Dustin Thomas Smith

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.

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.

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)