Elza Smit

Dynamic marketing leader with 15+ years of senior executive experience driving revenue growth across multi-brand, international organisations. Proven track record of owning end-to-end marketing strategy — spanning brand, digital acquisition, performance marketing, and inbound demand generation, with demonstrable commercial impact across highly competitive consumer markets. Experienced in scaling marketing functions through growth and transformation, building advocacy-led acquisition models, and aligning marketing investment directly to revenue outcomes.

Marketing Director at Corvette South Africa (2025-09 – Present)

Head of Marketing at CVH Auto Group – Maserati & Corvette South Africa (2019-02 – Present)

• Strategic marketing leadership: Developed and executed national marketing strategies, aligning global brand plans with local market needs to drive brand growth and customer engagement.
• Importer & dealer marketing management: Led marketing strategy and execution at both importer and dealer levels, overseeing dealer marketing support, showroom branding, and ensuring a consistent premium customer experience across all touchpoints.
• Model launch & experiential marketing: Led the launch of the Maserati Grecale, including a fully integrated campaign of PR, digital, social media, and experiential activations.
• Exclusive customer experiences: Conceptualised and hosted an owners run with 50+ cars, strengthening loyalty, advocacy, and brand prestige.
• Digital strategy: Directed digital marketing, SEM, and social media campaigns.
• CRM management: Managed Salesforce hands-on with sales executives and ran CRM initiatives, increasing lead generation, retention, and customer engagement.
• PR & media relations: Designed and executed PR strategies, securing high-value editorial coverage and influencer collaborations to enhance brand awareness and reputation.
• Budgeting & performance management: Managed marketing budgets, tracked KPIs, and optimised campaigns for maximum ROI, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
• Cross-functional team leadership: Coordinated internal teams, agencies, and stakeholders to deliver integrated campaigns and high-quality marketing assets on time and within budget.

Marketing Director at LDV South Africa – LDV Head Office / OEM (2023-10 – 2024-10)

• Executive leadership: Part of the importer executive team, involved in strategic decisions including import licence negotiations and establishing the brand in South Africa.
• Brand creation & positioning: Developed the brand identity, corporate identity (CI), communication strategy, and digital presence from scratch, ensuring a premium and locally relevant positioning.
• Systems & infrastructure implementation: Led the design and roll-out of all core operational software systems, including import management, stock and parts management, dealer management, CRM, lead management, and accounting systems.
• Network development: Designed and executed showroom launches, dealer activations, and national marketing campaigns to support dealer network growth and enhance the customer experience.
• Integrated marketing strategy: Developed and implemented PR, digital, social media, and experiential marketing strategies, ensuring consistent brand messaging and market impact.
• Project management: Oversaw the creation of all marketing assets, agency coordination, and event management, delivering projects on time and within budget.
• Measurement & reporting: Established KPIs, tracked campaign performance, and optimised strategies for maximum ROI and brand growth.

National Wines Brand Manager at Spier Wines, Stellenbosch (2014-10 – 2019-01)

FMCG-focused role heading up brand activities for the group and supporting major retailers and distribution partners with promotional campaigns and tactical support, with occasional overlay with the leisure side of the business.

• Brand custodian, owning the Spier website and all other digital platforms.
• Conceptualised sales campaigns and managed external wine sales reps (Vinimark) including product training and setting sales targets.
• Coordinated and managed the marketing budget process.
• Developed and executed creative, customer-focused marketing promotions and campaigns supporting the marketing strategy locally and within Africa.
• Custodian of the product portfolio — including new product development and private label products for retailers and restaurants.
• Crafted and executed PR campaigns around product launches, awards, and brand awareness.
• Commissioned and managed market research into segments, markets, and competitors through quarterly benchmarking reviews.
• Developed and executed sponsorship strategy and budget.

Brand & Communications Manager at AVI (Public Company) – GANT, Kurt Geiger & Spitz (2013-02 – 2014-10)

Spitz, part of the AVI portfolio with over 100 stores across South Africa, includes GANT, Kurt Geiger, and Spitz, focusing on high-end retail fashion.

• Developed and executed integrated marketing communications strategies, blending traditional, digital, and in-store elements to align with brand identity and drive sales.
• Led seasonal product launches and press campaigns, ensuring consistent brand messaging and visibility.
• Managed editorial coverage and PR activations, enhancing brand presence through media relations and influencer partnerships.
• Oversaw national advertising, product communications, and public relations programmes, ensuring alignment with retail and brand strategies.
• Managed budget allocation for marketing activities and campaigns.

Group Marketing Manager at The Scottish Group – Pringle of Scotland & Ben Sherman (2010-09 – 2013-01)

Set brand strategies across the various brands within the company, including the conception and execution of creative and advertising material, editorial compilation and distribution, setting the media plan, negotiations and media placements. The role oversaw seasonal launches, retail events, retail promotions, brand sponsorships, internal marketing communications, graphic design, print and digital collateral, and the brand's online presence.

Group Marketing Executive at The Forum Company – 5-Star Hospitality (2009-09 – 2010-08)

Hands-on role focused on efficient execution of marketing communications activities per the agreed marketing plan and budget. Delivered support and alignment across divisions. Responsibilities included PR activities, financial tracking of the marketing budget, production of marketing materials, and implementation of marketing communications.

Digital Project Manager at Umlungu Consulting (2008-09 – 2009-08)

Export Controller at UTI Logistics (2007-03 – 2008-03)

Packaging Design Assistant at Nando's International Head Office (2006 – 2006)

B.Com in Marketing Management – University of Johannesburg (2005 – 2005)

B.Com in Supply Chain & Logistics Management Honours – University of Johannesburg (2007 – 2007)

Diploma in Personal Training – University of Pretoria (2012 – 2012)

Level 2 Award in Wine & Spirits – Wine & Spirits Educational Trust (2016 – 2016)

Diploma in Digital Marketing – Stellenbosch University (2017 – 2017)

Completion in Business Management Courses – Harvard ManageMentor Program (2019 – 2019)