Group Board
Ridwaan Bedderson
Business Unit Manager – Unilever Channel Management
Ridwaan completed his IMM Marketing Diploma prior to joining the Smollan Group in December 2000, where he worked within Smollan Sales and Marketing. In 2003, Ridwaan was promoted to Dedicated Client Manager for Parmalat where he worked his way up to ultimately head up Parmalat Field Marketing Services. Having been hugely successful with Parmalat, Ridwaan was recently appointed as the Business Unit Manager for Unilever Channel Management.
Mike Lawson
Director - Smollan Sales & Marketing
Mike joined the Smollan Group as Divisional Manager for Smollan Sales and Marketing in Gauteng in 1994. From 1995 to 1998, he successfully ran the Group's Natal operations, moving to the Cape in 1998 to manage the Western Cape area. Mike's appointment to National Director of Smollan Sales & Marketing in 2000 has seen the division earn service excellence awards from clients, customers and industry bodies. His hands-on approach and operational expertise have resulted in long term clients, satisfied customers and importantly, a well-managed and motivated team.
Sean Leas
Director – New Business Development
Sean began his career at Woolworths in 1993, quickly moving to the position of National Sales Manager and finally, Group Merchandiser. During this time, he completed his MBA and lectured part time at Damelin in Business Management. In 2002, the Smollan Group invited Sean to head up Unilever Channel Management, which he did inspiringly. He followed this with the role of leading the Group's diversified services offerings, and is currently in charge of New Business Development.
Kgomotso Sebopelo
Business Unit Manager – Cell C Fieldmarketing
After completing his B. Comm Marketing Degree at Witwatersrand University, Kgomotso joined the Smollan Group as a Trainee Field Manager. Shortly after joining, he was promoted to Field Manager at Unilever Channel Management: the Group's fieldmarketing structure dedicated to Unilever's brands. He then held the position of Relief Regional Manager in the Western Cape inland region, before heading back to Johannesburg to run the Group's Engen Fieldmarketing business: a customised and strategic business unit dedicated to the Engen forecourts. He has recently been tasked with heading up the Cell C structure.
Dumani Sibeko
Non-Executive Director
Dumani has held management positions in a number of blue chip international organisations, including Gillette, Reebok and Multichoice. He joined the Smollan Group's Lottery Field Marketing business as General Manager in 2001, and later served as General Manager for Unilever Trade Development. Dumani is currently a director and chairperson of Hlobisile Management Consulting, Non-Executive director and board member of the Smollan Group, Chairperson of the Smollan Empowerment Share Trust and a member of the Smollan Diversity Forum. Dumani's commitment and passion to the broader social and economic upliftment of previously disadvantaged communities is evidenced by his roles as volunteer and Trustee of various community organisations, including Siyakhula Orphanage and Nokuphila Community Services.
David Smollan
Chief Executive
David is a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA Charterholder). He completed his articles at Grant Thornton Kessel Feinstein, whereafter he was appointed a consultant in their Corporate Finance Division. In 1998, David co-founded i capital – a corporate finance advisory and private equity fund management business, where he was an Executive Director for 10 years. He is also a founding member of Young Business for South Africa – a non-profit organisation that aims to promote networking and understanding between young, economically active South Africans. David is the third generation of Smollans to become involved with the Smollan Group, and the eldest of Doug's three sons.
Doug Smollan
Chairman
The Smollan Group was founded by Doug's father, Fred Smollan, in 1931. Doug joined the business in 1968 as a salesman and became Managing Director eight years later. Having recently handed over the role of Chief Executive to his eldest son David, Doug now holds the position of Chairman. With a wealth of experience, he provides organisational leadership, strategic input and direction to the board. He is also pivotal in the Group's global business strategy. Doug is passionate about South Africa, its people and its development. He was Chairman of Business Against Crime ("BAC'), Gauteng in 1997 and in 2000, he joined BAC's National Board. Doug heads up the Consumer Goods Council of South Africa Anti-Crime initiative under the auspices of BAC.
Gerhard Snyman
Director
Gerhard completed his articles at KPMG in 1987, where he was appointed audit manager. In lieu of his military training, Gerhard joined the auditing department of The South African Revenue Services, before joining PPC as Group Financial Accountant. In 1995, he joined the Smollan Group as Financial Manager. Over time, he has been responsible for various functions, ranging from reporting and budgeting to software implementation in the Finance Department. In November 2006, Gerhard was appointed as Group Financial Director.
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