Managing Director at K-Crea (2024-01 – Present)
Industrial Manufacturing
- Assumed full P&L responsibility and executive oversight for an industrial manufacturing enterprise with an annual turnover of approximately R 10 Million ZAR (800M RWF).
- Defined and executed the company's growth strategy across five diverse product divisions.
- Directed the operational logistics for complex processes, consistently meeting industrial quality standards and project deadlines.
- Managed and developed a multi-disciplinary technical workforce, improving cross-departmental efficiency and ensuring regulatory compliance within the manufacturing environment.
General Manager at Luthuli Private Game Reserve (2021-10 – 2024-02)
Homeowner Association & Operational Management
- Developed a financial management system from inception to establish a structured budgeting framework, comprehensive financial reporting and transparent planning processes that gave shareholders clear visibility and accountability over common amenity funds.
- Oversaw the ongoing homeowner's construction phase across the reserve, managing shareholder and contractor compliance, contractor access control, and permit management to ensure all works met regulatory, HOA and Manyoni Private Game Reserve (MPGR) standards consistently.
- Renegotiated staff contracts, salaries and bonus structures to create a more motivated and stable team.
- Developed and implemented an alien invasive plant management plan, covering identification, prioritization, treatment programmes and ongoing monitoring across the reserve.
- Worked closely with the management of the MPGR on ecological and biodiversity matters, including fire management and participation in the leopard habituation management team. Within the first year, I was elected by MPGR members on to the Compliance Committee and subsequently the Security Committee.
- Managed road maintenance planning and implementation across the reserve, ensuring year-round access and infrastructure integrity.
- Facilitated the resurfacing of the two largest MPGR dams from planning to execution of works to mitigate downstream erosion and improve water retention.
- Managed the planning and installation for a comprehensive upgrade in the electrical supply and installation of underground power lines across the Luthuli section of the MPGR.
- Held full responsibility for the maintenance of all common grounds, the workshop, and the estate fleet; including private vehicles, road maintenance equipment (tractor, grader and associated plant), and game viewers, as well as the controlled issuance and management of diesel and petrol.
Field Operations Manager at African Parks – Nyungwe National Park (2020-12 – 2021-03)
Project Start-up and Infrastructure Development
- Led the rapid implementation of the Park's Business Plan, focusing on the initial set-up of a new project and full development of park infrastructure.
- Directed the construction of a new ranger training center and provided essential operational and logistic support to the Law Enforcement department.
- Managed all assets and stock using the Inflow inventory system, implementing improved systems and cost-cutting initiatives that maximized resource efficiency.
- Supervised diverse technical teams (mechanics, plumbers, electricians) and all maintenance operations, including the implementation of the fire management plan and support for tourism infrastructure and trails.
Field Operations Manager at African Parks – Zakouma National Park (2019-06 – 2020-02)
Large-Scale Infrastructure & Technical Oversight
- Held operational responsibility for planning, managing, and executing the operations component of the park's ZAR50 million annual budget, including both the capex and opex; which represented the majority of the total business plan spend. Addressed backlogged projects to ensure all deadlines were met before financial year end in an extremely remote environment where most materials and equipment were sourced via airfreight and container shipping.
- Oversaw all technical operations of a remote and challenging environment with limited resources. Management of large teams, ground, water and air fleet; earthmoving equipment and communications infrastructure.
- Project Managed the construction of multiple major capital projects, including a new workshop, centralized stores, housing, new law enforcement quarters and construction of multiple airstrips.
- Developed and executed a comprehensive bush fire management program and completed critical infrastructure improvements.
Black Rhino Reintroduction Manager at African Parks – Zakouma National Park (2017-11 – 2020-02)
Conservation & Ethical Integrity Project
- Managed all aspects of the Black Rhino reintroduction project (pre- and post-release), to ensure an unwavering commitment to ethical conservation integrity and CITES compliance.
- Led the preparation of the new release site, including the construction of 7 bomas and a temporary sanctuary, ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare and security.
- Trained and mentored a specialized team of 24 scouts in law enforcement strategies, tracking, monitoring, ecology, and husbandry care for the rhinos. Supervised the training of elite rangers, traveling with the section rangers to Malawi and Zimbabwe for specialized training in Anti-Poaching and Black Rhino Ecology.
- Held full tactical and strategic responsibility for the rhino protection plan, including the design and implementation of law enforcement protocols, rapid reaction procedures, and anti-poaching response strategies — directing the team's deployment, patrol patterns, and incident response to ensure the security of the animals at all times.
Security and Operations Manager at African Parks – Ukulima Farm (2017-05 – 2017-09)
Security, Infrastructure, and Asset Management
- Supervised all security and operational aspects during the acquisition phase of the farm gifted to African Parks.
- Led law enforcement patrols and personnel to combat high levels of crime and poaching.
- Established a comprehensive inventory of all existing assets and maintained existing infrastructure and vehicles.
Internship, Operations Manager Assistant at Marataba Pty (2015-07 – 2016-01)
Game Reserve Operations & Workshop Management
- Assisted the Operations Manager with workshop and fleet maintenance, fire management, and fence management.
- Gained experience in game capture (mass and chemical), game breeding, and construction of holding pens for passive capture.
Internship at African Parks – Liuwa National Park (2015-01 – 2015-06)
General Operational Management
- Performed general operation management duties, including workshop and stock management, road and airstrip maintenance, and fire management.
- Managed logistics and purchases and participated in the recruitment and training of new Scouts.
Volunteer at African Parks – Akagera National Park (2011-01 – 2013-01)
Field Operations and Construction Support
- Worked under the Operations Manager, assisting with maintenance and construction of management houses, performing welding, plumbing, and woodwork.
- Supported field ecology through herpetological surveys, establishing camera traps, and managing human-wildlife conflict and law enforcement.
