatives.
- Managed a portfolio of 20 strategic partnerships across multiple industries.
- Designed scalable operational processes that improved efficiency and service consistency.
- Strengthened collaboration between commercial and operational teams, improving customer satisfaction and long-term business growth.
Vice President – Global Sales
A24 GROUP HEALTH STAFFING
06.2023 - 05.2025
- Provided executive leadership for global commercial operations, driving international market expansion, strategic healthcare partnerships and revenue growth across more than 30 countries. Worked closely with executive leadership to align commercial strategy with operational execution while building high-performing sales teams.
- International Business Development | Commercial Strategy | Executive Leadership
- Executive Summary
- Key Responsibilities
- Led international sales strategy and commercial growth initiatives.
- Directed a team of approximately 100 sales professionals.
- Managed annual commercial targets exceeding £50 million.
- Developed strategic partnerships with major healthcare organisations, including the NHS.
- Oversaw business development, executive negotiations and market expansion.
- Key Achievements
- Built the United States healthcare staffing business from inception to approximately US$20 million in revenue.
- Reduced recruitment turnaround times from six weeks to three weeks, improving customer satisfaction and operational performance.
- Strengthened strategic partnerships with the NHS and other international healthcare providers.
- Improved CRM utilisation and commercial reporting, enabling faster placements and stronger decision-making.
- Supported international expansion across Europe, Africa, the United Kingdom, the United States and Asia-Pacific.
Sales & Operations Director
D2D COURIERS
06.2012 - 05.2023
- Provided executive leadership for national sales and operations, with responsibility for driving commercial growth, operational excellence and customer satisfaction across one of South Africa's established logistics businesses. Led multi-site operations, strengthened strategic client relationships and ensured business continuity during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- National Operations | Logistics | Supply Chain | Commercial Leadership | Customer Experience
- Executive Summary
- Key Responsibilities
- Directed national operations across Gauteng, Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.
- Managed a fleet of approximately 100 commercial vehicles.
- Led a team of approximately 50 employees across operations, sales and customer service.
- Oversaw strategic customer relationships and major commercial contracts.
- Managed operational performance, logistics planning, customer experience and business continuity.
- Key Achievements
- Contributed to organisational revenue growth of approximately R100 million through commercial expansion and operational excellence.
- Maintained customer retention levels of approximately 90% through exceptional service delivery and relationship management.
- Streamlined operational processes, improving productivity, turnaround times and customer satisfaction.
- Led operational continuity during the COVID-19 pandemic, supporting the successful distribution of vaccines throughout South Africa.
- Managed strategic customer relationships, including DHL, strengthening long-term commercial partnerships.
- Improved collaboration between operations, sales and customer service, resulting in stronger organisational performance.
Divisional Chief Executive Officer | National Operations Manager
A24 GROUP HEALTH STAFFING
08.2006 - 05.2012
- Provided executive leadership for one of the organisation's largest operating divisions, overseeing commercial performance, operational delivery, workforce planning and international expansion. Led large-scale recruitment operations while driving organisational transformation and operational excellence across multiple international markets.
- Executive Leadership | Healthcare Staffing | Operational Excellence | Business Transformation
- Executive Summary
- Key Responsibilities
- Held executive responsibility for a division generating approximately R1 billion in annual turnover.
- Directed approximately 200 recruitment professionals across 40 international branches.
- Oversaw recruitment operations supporting the placement of more than 10,000 healthcare professionals.
- Led workforce planning, operational strategy, service delivery and executive performance management.
- Worked closely with executive leadership on strategic growth and organisational transformation initiatives.
- Key Achievements
- Contributed to organisational growth from approximately £20 million to £80 million through disciplined operational leadership and scalable workforce solutions.
- Improved recruitment turnaround times and operational efficiency across international operations.
- Supported major NHS workforce programmes through high-quality recruitment delivery and operational excellence.
- Built high-performing leadership teams while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Strengthened operational governance, performance management and cross-functional alignment across multiple international markets.
