Maura Robinson
Hermanus
Summary
Accomplished professional with expertise in executive-level writing, editing, and reporting, complemented by strategic analysis and insight development. Demonstrates strong leadership and team management skills, effectively engaging stakeholders across corporate, academic, and consulting environments. Fully bilingual in English and Afrikaans with robust proficiency in MS Office applications including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Committed to leveraging these skills to drive organisational success and foster collaborative growth.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work history
General Manager & Client Services Director
Douglas Parker Associates
2018.01 - Current
- Senior leadership role with full responsibility for client delivery, research quality, operational management, and executive reporting.
- Key Responsibilities & Achievements:
- Led end-to-end consulting and research engagements across retail, property, fuel, FMCG, and franchising sectors
- Oversaw qualitative and quantitative research design, data collection, analysis, and executive reporting
- Conducted retail and mixed-use feasibility studies, demographic profiling, SWOT analyses, and market assessments
- Acted as primary client liaison for senior executives and developers
- Managed internal consultants, workflows, invoicing, and operational processes
- Editor of The Parker Review, a weekly executive intelligence publication covering business, retail, and financial trends
- Contributed to company positioning through marketing strategy, brochure development, and website conceptualisation
- Representative Clients: Shoprite Holdings, Spar, OK Franchise Division, Puma Energy, Edcon, Atlantic Meat, Gyro, Admaius, Dorpstraat
Office Manager / Senior Researcher
Insight Survey
2017.01
- Led B2B consulting and research studies for high-profile corporate clients
- Managed analysts and coordinated research delivery across multiple projects
- Produced executive-level reports and presented findings to clients and industry forums
- Client Sectors: Telecoms, pharmaceuticals, corporate services
Research Executive / Analyst
Lightstone Explore (formerly Douglas Parker Associates)
2010.01 - 2016.01
- Delivered complex market and feasibility studies for major retail and property clients
- Specialised in demographic analysis, segmentation, GIS-based spatial analysis, and merchandise planning
- Editor of Lightstone Explorer, a monthly executive research publication
- Supported strategic decision-making for national and regional developments
- Key Clients: Shoprite Checkers, Growthpoint, Jaguar Land Rover, Masscash, Massbuild, OK Franchise, Lazercor, Milprops 365
Earlier Professional & International Experience
Various
2003.01 - 2010.01
- Junior Lecturer at UFS Humanities
- Online educational programme development (IEB curriculum)
- Property management and lettings (London)
- Private tutoring and educational support services
Education
M.Soc.Sc - Criminology & Research Methodology
University of the Free State
B.Soc.Sc Honours - undefined
B.Soc.Sc - undefined
Skills
- Executive-level writing, editing, and reporting
- Strategic analysis and insight development
- Leadership and team management
- Stakeholder engagement across corporate, academic, and consulting environments
- Fully bilingual: English & Afrikaans
- Strong MS Office proficiency (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
REFERENCES
Available on request
SELECTED ACHIEVEMENTS
Dean’s Medal & Senate Medal (University of the Free State), Multiple academic awards and bursaries, Recognised for excellence in research, writing, and leadership, Valid driver’s licence
PUBLICATION & THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
- Editor: The Parker Review (weekly executive briefing)
- Editor: Lightstone Explorer (monthly research publication)
- Conference presenter (CRIMSA) and published academic author
CORE EXPERTISE
- Executive & Client Advisory
- Qualitative & Quantitative Research Leadership
- Retail, Property & Feasibility Consulting
- Market, Consumer & Demographic Analysis
- Strategic Reporting & Insight Generation
- Business Case Development
- Team Leadership & Office Management
- Stakeholder & Client Relationship Management
- Editorial & Thought Leadership (Executive Publications)
Timeline
General Manager & Client Services Director
Douglas Parker Associates
2018.01 - Current
Office Manager / Senior Researcher
Insight Survey
2017.01
Research Executive / Analyst
Lightstone Explore (formerly Douglas Parker Associates)
2010.01 - 2016.01
Earlier Professional & International Experience
Various
2003.01 - 2010.01
B.Soc.Sc Honours - undefined
B.Soc.Sc - undefined
M.Soc.Sc - Criminology & Research Methodology
University of the Free State