KEVIN CLARKE
Muldersdrift,GP
Summary
Dynamic leader with over 15 years of experience in the financial services sector, specializing in people management, sales, and strategic marketing. Proven ability to inspire and motivate teams to achieve ambitious goals in budgeting, cash flow management, and target creation. Successfully launched and managed a health beverage business within the FMCG environment while driving significant sales growth for Absa Unit Trusts through innovative strategies and effective media representation. Transitioned into leadership development, delivering impactful training programs based on the principles of renowned leadership expert John C. Maxwell.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Managing Director
HauCool
- 6 years
Regional Manager North
Absa Investment
- 2 years
Estate Agent
Rawson Properties
- 4 years
Business Development
Lead Africa
- 5 years
Marketing and Business Development Manager
Absa Fund Managers
- 6 years
Managing Director
HauCool
08.2016 - 08.2024
- Production Oversight
- Supervise end-to-end production processes to ensure efficiency and compliance.
- Identify and onboard suitable production partners.
- Establish and monitor Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with all production stakeholders.
- Ensure all production activities adhere to HACCP standards.
- Distribution & Key Account Management
- Open and manage distribution channels across major retailers including Spar, Dis-Chem, Clicks, and Checkers, as well as independent outlets.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key accounts.
- Identify and coordinate all partners involved in the supply chain: bottle manufacturers, label producers, distributors, and merchandisers.
- Source and manage merchandising companies, including SLA setup and performance tracking
- Sales & Partner Development
- Identify and engage sales partners to support revenue growth.
- Set clear SLAs and performance targets for sales partners.
- Monitor and manage partner performance against agreed objectives.
- Financial Management
- Oversee cash flow, debtors, and creditors to maintain financial health.
- Prepare and submit VAT returns and monthly management accounts.
- Provide weekly financial reports comparing actual income and expenditure against projections.
- Lead budgeting and target-setting processes.
- Marketing & Brand Management
- Manage all social media platforms and ensure consistent brand messaging.
- Keep the company website updated and aligned with marketing goals.
- Ensure product labels meet regulatory compliance standards.
- Oversee the creation and distribution of all marketing materials.
- General Company Management
- Provide strategic leadership across all departments.
- Ensure smooth day-to-day operations and alignment with company goals.
- Technology Stack
- Sage Accounting – for financial management and reporting.
- Microsoft 365 – for communication, documentation, and collaboration.
Sales Executive
Remax Master/ Rawson Properties / Engels Volkers
06.2011 - 06.2016
- Key Responsibilities:
- Proactively sourced property listings through cold calling, telephonic outreach, and client referrals.
- Secured exclusive mandates and negotiated commission structures with property owners.
- Identified and engaged prospective buyers via online platforms and follow-ups with existing clients.
- Mentored and supported new agents, providing guidance on sales techniques and client management
- Technology used
- Microsoft 365
- Lightstone
Regional manager
Absa Investments
01.2009 - 01.2011
- Strategic Business Development & IFA Engagement
- Introduced and positioned relevant products within the IFA (Independent Financial Advisor) channel to drive adoption and growth.
- Conducted in-depth market research and competitor analysis to inform product strategy and identify opportunities.
- Engaged with brand owners to understand market trends and segment-specific needs, ensuring product relevance and innovation.
- Budget & Financial Oversight
- Managed and met budgetary targets, ensuring optimal allocation of resources.
- Collaborated with finance and admin teams to support product development and operational efficiency.
- Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Management
- Strengthened existing relationships with IFAs to support retention and drive business growth.
- Maintained and expanded the prospective IFA base through targeted engagement and communication.
- Delivered strategic presentations to IFAs to support product launches and business alignment.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Worked closely with technical development, sales, and applications teams to ensure seamless product delivery and support.
- Partnered with the admin team to streamline product development processes and timelines.
- Consultant Leadership & Performance Management
- Set Key Performance Areas (KPAs) for consultants and conducted regular performance reviews.
- Motivated and managed consultant teams, setting clear goals and tracking monthly progress to ensure alignment with strategic objectives.
- Operational Excellence
- Negotiated and managed Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with internal and external stakeholders.
- Led strategic planning initiatives to align business objectives with market opportunities.
