Grethe Bestbier

I am a driven and creative marketing and brand manager, content creator and science communicator with more than 7 years of experience. I hold academic and post-graduate qualifications in science, journalism, and communication. I am practical and strategic, with a talent for communication and an eye for detail.

The focus of my career thus far has been communication and marketing within the agricultural industry. I am experienced, knowledgeable and able to take on any marketing and/or content creation rolls in a variety of industries and enterprises.

Marketing manager at AGRICO (2021-01 – Present)

• Marketing strategy and execution: Created and lead marketing campaigns with the goal of lead generation, growth and awareness, from idea to creation to implementation.
• Company identity: Lead the company in a complete rebranding exercise, renewed corporate identity, defined tone of voice, company mission and values.
• Digital marketing: Lead website redesign project. Established and grew social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn). Involved in paid media management. Improved online presence via banner ads and digitorials.
• Communication: Established and strengthened external and internal communication, via email newsletters, blogs and e-mail marketing.
• Project management and coordination: Drove major projects from planning to execution, including retail space redesign, branch rebranding and renovations, large-scale events (NAMPO) and multimedia creation projects.
• Brand building: Involved in corporate and branded wear, marketing collateral (catalogues, brochures), vehicle branding, branch branding and renovations, promotional items, etc.
• Performance tracking: Responsible for monitoring and reporting quarterly progress to directors, using KPIs and OKRs. Managed budget and spending.
• Leadership: Established the company's first marketing team. Provided supervision and leadership. Facilitated coordination between divisions. Provided marketing support to 43 Agrico branches. Involved in senior decision-making at a regular basis.

Science communicator/journalist at HORTGRO SCIENCE (2019-01 – 2020-12)

Worked in the communication department as science-writer in horticulture. Science journalist for Hortgro Science's Fresh Quarterly magazine. Wrote articles for various outlets, e.g. Hortgro newsletters, South African Fruit Journal, Timely Hints. Assisted with event planning and logistics.

Science communicator/writer at ARC INFRUITEC (2019-10 – 2019-12)

Responsible for communicating the SA Agricultural Research Council's honeybush research. Included the writing of profiles, project summaries and research focuses.

Journalist at MATIEMEDIA (2018-01 – 2018-12)

Wrote articles for the Stellenbosch University Journalism Faculty news website. Included news reports, science stories and listicles.

Research assistant at PROVAR (2018-06 – 2018-06)

Investigated visual and sensory fruit properties to update existing cultivar evaluation manual. Proofread and edited newsletters and reports.

Laboratory assistant at KWV (2017-11 – 2017-11)

Assisted with laboratory work and record keeping.

MPhil in Science and Technology Studies (Science and Public Engagement) – STELLENBOSCH UNIVERSITY (2019-01 – 2020-12)

BA Hons in Journalism – STELLENBOSCH UNIVERSITY (2018-01 – 2018-12)

BSc in Chemical Biology – STELLENBOSCH UNIVERSITY (2015-01 – 2017-12)

High School Certificate – PAARL GIRLS' HIGH (2010-01 – 2014-12)