Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Languages
Affiliations
Certification
Board Memberships
Accomplishments
References
Quote
Timeline
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Loyiso Kula

Loyiso Kula

Johannesburg,Gauteng

Summary

  • Commercially-minded Executive with 19 years of experience in various industries, such as Banking, Asset Management, Communications & Media.
  • Core skills in Strategy, Stakeholder Engagement, Finance, Operations & Business Enablement, and Leadership.
  • Proven track record of leading high-performing cross-functional teams and delivering results.
  • Passionate about building a sustainable future through ESG and Investor Relations, and I am eager to apply my skills and experience to contribute to positive social and environmental impact.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
3
3
Certification

Work history

Chief of Staff and Business Enablement Lead

Absa Bank CIB
Johannesburg, Gauteng
12.2021 - Current
  • Oversaw the office of the Chief Operating Officer for Absa Corporate and Investment Bank
  • Strategy development for the CIB Business Enablement department and tracking via scorecard, OKRs.
  • Streamlining processes to improve and optimise office operations.
  • Collaborating with Human Capital to ensure that hiring, recruitment and training strategies are implemented to build successful teams.
  • Influencing organisational policies to enable effective strategy execution and internal controls.
  • Investigated issues affecting group operations, prepared reports and helped correct problems.
  • Maintained smooth-running business operations by delegating priorities to staff abilities.
  • Established clear budgets and cost controls strategies to meet objectives.
  • Translated senior management directives into actionable front-line policies and implemented changes with staff.
  • Led response to Covid-19 pandemic, implementing new ways of working and continuous improvement policies to maintain high level of performance.
  • Developed quarterly business plans to evaluate cost projections.
  • Refined organisational structure to consolidate, streamline and delineate necessary functions.
  • Motivated staff to drive delivery and exceed targets.
  • Increased collaboration with stakeholders and partners to streamline business.
  • Provided exceptional operational delivery across a diverse portfolio.
  • Drove a culture of high performance and continuous improvement by establishing KPI metrics across CIB Business Enablement Services..
  • Established focus groups and policies to promote company culture and vision.
  • Prepared and reviewed documentation for internal audits and compliance reviews.
  • Formulated programmes to reduce company energy expenditures.
  • Educated colleagues on green housekeeping practices and internal policies.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of legislation and policy changes.

Head of Shared Services / Cash Settlement: Africa

Absa Bank
Johannesburg, Gauteng
09.2019 - 12.2021
  • As the Head of Intra-Group Services for the Africa Regional Operations, I managed the intragroup services relationship between Absa Bank head office and its entities across Africa (10 entities - Kenya, Ghana, Uganda, Tanzania [both NBC Tanzania and Absa Bank Tanzania], Seychelles, Mauritius, Botswana, Zambia and Mozambique).
  • The portfolio includes Finance, HR, Marketing, Risk, Internal Audit, Compliance, Risk, Technology, COO, Change as well as services from the Centre of Excellence from Retail & Business Bank as well as Corporate and Investment Bank.
  • Responsibilities and achievements have included setting up an Intra-Group Services office, transforming and operationalising the way Absa Bank manages intra-group services.
  • Successful cash settlement, tax efficiency, service management, regulatory management across all of the continent and transfer pricing according to OECD.
  • Establishing a dispute resolution forum.
  • Drove successful transformation of the intra group services function through stakeholder relationship management,
  • Assisted budget holders to better understand and manage financial information to their advantage.
  • Challenged and supported management team to implement strategic cost control and revenue generation initiatives across business.
  • Monitored and reviewed financial controls, processes and procedures to enable best practice development.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of legislation and policy changes.

