Ross Young
Cape Town
Summary
A dynamic, innovative, and energetic leader with over 23 years’ experience in the FMCG / drinks industry both internationally and through Africa & RSA. A proven success record in General management, Operational & Distribution, Marketing, Commercial & Financial Management, Brand launch strategy and execution, Sales and Distribution Management, Events, Sponsorships and Project Management, People and process management all the while delivering a superior positive performance and delivering results during hard times and in high pressure environments. Constantly and always positively contribute to business strategy with success in a variety of roles with increasing responsibility and Specialties. An entrepreneurial mind set, with a corporate background. Adaptable to work as an individual, as part of a team within a global structure, building brands and business from the ground up. Very target orientated individual and have a desire to learn and better myself constantly. Customer-oriented General Manager focused on increasing revenues and expanding margin. Adaptive and deadline-oriented consistently executes and completes multiple projects in high-stress environments. Meticulous leader and strategic planner with comprehensive managerial acumen, offering vision and motivational acumen.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager
ZMMI – Zanzibar Maritime & Mercantile Ltd.
10.2022 - 04.2024
- Accountable for delivering net profit financial performance, as well as Key Performance indicator deliverables, managing local team, Brand partners, 3rd party agency and suppliers
- Continuous revenue growth YoY from end 2021 vs 2022 and again in 2023 resulting in annual revenue growth of 54.6%
- Opening of 2 new additional retail shops in Zanzibar in 2022 with further expansion planned
- Development and implementation of a full 360 system change over and seamless integration to the business that included: Warehousing delivery and inventory control, Retail POS system & stock control
- Power BI sales tracking and performances, CRM sales tool for KAM to utilize in trade.
- Managed budget development, forecasting, and financial reporting processes to track progress towards organizational objectives accurately.
- Developed and maintained relationships with customers and suppliers through account development.
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
- Implemented innovative programs to increase employee loyalty and reduce turnover.
- Analyzed market trends/data to identify potential opportunities for business growth within existing or emerging markets successfully.
- Formulated policies and procedures to streamline operations.
- Championed continuous improvement initiatives that enhanced operational performance across all departments.
- Drove year-over-year business growth while leading operations, strategic vision, and long-range planning.
- Monitored financial performance, set budgets and controlled expenses to provide financial stability and long-term organizational growth.
- Be the lead and motivate a team of Department Heads & KAMs so that revenue, profit, and brand distribution targets are exceeded, within trade investment budgets.
Regional Director- Africa & Global Opportunities
CBC – Cape Brewing Company. Rekorderlig Cider – Africa
07.2017 - 08.2022
- Manage both CBC and Rekorderlig businesses across RSA and Africa with expansion footprint into Europe and other Global markets for brand launch & export opportunities
- Source distribution partners worldwide
- Work Shoulder to shoulder to build brand equity & achieve set targets and expansion goals
- Manage full Sales and Marketing teams nationally / 3rd party service providers across both brands for Africa as well as re-distributors
- Create and implement comprehensive company & brand plans / sales execution strategies, growth plans and volume projections and budgets
- Manage 3rd party Service provider for Social media strategies, budgets, content & events
- Identify new Global export markets, manage volume budgets, P&L sheets, Trade marketing strategies and implementation to show a successful growth on each brand
- Develop creative concepts & mechanics to drive brand messaging and CI to consumers for innovative ATL and BTL marketing initiatives and activities
- Manage Social media campaigns, drives and content
- Head of technical department for draught in trade
- Commercial management: Full responsibility & effectively manage all costs and budgets for both brands through P&L sheets that include company management accounts
- Reporting to Board of Directors on Rekorderlig (Sweden) and CBC brands (International) Manage all POS development, brewery activity for both brands through Trade marketing manager
- Events & Experiential activity to drive brand awareness, create sales opportunities and build brand equity
- Support National Sales teams growth and National Key Accounts in trade and across all regions
- Development of new products / Trademarks Globally with launch strategy and platforms
- Grow each market with sales and market share – develop region specific campaigns to support sales
- Effectively set up full E-Commerce solution for CBC online, Manage weekly set up new campaigns to drive additional consumers to online shop, manage products & growth on platform to meet company expectations
- Effectively manage all staff: Operational, sales, marketing, technical teams.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop new products and services, meeting customer demands while driving revenue growth.
Regional Director Africa
Chilli Brand management UK (Rekorderlig South Africa Pty)
09.2013 - 07.2017
- Set up Rekorderlig South Africa (PTY) Ltd company, in RSA and African region
- Identify Distribution partners (DP) in each country across the region, set up distribution agreements, targets and KPI’s for each territory for long term successful partnerships
- Create sustainable profits, with steady domestic market growth strategy
- Assist, train and guide Dist. partners in sales and marketing initiatives to trade across all regions and channels
- Create, Plan and ensure execution of marketing plans and briefs to trade
- Managed all Marketing, trade and Traditional, Social media, PR, Events, brand equity, volume sales, external agencies, brand CI, AMP forecast and actuals.
- Create and Accountable for the full P&L for the brand across all regions, all AMP spend
- Create & compile extensive yearly brand plans to reach goals and drive brand sales
- Manage all expenditure through Rekorderlig SA with our accountants, SARS, all monthly creditors books
- Manage all volume forecasts and actuals from DP and from brewery in Sweden, Control Imports and legal aspects from Dept. of Agriculture
- Analyzed market trends to inform strategic decision-making, adapting quickly to changing conditions for sustained success.