Branch Manager | Regional Manager
ADECCO SOUTH AFRICA
01.2001 - 07.2006
- Led one of Adecco South Africa's largest branches with full accountability for commercial performance, operational delivery, client relationships and team leadership. Established a strong reputation for sales growth, operational excellence and customer service within a highly competitive recruitment market.
- Commercial Leadership | Recruitment | Business Development | Operations Management
- Executive Summary
- Key Responsibilities
- Managed full branch P&L and commercial performance.
- Led a team of approximately 20 recruitment professionals.
- Developed new business opportunities and strengthened existing client relationships.
- Oversaw recruitment operations across multiple industry sectors.
- Ensured delivery against financial, operational and customer service objectives.
- Key Achievements
- Grew annual branch revenue to approximately R50 million.
- Built long-term partnerships with major clients, including Blue Ribbon Bakery.
- Consistently exceeded sales and operational performance expectations.
- Developed high-performing recruitment consultants through coaching, mentoring and performance management.
- Established a strong commercial and leadership foundation that led to progression into senior executive roles.
Education
Matric -
Skills
Corporate Strategy & Business Transformation
Executive & Board Leadership
Commercial Growth & Revenue Expansion
Operational Excellence & Performance Optimisation
P&L Management & Financial Accountability
International Market Expansion
Sales & Business Development
Strategic Partnerships & Stakeholder Management
Organisational Design & Change Leadership
Customer Experience & Client Success
Digital Transformation & AI Adoption
Leadership Development & Executive Coaching
Executive Leadership: Chief Executive Leadership
Accomplishments
- 25+ years of executive leadership experience.
- Directed business divisions generating approximately R1 billion in annual turnover.
- Supported organisations with annual revenues exceeding £70 million.
- Built a US$20 million healthcare staffing business in the United States.
- Contributed to organisational growth from £20 million to £80 million.
- Led operations supporting more than 10,000 employees.
- Managed teams of more than 200 professionals.
- Successfully placed over 10,000 healthcare professionals internationally.
- Increased partnership revenue by 20%.
- Improved client retention by 50%.
- Reduced recruitment turnaround times by 50%.
- Maintained customer retention levels of approximately 90%.
- Led national logistics operations during South Africa's COVID-19 response.
Timeline
Executive Recruitment Transformation Leader
CAREERBOX
01.2026 - 03.2026
Client Services Director | Head of Strategic Partnerships
THE CFO HQ
06.2025 - 12.2025
Vice President – Global Sales
A24 GROUP HEALTH STAFFING
06.2023 - 05.2025
Sales & Operations Director
D2D COURIERS
06.2012 - 05.2023
Divisional Chief Executive Officer | National Operations Manager
A24 GROUP HEALTH STAFFING
08.2006 - 05.2012
Branch Manager | Regional Manager
ADECCO SOUTH AFRICA
01.2001 - 07.2006
Matric -
INTERNATIONAL LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
- Successfully led commercial growth, operational transformation and strategic initiatives across international markets including:
- South Africa
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Ireland
- Europe
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Middle East
- Africa
- Leadership experience supporting multinational organisations, executive teams and strategic partners across more than 30 countries.
BOARD & GOVERNANCE CAPABILITY
- Prepared to contribute at Board and Executive Committee level through experience in:
- Corporate Strategy & Execution
- Organisational Growth
- Business Transformation
- Governance & Compliance
- Operational Risk Management
- Commercial Performance
- Financial Accountability
- Executive Leadership
- Organisational Culture
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Performance Management
- Digital Transformation
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS & COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
Limitless4God, Non-Profit Organisation, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Founded and continue to lead a purpose-driven organisation committed to restoring dignity, developing leaders and supporting vulnerable communities across South Africa.
More than 13 years of experience working alongside correctional facilities, homeless communities and disadvantaged individuals through leadership, mentoring and community development initiatives.