Work Experience
Professional Background
For nearly 10 years I was privileged to work with a company that experienced exponential growth. I started with Freshive as our sole digital account manager - 1 of 8 staff at the agency. Over the years, I was instrumental in growing Freshive into the formidable full-service award-winning 60+ person agency it is today, helping develop some of the largest brands in Africa, and the world. Today I'm located in Austin, Texas head up client service and strategy for $150M+ in media spend for enterprise-level clients at Optimal.
2024 - Present
Director, Key Accounts
Optimal
Austin, Texas
Leading Enterprise Media Strategy for $150M+ in Annual Spend
I direct full-funnel media strategy and client leadership for enterprise-level accounts, shaping investment decisions and guiding ~$100M OEM budgets to deliver measurable growth, performance, and long-term impact.
Driving AI-Enabled, Integrated POSE Strategy Across the Agency
I lead the adoption of AI-powered tools and workflows to elevate planning, insights, and execution while steering an integrated Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO) strategy that integrates POSE and boosts client visibility, enhances LLM discoverability, and strengthens full-ecosystem content performance.
Orchestrating High-Stakes Collaboration & Strategic Pitch Leadership
I unify cross-functional teams across media, analytics, creative, and social to deliver seamless campaign execution, while leading executive-level strategic pitches and narratives that move major initiatives forward and reinforce cohesive brand vision.
2021 - 2024
Strategy Director
Freshive
|Johannesburg, South Africa
Austin, Texas
Drove a 500% Increase in Client Spending
Spearheaded strategic planning and relationship management that in one case resulted in a 500% increase in annual spending with our largest client.
Secured High-Profile Engagements resulting in a 30% increase in agency revenue
Led the development and delivery of strategic creative pitches, successfully securing engagements with major brands such as The British Council, South African Airways, and Diageo (Johnnie Walker, Smirnoff, Guinness and more)
Award-Winning Digital Strategy
Developed and implemented a digital strategy for an enterprise-level retail client that won a cumulative 7 Smarties awards, reflecting my ability to deliver innovative solutions that drive both agency visibility and real results
2015 - 2021
Strategic Account Director
Freshive
Johannesburg, South Africa
Increased Client Engagement and Retention
Led strategic initiatives that significantly boosted client engagement, maintaining a 95% client retention rate across a portfolio of high-profile clients
Secured R5M in New Business
Successfully delivered impactful pitches that secured over R5M in new business, driving growth and expanding the agency's influence in key markets.
Consistently Delivered Successful Campaigns
Managed multi-disciplinary teams to successfully execute a number of high-profile client campaigns
Core Competencies
Strategic Thinking
Brand Strategy & Development
Client Relationship Management
New Business Development
Strategic Planning & Execution
Cross-Functional Team Leadership
Digital Marketing Strategy
Presentation & Pitch Delivery