- Spearheaded expansion into new territories, conducting thorough market research to identify opportunities and devise entry strategies.
- Identify new NPD opportunities, strategic launch plans and execution Reporting to Managing Directors across the globe and Rekorderlig Board of Directors
Commercial & Assistant General manager RSA National Execution & Audit manager –SA
KWV SA PTY
09.2011 - 09.2013
- Set up, effectively and positively run the RTD business for KWV, successfully launch new products into the SA market
- Reports: Manage a team of Brand Activation Managers (2) Direct line manager to all Regions: Regional Sales managers (6), Sales managers (4) responsible and accountable for all sales and Execution in each Region Project managed a complete re-structure in the SA Div business sales model for in trade efficiencies, cost cutting purposes and increased sales and profitability to KWV
- Set up, developed, and devised the sales tools and reporting structures on the Extranet system which tracks and measures effective sales, in trade execution, sales staff accountabilities and KPI measurements
- Manage Executrac for in trade Execution excellence, exceptions reports and corrective actions
- Responsible for all training requirements within SA Division, sourcing companies and facilitating and content materials.
- Increased customer satisfaction by addressing and resolving concerns in a timely manner.
- Managed financial aspects of the business, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost control for optimal profitability.
General Sales Manager –Glacéau vitaminwater
PENINSULA BEVERAGES: Coca-Cola
01.2009 - 09.2011
- Accountability for Glacéau volume forecast, actual volume, and profitability
- Customer contact - lead the Glacéau culture in the trade
- Leadership and management of the sales and field marketing teams
- Develop and manage sales management structures and processes for the region
- Liaise with Glacéau national team + broader Coca-Cola structure.
- Marketing strategies, implementation, and brand plans
- POS design, in trade tools and merchandise.
- Set up the operational and logistical aspects of Glacéau to include back-end support systems, ordering process, delivery routes and order generation, managing Glacéau across all distribution plants, accurate forecasting of stock levels to sell and sample in trade.
- Planning and implementation of the launch of Glacéau across South Africa and managing the expansion and density plans of the brand and account base.
- Member of executive management team on Glacéau in sales, marketing and decisions on the brand.
- Working closely with National Accounts team across all channels.
- Active member of the Glacéau Global expansion team, participating in the launch, training and marketing for Glacéau in Hong Kong and Germany.
- FIFA 2010- Being a preferred drink for FIFA 2010, Set up the Cape Town Stadium for sales points, POS and activations, worked with the Cape Town Stadium Manager to ensure the smooth running of sales and activations in and around the stadium on all game days.
- Increased sales revenue by implementing strategic marketing campaigns and fostering strong customer relationships.
- Recruited and hired top-level talent to add value and expertise to sales department.
Brand Manager/ Global Brand Ambassador
CHILLI MARKETING, UK
01.2006 - 01.2008
- Based in London this role includes all aspects of a sales, marketing, and a training ambassadorial role.
Brand Manager: Buffalo Trace bourbon, WL Weller, Kettle One Vodka, Opal Nera Sambuca
INSPIRIT BRANDS, UK
01.2005 - 01.2006
National Account Manager (Retail)
Coca-Cola Enterprises UK
01.2001 - 01.2005
Education
High School Diploma -
Carter High School
South Africa12.1995
Skills
- Logistics
- Delegating Work
- Effective leader
- Interpersonal Skills
- Marketing Strategies
- Revenue Generation
- Strategic Planning
- Proficient in: Microsoft / Tableau / Power BI/ LS Central
- P&L Management
- Leadership and team building
- Direct Sales
- Business Management
Courses And Qualifications
- Essential Selling Skills 1,2 & 3
- WSET in wine, spirits and beers- distinction achieved – advanced course.
- Sales and Negotiation / Project Management
- SA Navy Diver
- Scuba Diving Instructor / Life Guard
- CPR 1st AID Instructor
- Hydro Graphics Surveyor Diploma
Passions
- Passionate about charity and giving back to the community.
- Have previously been involved with an under-privileged children feeding scheme
- Former member of VWS (Volunteer Wildfire Services) as a Fire Fighter.
System Proficiency
Advanced, Advanced, Advanced, Advanced, Basic, Intermediate
Linked In
https://www.linkedin.com/in/youngross
Personal Information
- License: Code 08
- Date of Birth: 07/27/76
- Nationality: South African / British (UK) - Resident - Zanzibar
References
References on request.
Timeline
General Manager
ZMMI – Zanzibar Maritime & Mercantile Ltd.
10.2022 - 04.2024
Regional Director- Africa & Global Opportunities
CBC – Cape Brewing Company. Rekorderlig Cider – Africa
07.2017 - 08.2022
Regional Director Africa
Chilli Brand management UK (Rekorderlig South Africa Pty)
09.2013 - 07.2017
Commercial & Assistant General manager RSA National Execution & Audit manager –SA
KWV SA PTY
09.2011 - 09.2013
General Sales Manager –Glacéau vitaminwater
PENINSULA BEVERAGES: Coca-Cola
01.2009 - 09.2011
Brand Manager/ Global Brand Ambassador
CHILLI MARKETING, UK
01.2006 - 01.2008
Brand Manager: Buffalo Trace bourbon, WL Weller, Kettle One Vodka, Opal Nera Sambuca
INSPIRIT BRANDS, UK
01.2005 - 01.2006
National Account Manager (Retail)
Coca-Cola Enterprises UK
01.2001 - 01.2005
High School Diploma -
Carter High School
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