- Technology used
- SAP system
- Microsoft 365
Director; Business Development
Lead Africa
06.2004 - 07.2009
- Designed and facilitated leadership development programs for management, based on Dr. John Maxwell’s 21 Laws of Leadership, to enhance organizational performance and human potential.
- Prepared and presented course proposals to the Board prior to program rollout.
- Developed and executed comprehensive marketing strategies to promote leadership programs and services.
- Secured new business opportunities and cultivated long-term relationships with key clients.
- Oversaw daily operations including cash flow management, budgeting, systems optimization, contract administration, and procedural compliance.
- Formulated and implemented company policies and operational procedures.
- Ensured optimal performance of IT infrastructure and internal networks.
- Led recruitment, onboarding, and training of staff, with a focus on facilitation excellence and content delivery.
- Conduct regular management meetings to align team objectives and monitor progress.
- Managed client communications, including newsletters and updates.
- Maintained office readiness by ensuring availability of essential resources and equipment.
- Directed workflow management from initiation to completion, ensuring quality control and timely delivery.
- Resolved operational challenges to maintain service standards and client satisfaction.
- Technology used
- Word, PowerPoint, Excel
National Marketing and Product development
Absa Fund Managers
09.1998 - 08.2004
- Business Development & Sales Leadership
- Built and led high-performing internal and external sales teams across multiple banking divisions.
- Developed strong relationships with key decision-makers, leveraging senior bank executives and business development directors to drive growth.
- Managed product distribution and cross-selling strategies to maximize profitability and return on equity (ROE).
- Cultivated relationships with a broad network of product specialists within the bank.
- Secured new business and established high-quality client relationships.
- Product Development & Marketing Strategy
- Formulated and implemented targeted marketing strategies to support product launches and market penetration.
- Conducted strategic planning to determine optimal go-to-market approaches.
- Delivered product presentations to diverse audiences including banking staff, executives, and intermediaries.
- Successfully launched the ABSA Money Market Fund—described by then-CEO Nallie Bosman as one of ABSA’s most “successful mistakes”—which reached R78 billion under management at closure.
- Media & Industry Engagement
- Acted as media liaison for the Unit Trust Division, representing the company in television and radio interviews.
- Maintained active liaison with the Financial Services Board (FSB) to ensure regulatory compliance.
- Represented the company on industry committees including ACII, and served on the Industry Supervision Committee for five years.
- General Management & Operational Excellence
- Demonstrated strong ability to meet deadlines and perform under pressure.
- Contributed to policy development and operational efficiency across departments.
Education
National Diploma - Marketing and Sales Management
Wits Technikon
01.1992
Matric - undefined
Florida Park High
01.1986
Skills
Sales leadership
Mentoring and training
Recruitment strategies
Business development
Client relationships
Business administration
Staff management
Operations management
Strategic planning
References
- Giliam, Smit, Executive Director, Absa Fund Managers (Pty) Ltd, Character of Kevin Clarke: Solid value system guiding his life : Integrity, honesty and trustworthiness are terms coming to mind when observing him dealing with business associates and colleagues., Leadership Skills: Informal leader. Influence thinking of others without positional power. Provide direction by explaining the bigger picture and context. Ability to build positions of trust. Allow for differences in opinion and therefore functions extremely well as part of a team., General Comments: If I had to choose partners to build a new business, Kevin will definitely be on my list.
- Nico, van Heerden, General Manager, Nedcor Investment Bank/UAL, Character of Kevin Clarke: Strong character exemplified by a sound value system., Leadership Skills: Identified as having strong leadership skills & potential. Good interpersonal relationship skills., General Comments: A pleasant personality & a good team player. Would have no hesitation in having him as part of my team.
Horse Riding
Live on plot, we 28 stables and school horses for clients and ride myself
Timeline
Managing Director
HauCool
08.2016 - 08.2024
Sales Executive
Remax Master/ Rawson Properties / Engels Volkers
06.2011 - 06.2016
Regional manager
Absa Investments
01.2009 - 01.2011
Director; Business Development
Lead Africa
06.2004 - 07.2009
National Marketing and Product development
Absa Fund Managers
09.1998 - 08.2004
Managing Director
HauCool
Regional Manager North
Absa Investment
Estate Agent
Rawson Properties
Business Development
Lead Africa
Marketing and Business Development Manager
Absa Fund Managers
Matric - undefined
Florida Park High
National Diploma - Marketing and Sales Management
Wits Technikon