Fumani Sono

Visionary business leader with over two decades of cross-sector experience across automotive, telecoms, insurance, and entrepreneurship. I bring an end-to-end understanding of business growth—from frontline operations to boardroom strategy—anchored in deep operational insight and full P&L ownership. My leadership journey reflects a steady progression through high-impact roles, where I've driven growth, turned around underperforming units, scaled brands, and built high-performing teams.

Known for my adaptable leadership style and people-first philosophy, I thrive in dynamic environments where strategic foresight must be matched by executional discipline. Whether leading a dealership turnaround or repositioning a privately held business, I deliver long-term value through governance, operational excellence, and strong stakeholder alignment. I'm now seeking a senior executive opportunity where I can shape strategy, mentor emerging leaders, and champion sustainable growth.

Managing Director at VHA KOKWANI cc (2023-07 – Present)

Assumed leadership and strategic ownership of VHA KOKWANI, initially operating in a family affiliated capacity before acquiring full ownership. Directed company growth and operational excellence through hands-on management of multiple projects, stakeholder relationships and financial oversight. Demonstrated entrepreneurial drive and strong business acumen to expand service delivery and market presence.

• Rearticulated the company vision and repositioned the brand in line with long-term commercial and strategic objectives.
• Took full ownership of investment decisions, financial planning, and capital deployment to ensure cost control and revenue growth.
• Introduced new business streams that diversified risk, enhanced cash flow stability, and strengthened market competitiveness.
• Built and led a performance-driven team culture, anchored in accountability, shared purpose, and ethical practice.
• Established governance systems that balanced entrepreneurial agility with compliance and risk control.
• Strengthened relationships with government and private clients, unlocking project opportunities and long-term contracts.
• Launched process automation and digitisation initiatives to modernise internal systems and customer interfaces.

General Manager at BMW LMG JOBURG CITY (2022-05 – 2023-06)

Held strategic and operational oversight of a major BMW dealership within the LMG network. Tasked with restoring performance and repositioning the dealership as a customer-first, revenue-strong operation. Reported directly to the CEO, contributing to group-level decisions while managing daily execution on the ground.

• Led dealership sales, aftersales, and service operations, achieving consistent growth across all core revenue streams.
• Rebuilt team morale and alignment following periods of instability—introducing performance KPIs, mentoring staff, and driving accountability.
• Cultivated high-value customer relationships, resolving escalations personally and increasing repeat business and referrals.
• Oversaw dealership budgeting and resource allocation, optimizing cost structures while maintaining service standards.
• Developed monthly reporting systems for sales, workshop operations, risk, and compliance to inform CEO-level decision-making.
• Rolled out targeted marketing and customer engagement initiatives aligned with BMW's brand guidelines and strategic goals.
• Implemented continuous improvement measures to streamline service processes and elevate customer satisfaction ratings.

Government Sales & Senior Sales Executive at BMW Montana (2021-09 – 2022-04)

Led high-impact brand activations, product campaigns, and VIP client programs. This role blended creative execution with strategic account management and operational discipline, contributing to customer engagement and revenue generation.

• Planned and executed multi-channel campaigns including vehicle launches, ride-and-drive experiences, and safety activations.
• Secured new corporate partnerships and high-value accounts through targeted prospecting and tailored service offerings.
• Acted as the primary liaison between internal departments and external partners (venues, suppliers, contractors) to ensure executional success.
• Drove operational precision across all projects—managing timelines, budgets, and deliverables with end-to-end accountability.
• Delivered post-campaign performance insights to senior management, informing brand strategy and investment decisions.

Operations Director at VHA KOKWANI cc (2017-05 – 2021-08)

Assumed strategic and operational responsibility during the company's earlier phase under family ownership. Focused on business development, project execution, and financial management, setting the groundwork for future acquisition and leadership.

• Managed project delivery from inception to completion, ensuring alignment with scope, budget, and client expectations.
• Exercised independent judgement across operations while aligning with broader ownership objectives.
• Introduced controls to improve financial oversight, streamline debtors' management, and align cash flow with project needs.
• Fostered trusted relationships with property owners, clients, suppliers, and internal teams to mitigate delays and deliver results.
• Optimised business systems, introducing process improvements that enhanced operational efficiency and compliance.
• Played a pivotal role in client acquisition and relationship retention, contributing directly to business expansion.

Government Sales & Senior Sales Executive at BMW Auto Menlyn (2007-12 – 2017-04)

Entrusted with brand activations and client relationship management at one of BMW's flagship dealerships. Played a central role in driving new business and orchestrating campaigns that reinforced customer loyalty and brand equity.

• Led the end-to-end execution of vehicle launches, exhibitions, and experiential campaigns driving foot traffic and lead conversion.
• Cultivated high-value relationships with venue managers, suppliers, and corporate clients.
• Assisted the CRM function in securing venues under high-pressure conditions, enabling campaign responsiveness.
• Delivered regular performance updates to management, including campaign metrics, sales performance, and risk assessments.
• Maintained strict budget control across campaigns while ensuring premium customer experiences.

Customer Experience Associate – Life Insurance at Hollard Life (2006-10 – 2007-11)

Early-career role that shaped my foundational understanding of customer engagement, service integrity, and operational compliance in a highly regulated environment.

• Delivered empathetic, solution-focused service for funeral policy clients.
• Captured applications and client queries with precision on the LifeSuite platform.
• Resolved issues swiftly, ensuring customer satisfaction and policy retention.
• Developed lasting insights into the customer journey and operational impact.

Customer Service Supervisor at MTN South Africa (2001-10 – 2006-09)

Led frontline service operations for MTN's postpaid division. A high-pressure leadership role that required strong risk awareness, quality assurance, and performance delivery.

• Supervised a team managing contract activations, customer queries, and fraud screening.
• Approved credit applications based on thorough verification processes.
• Safeguarded MTN from financial risk through diligent fraud prevention protocols.
• Provided mentorship and operational oversight across multiple support channels.

Diploma in Project management fundamentals

Diploma in PC engineering

Certificate in Call centre operations

Certificate in OHS Act principles & legal liability

Certificate in Accident & incident investigator

Certificate in Basic fire awareness

Certificate in ISO quality standards

Certificate in SMME management

Certificate in Leadership and management development