Business Manager / Senior Strategy Consultant

Absa Bank
Johannesburg, Gauteng
08.2018 - 08.2019
  • As Senior Strategy Consultant, I led and managed key transformation projects from Absa Bank's Group Strategy Execution office
  • These high impact Group projects included the successful implementation of a new a capability framework for Group Procurement; the review of the Group's BEE scorecard and working with various businesses and functions within the bank to help improve Absa Bank's BEE scorecard and implementation of transformation initiatives as well as the establishment of Cash Settlement & intra group services process
  • This included coordinating and engaging with senior Executives and Absa Group Executive sponsors
  • As a Business Manager, I looked after the office of the Chief Executive of Group Strategic Services
  • Liaising and engaging Senior Executives on key strategic issues
  • Contributing to key platforms with Regulators and Boards such as the Africa Supervisory College; Social and Ethics Committee.
  • Brainstormed ideas with stakeholders to maximise project potential.
  • Led programmes to best support growth and development.
  • Developed targeted advice for decision-makers on how best to improve business unit performance.
  • Delivered strategic recommendations to executive teams.
  • Conducted thorough industry analyses to identify growth opportunities and risks.
  • Reframed senior stakeholders' perspectives by challenging assumptions and proposing solutions with tangible business impacts.
  • Evaluated business processes and recommended improvements to enhance efficiency.
  • Leveraged exceptional analytical skills to synthesise data and craft clear and impactful narratives.
  • Facilitated strategic workshops to gather insights and input from key stakeholders.
  • Managed work on short-term opportunities while organising long-term strategic planning.
  • Supported preparation of strategic business cases and presentation materials.
  • Recommended improvements to existing business strategies to drive growth.
  • Managed and contributed to strategic projects utilising problem-solving frameworks.
  • Created productive collaboration and communication with all levels of senior leadership.
  • Oversaw progress of multiple key strategic projects.
  • Produced research and thought leadership across organisation areas of expertise.
  • Identified initiatives not meeting targets and worked with executing teams to find solutions.
  • Aligned departmental goals, processes and resource allocation with organisational strategy.

Executive: Stakeholder Engagement Manager

Argon Asset Management
Cape Town & Johannesburg, Western Cape
07.2016 - 07.2018
  • Management of press office, overseeing marketing and brand communications tools, advertising management, social media management and sponsorship management to ensure company sustainability through stakeholder engagement.
  • Streamlined processes to improve and optimise office operations.
  • Drafted procedural statements and guidelines for company-wide use.
  • Developed organisational policies for administrative oversight and internal controls.
  • Maintained smooth-running business operations by delegating priorities to staff abilities.
  • Analysed and resolved complex resource management issues for optimised scheduling.
  • Represented organisations at seminars, conferences and business events.
  • Presented quality reports to stakeholders, clearly explaining complex technical updates for improved engagement.
  • Communicated with customers, stakeholders and target audiences to drive engagement.
  • Demonstrated exceptional interpersonal skills and engagement abilities to confidently handle stakeholder relations across Government entities and Private Sector.
  • Presented complex concepts to stakeholders in clear, understandable terms for maximised engagement.
  • Presented department strategy and vision to internal and external stakeholders, building activity engagement.
  • Engaged with stakeholders to build relationships and brand awareness.
  • Tailored pitches and proposals to bespoke client needs, increasing engagement and securing sales.
  • Directed cross-functional teams to execute high-impact projects for timely delivery, exceeding stakeholder expectations.

General Manager: Strategy

Media24
Cape Town, Western Cape
04.2014 - 03.2016
  • Working with the CEO of Media24 to support Strategy Development and Execution across the three key business units at Media24, leading major business projects within the News Division, Lifestyle (magazines) Division and Online (24.com) Division
  • Key Transformational Projects completed at Media24: Media24 Restructure: Formed part of the senior management task team which worked with a top tier management consulting firm, to finalise a new structure and long-term strategy for the Group.
  • Oversaw progress of multiple key strategic projects.
  • Identified commercially viable opportunities and scoped business relevance.
  • Presented analysis of strategic opportunities to operational, technical and strategic specialists.
  • Supported day-to-day operation of relevant projects and initiatives to assist in meeting margin goals.
  • Developed and delivered six-monthly refreshes of B2B business plan.
  • Identified initiatives not meeting targets and worked with executing teams to find solutions.
  • Worked with analysts to run scenario planning and strategic forecasting.
  • Aligned departmental goals, processes and resource allocation with organisational strategy.
  • Managed work on short-term opportunities while organising long-term strategic planning.

Account Director (Financial Services)

Redline Draft FCB
Cape Town, Western Cape
03.2012 - 01.2013
  • Clients: MMI Holdings, Clicks Financial Services
  • Launched innovative, effective promotions and marketing campaigns to meet client demands.
  • Collaborated with media to identify press and speaker opportunities.
  • Prioritised enquiries and interview requests to facilitate timely responses to media professionals.
  • Promoted brand awareness among targeted audiences with innovative content aligned with industry trends.
  • Composed speeches for organisational leaders to deliver impactful message.
  • Managed department budget and monitored expenditures and costs to reduce overages.
  • Worked with cross-functional teams to devise and implement social media strategies supporting portfolio brands and corporate priorities.
  • Developed content for events and corporate activities.
  • Coached and mentored junior team members on pitching and story development.
  • Briefed spokespeople as appropriate, helping to shape responses to media enquiries.
  • Oversaw freelance copywriters and graphic designers in creating content and visuals for clients.

