Tracy Russouw
JOHANNESBURG
Summary
Dynamic Commercial and Sustainability Leader with over 22 years of experience in specialty chemicals, global FMCG, and consulting sectors. Expertise in translating ESG and circular economy strategies into profitable growth, consistently achieving year-on-year increases of 30% or more through strategic portfolio optimization, sustainable business development, responsible sourcing, and enhanced supply chain resilience. Recognized as a trusted partner to global key accounts, fostering collaborative leadership and demonstrating regulatory compliance expertise while leveraging data-driven decision-making to achieve impactful results. Committed to advancing sustainability initiatives that align with business objectives and stakeholder interests.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Sales Account Manager & Business Development, Sustainable Solutions
BASF
JOHANNESBURG
01.2021 - Current
- Delivered 30%+ YoY growth by identifying sustainability-driven opportunities across global FMCG and industrial formulator markets. Managed global key accounts (including Unilever, Reckitt, Henkel, SC Johnson, Syngenta Bayer), aligning solutions with ESG targets and regulatory requirements. Led portfolio optimisation, improved supply chain planning, and partnered with R&D and regulatory teams to deliver compliant, market-ready innovations.
Product Manager & Sales
Chemfit (AECI)
JOHANNESBURG
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Strengthened margins by 25% and supply security through global supplier management, portfolio expansion, pricing strategy, and responsible sourcing initiatives.
Commercial & Supplier Strategy
Protea Chemicals (OMNIA)
JOHANNESBURG
01.2014 - 01.2018
- Improved supply chain resilience, gross margins by 20%, and market share by 25/% through strategic sourcing, contract negotiation, and alternative supply strategies.
Performance Improvement Manager
EY South Africa
JOHANNESBURG
01.2007 - 01.2014
- Led large-scale transformation and performance improvement programmes (totally 200 million EUR) across multiple industries, advising senior stakeholders and delivering measurable cost and efficiency outcomes.
Scientific & Product Development Roles
Reckitt Benckiser & Unilever
JOHANNESBURG & USA
01.2002 - 01.2007
- Applied product stewardship, lifecycle thinking, and regulatory compliance across formulation, responsible sourcing, cost reduction (by 15%) and global product launches.
Education
Master of Science - Microbiology
University of Cape Town
Cape Town2001
BSc (Hons) - Microbiology
University of The Western Cape
Cape Town1998
BSc -
University of The Western Cape
Cape Town1997
Skills
- Responsible Sourcing & Supplier Management
- Product Stewardship & Regulatory Compliance
- Sustainable Supply Chain Optimization
- Portfolio & Category Management
- Global Key Account Stakeholder Engagement and Communication
- Cross Functional Leadership
- Data Analytics & Reporting
- Commercial Sustainability Strategy & ESG Integration
- Circular Economy & Life Cycle Thinking
- Technical Skills - CRM: Salesforce CPQ Systems Power BI (Data Analytics & Reporting) Demand Planning (CDM)
Accomplishments
- 2025 results exceeded volume target by 53% and net sales by 47%
- Top Performance Rating in first year at BASF (2022)
Timeline
Sales Account Manager & Business Development, Sustainable Solutions
BASF
01.2021 - Current
Product Manager & Sales
Chemfit (AECI)
01.2018 - 01.2019
Commercial & Supplier Strategy
Protea Chemicals (OMNIA)
01.2014 - 01.2018
Performance Improvement Manager
EY South Africa
01.2007 - 01.2014
Scientific & Product Development Roles
Reckitt Benckiser & Unilever
01.2002 - 01.2007
Master of Science - Microbiology
University of Cape Town
BSc (Hons) - Microbiology
University of The Western Cape
BSc -
University of The Western Cape
Community Service and Volunteer Work
SPCA, Volunteer, 2020, 2021, Took a sabbatical to became an SPCA Volunteer (2020-2021) - focused on adoption initiatives., Rehomed 150+ adult dogs., Appointed to committee for leadership, commitment and impact.
Hobbies
Going to the gym, gardening and spending time with my family and our dogs.