Dustin Thomas Smith
Sales & Commercial Leader — FMCG / Personal Care
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About
Sales leader with nearly 20 years in the personal care/professional beauty sector, experienced in developing and executing regional sales strategies, securing new business, and managing key accounts across Southern Africa. Trusted by multinational and local brands, with a track record of building high-performing teams, strengthening long-term client partnerships, and collaborating cross-functionally to deliver profitable growth. Strong commercial acumen, market insight, and client-first approach.
Experience
Client Relationship Manager (CRM) at Cancom (2026-02 – Present)
- Manage client relationships and service delivery for assigned accounts, maintaining satisfaction and retention.
- Identify cross-sell/upsell opportunities in collaboration with internal teams; coordinate solutions to client needs.
- Track account health and support reporting on KPIs and service performance.
Independent Online Sale and Marketing Training at Self-employed (2024 – 2026)
- Provided online training in the personal care/beauty space on service and sales.
Regional Sales Manager, KZN at L'Oréal (2019-03 – 2024-11)
- Owned regional planning and execution across multiple provinces to meet company objectives.
- Partnered with Commercial Director, Marketing Executives and Education Managers to align market strategies and launches.
- Supported business consultants to achieve/exceed KPIs; led sales meetings and commercial development workshops.
- Drove new business acquisition and maintained strategic relationships across key clients.
- Analysed and reported on promotions, NPD launches and salon trends; mentored a team of eight.
Key Accounts Manager (JHB & KZN) at L'Oréal (2018-03 – 2019-02)
- Managed and grew key client accounts while ensuring profitable sales volume and strategic targets.
- Maintained up-to-date sales funnels and conducted regular sales reviews and follow-ups.
- Assessed customer needs, sustained high satisfaction, and led solution development for gaps.
Sales Representative (KZN) at Kao Goldwell / KMS (2013-09 – 2018-02)
- Prospected, presented and sold products to existing and new clients; followed up on leads and referrals.
- Established and maintained client relationships; resolved concerns and trained customers on products.
- Route planning and execution to optimise coverage and service frequency.
Account Manager (KZN) at GHD South Africa (2012-09 – 2013-08)
- Represented the brand at business meetings; built relationships and addressed client issues.
- Supported customers with business planning, marketing, streamlining and in-salon promotions.
- Prepared and presented reports; participated in marketing events and merchandising initiatives.
Redken / Pureology / Matrix Consultant at L'Oréal (Multi-brand Agency) (2007-03 – 2010-12)
- Represented professional haircare brands; developed client relationships and delivered product education.
Business Development Consultant at Wella South Africa (2005-01 – 2007-02)
- Launched new product lines and planned training/new product events and trade shows.
- Prepared presentations, proposals and sales contracts; maintained client relationships.
- Implemented special sales activities to reduce stock; coordinated delivery and collections.
Education
Advanced Diploma in Digital Marketing – Shaw Academy UK (2017)
Online Diploma in Introduction to Web Development – Shaw Academy UK (2016)
Matric – Suncrest High School (1996)
