The Minister of Tourism, Mr Marthinus van Schalkwyk, has announced the appointment of Mr Thulani Nzima as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of South African Tourism (SAT).
Minister Van Schalkwyk has expressed his delight with the appointment of the new CEO: “I am very pleased with Mr Thulani Nzima’s appointment. He not only has a wealth of knowledge and experience of the tourism industry, but his management skills will certainly steer SAT to greater heights. The tourism industry globally has faced many challenges.
Therefore, we need capable and strategic leaders who will not only create opportunities for tourism growth, but will take advantage of new opportunities that lie ahead. I am confident that he will lead with integrity and courage.”
Mr Thulani Nzima currently holds the position of Director: Sales and Marketing at the car rental company Avis. From 1991 to 2007, he held the positions of Senior Executive Manager at South African Airways, as well as Chief Executive Officer at the South African Travel Centre. The considerable experience he has gained in the business world, and more particularly the tourism sphere, has equipped him with excellent interpersonal and communication skills, a strong vision and vast industry knowledge, which will all stand him in good stead.
The Minister also expressed his gratitude to Mr Tim Scholtz, SAT Chief Operating Officer, who acted as CEO pending the appointment of the new incumbent.
Mr Thulani Nzima’s term of office will be for three years, with effect from his date of appointment.
Profile
Names: Thulani Nzima
Nationality: South African
Highest qualification: B.Com Degree
(A)Avis Rent a Car South Africa: 2007 to 2011
December 2007 - to-date: Executive – Sales & Marketing
Responsibilities include: In charge of Sales & Marketing Strategy and all revenue generating business streams; Operating Budget; International Sales Strategy and Revenue generation; Strategic Partners and Supplier strategy development; Digital Marketing & CRM, Social Media and Website development strategy; Brand Equity & Corporate Identity strategy; Communications and PR strategy; Loyalty & Service Cards strategy; Government and State Owned Entities strategic development, Recruitment and deployment of Senior Management Team
Directorships: Divisional Director - Avis Rent A Car South Africa (a Division of Barloworld Automotive)
Other Industry Roles: National Executive Committee Member (NEC) - SAVRALA
(B)South African Travel Centre: 2005 to 2007
April 2005 to September 2007: Chief Executive Officer
South African Travel Centre Group (Pty) Ltd
Responsibilities included: Overall business development strategy, Assist the board to take business strategic direction, Grow the business & franchise base; Improve profitability and other investment opportunities; Operating Budgets, Create new revenue streams for the Group; establish international network & alliances, establishment of strategic Government plan and sales team; Develop strategic partnerships and networks; Senior Management Recruitment & deployment
Directorships: Director & Board Member of SA Travel Centre Group (Pty) Ltd; Director & Chairman – Travel Experience (Pty) Ltd; Board Member – GlobalStar TMC International (EMEA).
(C)South African Airways: 1991 to 2005
2003 to 2005: Senior Executive Manager (South Africa)
Market South Africa Sales
Responsibilities: National Retail & Corporate Sales Strategy, set revenue & Operating Budget for Sales, achievement of revenue target, staff recruitment, development & placement; develop retail & corporate remuneration models. Management of key government account teams.
2002 to 2002: Senior Executive Manager (South Africa)
Market SA: Retail & Coastal Sales
Responsibilities: National Retail and Coastal sales strategy, coastal corporate and retail sales strategy, revenue and budget responsibilities. Staff recruitment, development and placement.
2001 to 2002: Senior Executive Manager (South Africa)
Domestic Sales: Sales & Voyager Strategy
Responsibilities: Develop Domestic Sales and Revenue Strategy, Voyager Strategic Re-alignment, Agency and Corporate loyalty programmes, Alliance partners and Sales Strategy.
2000 to 2001: General Manager, Kwa Zulu Natal and Border
Responsibilities: Sales Revenue, Budgets, Recruit sales team, Corporate and government deals. Resuscitation of the sales and Voyager services in the region; office set up and staff recruitment; rebuild industry relationships and customers.
1997 to 2000: Regional Manager-Benelux countries (based in Holland with an office in Brussels)
Responsibilities: Overall SAA business strategy for the Benelux region including Sales plans, Revenue targets, Operating Budgets. Responsible for Cargo & Passenger operations, Management of all SAA Airport Operations and 3rd Party Handling Agreements, Staff recruitment, training & deployment, responsible for the company’s Financial Reporting and returns, Responsible for relationship with key Airport Authorities and government partners (Schiphol Airport and Brussels Airport), Development of key relations with foreign Embassies (including SA Embassy and SA Tourism offices in the region) and other Airline partnerships.
Positions held: Board Member – Netherlands Foreign Airlines Association; Board Member – Schiphol Operators Association; Member – Netherlands Chamber of Commerce; Member – Belgian Chamber of Commerce
1996 to 1997: Market Development Manager-Americas
Responsibilities: Development of area revenue targets, Develop new markets for SAA in the region, ensure SAA route network profitability, Develop Strategic Alliance partners and code-share strategy(American Airlines and Varig Brazilian Airlines), Involved in Bilateral Air Services Agreement negotiations, overall product strategy for the Americas, perform/undertake area network feasibility studies & analysis for the North & South Americas.
1993 to 1996: Market Development Manager-Asia and Australia
Responsibilities: Same as above
1991 to 1993: Overseas Cadet Manager
- Full year training and development programme for overseas deployment
- Understudy Senior Management (Africa & Middle East) and Special Projects Leader
- Special Projects Manager (Africa & Middle East), feasibility studies and market analysis
(D)Perm Building Society: 1984 to 1991
1987 to 1991 Sub-branch Manager – Wynberg
Responsibilities: Full responsibilities as branch operations manager, Setting Revenue Sales Targets, Operating Budgets, Staffing (Training, Development, Discipline, Recruitment), Development of Sales plans, Development of Sales team, Development and Marketing of Corporate Salary schemes and House Loans.
Program Host: Radio Metro Perm Home Loans Talk show; Radio Zulu Perm Home Loans Talk show
1985 to 1987: Business Development Manager - Rosebank
Responsibilities: New Business, Maintain existing client portfolio, Financial Advisor, Housing schemes, Corporate Salary Schemes, and Investment presentations.
1984 to 1985: Admin Clerk; Marketing Clerk, Bank Teller
Responsibilities: Cashier, Sales and Marketing support function, Income Tax and Certificates of Balance.
Enquiries:
Melene Rossouw
Media Liaison Spokesperson
Tel: 021 465 7240
Cell: 082 753 7107
E-mail: mrossouw@tourism.gov.za
Natasha Rockman
Media Liaison
Tel: 021 465 7240
Cell: 076 429 2264
E-mail: nrockman@tourism.gov.za
