In her career as a Corporate Sales and Marketing Manager across a variety of industries, Erna has established a reputation as a dynamic professional who uses her knowledge and experience to increase company performance where it matters most – the bottom line.
Her sporting background as a participant (Provincial Colours for Netball, Indoor and Outdoor Cricket, Athletics, Softball, Korfball), and Captain of the Springbok indoor Cricket Team plus her Coaching experience has served her well in building and leading diverse teams to address all elements of the marketing mix.
A pragmatist who is driven by results and a career that spans over 20 years, Erna evaluates marketing strategies based on objectives, market characteristics and cost and mark-up factors, and once her investigation is complete, formulates policies, directs and co-ordinates marketing activities aimed at promoting products and services, and evaluates performance against budgets and targets.
Her extensive experience with companies such as Marley Pipe Systems, Alert Steel, DPI Incledon and Parmalat has led to her acquiring a significant mix of skills to offer clients of Ilanga Retail. Her skill set includes financial evaluation of products from research and development to marketing, merchandising and sales. She sees to the hiring, training and evaluation of teams ensuring high levels of motivation towards the achievement of personal and company goals.
She also drives the product research and development as well training of staff on these skills for Ilanga.
Her enthusiastic approach to marketing and sales has seen her develop long term relationships with suppliers, vendors and clients whilst managing expectations and executing against sales targets.
A creative thinker, motivator, communicator and deliverer who is sensible in her approach to challenges and values success both for herself, her staff and the companies she works with.