FRANCOIS GERBER

Results-driven marketing and property professional with extensive experience at ECO Properties, specializing in sales and brand management. Proven ability to develop innovative marketing strategies that enhance stakeholder engagement and drive revenue growth. Skilled in digital marketing and dedicated to providing exceptional customer service, significantly improving client experiences in luxury travel and tourism.

• Increased advertising value equivalent (AVE) by 206%
• Increased social media followers by 141%
• Increased visitor numbers by 121%
• TRIPADVISOR Service Excellence Award - Hall of Fame. Recipient for 5 consecutive years (2013 - 2018)
• Increased events revenue by 99%
• Successful marketing & promotion of Body Worlds, the worlds most visited exhibition in 2014 & 2016
• Named one of the Top 10 Museums in Gauteng as voted by visitors in 2017/2018 and #15 of 162 best things to do in Johannesburg. Facilitated the donation of a state-of-the-art FESTO mechatronics laboratory & the refurbishment of an additional revenue generating venue

• 15+ YEARS work experience in the private and public sector (NGO/NPO’s and member driven trade associations in several different industries)
• 15 YEARS experience working as a Senior Marketing & Communications Manager
• 15 YEARS experience working in the Tourism Industry
• 14 YEARS senior management experience
• 13 YEARS event management experience
• 5 YEARS experience working for a large NPO/NGO in a senior, strategic marketing and communication function
• 2 YEARS experience working at a member-driven association representing private industry

• The Netherlands - SA Presidency’s Programme was an initiative of the Presidency, facilitated and funded by the Dutch Government with the objective of developing senior management skills in 5 sectors of the economy critical for economic growth namely TOURISM, ENGINEERING, SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY and EDUCATION. After rigorous rounds of interviews and tests only 20 South Africans were chosen to partake in the programme.
• The 10-week programme consisted of intensive managerial training covering several focus areas presented by high calibre and prestigious individuals like:
• Financial Management presented by the Financial Director of Sony
• Project Management presented by the Chief Designer of Volvo
• Entrepreneurship and Management by a leading MBA professor from Durham University (UK).
• Following the above, all participants were placed and worked within leading Dutch companies.

• Management of the marketing team - Communications Manager, Events Manager, Graphic designer, 2 reservation/booking consultants and 2 event co-ordinators.
• Recruit, train, appraise, supervise, support, develop, promote and guide qualified staff as part of dedicated career path plans for each team member.
• Developing several KPA’s while facilitating and promoting ownership and accountability among employees for assigned tasks to be able to work independently but also to thrive in a team environment. Quarterly appraisals and feedback with all team members.

• Providing marketing insight and services to develop and leverage partnerships.
• Conduct continuous analysis of competitive environment and consumer trends, and use findings to continuously evaluate and drive commercial success
• Positioning the centre as a deserving brand for donations by engaging, building and strengthening relationships with key donors, foundations and the media.
• Development of a strategic approach and strategy for each potential donor stream and providing requisite value proposition

• Custodian off all entertainment and educational assets of historical importance responsible to maintain “sense of place” to appeal and attract international visitors.
• Manage guided tours of up to 7 000 visitors per day while employing around 250 guides who have been coached, trained and mentored to the highest standards. Winner of the CEO’s award - 2008.
• Work closely with service providers, Joburg and Gauteng Tourism and all major and International Tour Operators to position The Heritage Tour and the Theme Park as a “must see” for International Tourists visiting Johannesburg as part of Destination Marketing activities.
• Design and implementation of a reservation system according to the specific requirements of the department to ensure faster access to the park for pre-booked groups.
• Managing a small Sales Department consisting of several sales consultants and tele-sales agents.
• Ensuring that sales targets are achieved by setting realistic and achievable sales goals considering marketing data and constant market research.