Senior accounts manager (Financial Services)

Atmosphere Communications
Cape Town, Western Cape
10.2009 - 02.2012
  • Clients: Sanlam Group, Sanlam Investment Management, Sanlam Emerging Markets
  • Attended regular networking events to increase brand awareness and thought leadership.
  • Created and managed style guides and brand voice outlines for public relations, marketing and advertising departments.
  • Localised PR initiatives to maximise regional awareness and coverage.
  • Consulted with executive management to develop communication policies and procedures for managing crises.
  • Reached out to influencers and media to promote brand image on national and global levels.
  • Designed and created communication and marketing strategies for new product launches and promotions.
  • Drafted press releases and speeches following organisational news and events.

Senior Account Manager (Financial Services)

Vuma Reputation Management
Johannesburg, Gauteng
03.2009 - 10.2009
  • Clients: Liberty Shared Services, Stanlib
  • Attended regular networking events to increase brand awareness and thought leadership.
  • Created and managed style guides and brand voice outlines for public relations, marketing and advertising departments.
  • Localised PR initiatives to maximise regional awareness and coverage.
  • Consulted with executive management to develop communication policies and procedures for managing crises.
  • Coordinated and managed annual communication schedules and marketing activities.
  • Reached out to influencers and media to promote brand image on national and global levels.
  • Identified and cultivated brand's public voice by collaborating with internal and external teams.
  • Designed and created communication and marketing strategies for new product launches and promotions.
  • Represented organisation at local and national events and press conferences to promote brand awareness.
  • Identified and secured proactive and reactive coverage opportunities through strong relationships with media.
  • Drafted press releases and speeches following organisational news and events.

Financial Markets Journalist

Business Day
Johannesburg, Gauteng
06.2008 - 03.2009
  • Covered: Economics, Unit Trusts, Financial Markets and Property
  • Pitched and proposed story ideas to editorial teams for consideration and approval.
  • Produced well-written and accurate stories to deadlines.
  • Sought out primary sources and conducted original interviews.
  • Travelled to events, carrying out on-the-ground reporting.
  • Researched, pitched and wrote stories of national relevance for UK readership.

Equity Sales Trainee

Merrill Lynch South Africa
Johannesburg, Gauteng
07.2007 - 03.2008
  • Facilitated meetings between clients and specialists to assess investment prospects.
  • Monitored client satisfaction to identify improvement areas and increase retention.
  • Proposed trading and investment ideas according to firm and client needs.
  • Led roadshow activity to network and build partnerships with institutional investors.
  • Built and updated financial models to support ongoing budgeting and forecasting processes, analyse complex information and process real-time data.
  • Provided detailed analysis and actionable insights of listed companies' trends to support and influence business decisions.
  • Assessed business, industry-specific and national or international economic conditions to advise on investment decisions.

Telecoms Sales Executive

Sagem Orga (Pty) Ltd
Johannesburg, Gauteng
10.2006 - 03.2007
  • Clients: MTN Rwanda, M-Cell Mozambique
  • Strengthened profit opportunities through targeted customer relationship development, continually meeting sales objectives.
  • Fostered positive relationships with customers to enhance loyalty and retention.
  • Maintained contact with customers throughout sales and pre-delivery process.
  • Delivered professional sales presentations, creatively communicating product quality and market comparisons to prospective clients.

Wealth Management Banking Assistant

FNB Private Clients
Johannesburg, Gauteng
10.2005 - 09.2006
  • Advised customers on investment opportunities to maximise savings potential.
  • Balanced accounts and researched outages to minimise financial discrepancies.
  • Built positive customer relationships to increase account satisfaction and loyalty.
  • Devised positive solutions to customer queries, maintaining satisfaction with banking services.
  • Monitored market trends and changes to provide responsive customer investment advice.
  • Promoted bank products and services to maximise customer investments.
  • Collaborated with accountants, lawyers and financial advisers to recommend innovative strategies.

Benefits Administration Consultant Assistant

Alexander Forbes
Johannesburg, Gauteng
02.2005 - 09.2005
  • Oversaw admin team for various day-to-day admin responsibilities to maintain smooth business operations.
  • Demonstrated open communication and collaborated with various teams and Principal Officers of Funds.
  • Liaising with Actuaries for accurate reporting data.
  • Planned and scheduled Pension Fund and Provident Fund Trustee meetings, creating agendas and minutes as needed.
  • Assisted managers in compiling and organising materials for Trustee meetings.

Education

Masters of Science in Risk Management - Risk Management

New York University Stern Business School
New York City
05.2021 - 09.2022

Masters of Business Administration - Global Business Strategy

University of Stellenbosch Business School
Cape Town, Western Cape
01.2013 - 12.2014

Bachelor of Commerce - Business Finance & Economics

University of the Witwatersrand
Johannesburg, Gauteng
01.2002 - 01.2005

Skills

  • Complex resource management
  • Stock market understanding
  • Trend analysis expertise
  • Strategic thinking
  • Stakeholder engagement
  • High-value project management
  • Risk management
  • Financial management
  • Presentations and proposals
  • Complex negotiations
  • Brand-building strategies
  • Fiscal responsibility
  • Strategic governance
  • Corporate governance
  • Strategic networking
  • Entrepreneurial mindset
  • Change management

Languages

English
Fluent
Xhosa
Native

Affiliations

  • Writing, Playing Golf and Field Hockey

Certification

  • Certified Director of South Africa, Institute of Directors South Africa (2024)
  • Level 1 Foundational ISP Certification, Spencer Stuart (2022)
  • FSB, First Level Regulatory Examinations (RE1 - Key Individual), Financial Services Board (2017)
  • FSB, First Level Regulatory Examinations (RE5 - Representative), Financial Services Board (2017)

Board Memberships

  • Cross-Border Road Transport Agency (2021 - current) - Chairperson of Social & Ethics Committee, Remuneration and Human Resources Committee.
  • Absa Bank Group Employment Equity & Diversity Forum (2019 - 2021) - Represented the Africa business on an advisory forum for the Group CEO on diversity and inclusion issues across the African continent.
  • Sani Sistas Trust (2024 - 2018) - Trust for the NPO, which distributes reusable sanitary towels to previously disadvantaged young women in schools in the Western Cape.
  • Business Women's Association of South Africa (2014 - 2017) - Vice-Chair of the Western Cape Region

Accomplishments

Obama Foundation Leaders: Africa (2018): Selected by the Obama Foundation, an NPO of the former President of the United States, I was selected as one of the Top 200 out of 10 000 to form part of the inaugural Obama Foundation Leaders Africa cohort representing issues on women's rights and mental health.

References

References available upon request.

Quote

If the doors of perception were cleaned, everything would appear to man as it is: infinite.
William Blake

Timeline

Chief of Staff and Business Enablement Lead

Absa Bank CIB
12.2021 - Current

Masters of Science in Risk Management - Risk Management

New York University Stern Business School
05.2021 - 09.2022

Head of Shared Services / Cash Settlement: Africa

Absa Bank
09.2019 - 12.2021

Business Manager / Senior Strategy Consultant

Absa Bank
08.2018 - 08.2019

Executive: Stakeholder Engagement Manager

Argon Asset Management
07.2016 - 07.2018

General Manager: Strategy

Media24
04.2014 - 03.2016

Masters of Business Administration - Global Business Strategy

University of Stellenbosch Business School
01.2013 - 12.2014

Account Director (Financial Services)

Redline Draft FCB
03.2012 - 01.2013

Senior accounts manager (Financial Services)

Atmosphere Communications
10.2009 - 02.2012

Senior Account Manager (Financial Services)

Vuma Reputation Management
03.2009 - 10.2009

Financial Markets Journalist

Business Day
06.2008 - 03.2009

Equity Sales Trainee

Merrill Lynch South Africa
07.2007 - 03.2008

Telecoms Sales Executive

Sagem Orga (Pty) Ltd
10.2006 - 03.2007

Wealth Management Banking Assistant

FNB Private Clients
10.2005 - 09.2006

Benefits Administration Consultant Assistant

Alexander Forbes
02.2005 - 09.2005

Bachelor of Commerce - Business Finance & Economics

University of the Witwatersrand
01.2002 - 01.2005

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Loyiso Kula