Accomplished and results-driven marketing, communications and brand strategist with more than 20 years’ international experience across engineering, marine manufacturing, mobile, technology and ICT, finance, training and the motor industry. Skilled at translating complex technical subject matter into clear, compelling and commercially effective communications. Since 2019, Kirsten has built and grown a consulting practice serving B2B and B2C clients in engineering, technical design, boat building and manufacturing—creating strategically aligned, measurable marketing ecosystems spanning brand, digital channels, content, PR, performance measurement and reputation-building initiatives.…

Kirsten Veenstra

Accomplished and results-driven marketing, communications and brand strategist with more than 20 years’ international experience across engineering, marine manufacturing, mobile, technology and ICT, finance, training and the motor industry. Skilled at translating complex technical subject matter into clear, compelling and commercially effective communications. Since 2019, Kirsten has built and grown a consulting practice serving B2B and B2C clients in engineering, technical design, boat building and manufacturing—creating strategically aligned, measurable marketing ecosystems spanning brand, digital channels, content, PR, performance measurement and reputation-building initiatives.…

Available to hire

Accomplished and results-driven marketing, communications and brand strategist with more than 20 years’ international experience across engineering, marine manufacturing, mobile, technology and ICT, finance, training and the motor industry. Skilled at translating complex technical subject matter into clear, compelling and commercially effective communications.

Since 2019, Kirsten has built and grown a consulting practice serving B2B and B2C clients in engineering, technical design, boat building and manufacturing—creating strategically aligned, measurable marketing ecosystems spanning brand, digital channels, content, PR, performance measurement and reputation-building initiatives.

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Skills

Experience Level

Language

English
Fluent
Afrikaans
Fluent
German
Advanced

Work Experience

Communications and marketing consultant (Contract marketing head) at Independent consulting practice
December 1, 2019 - Present
Leads marketing and communications for engineering, marine manufacturing and related technical-sector clients, combining strategic advisory with day-to-day execution. Scope includes marketing and brand strategy, communications strategy and implementation, content marketing and creation with growing focus on video, digital presence strategy across websites/intranets and social media, and social media management. Also supports recruitment/HR communications, internal communications and people-change management, PR and media management, sponsorship and CSI management, business set-up with systems and documentation, and reporting/measurement/ROI with technology and metrics. Works across South Africa, USA and UK clients.
Senior marketing and communications consultant / contract marketing head at Independent consulting practice
December 1, 2019 - Present
Lead marketing and communications partner to clients in engineering, marine manufacturing and related technical sectors. Scope includes business strategy support, channel marketing management, brand strategy, content creation (video growing), digital presence across websites and social channels, recruitment and internal communications, PR, sponsorships, events and ROI measurement.
Marketing and communications manager, Africa and the Middle East at Bullitt Mobile Ltd
February 1, 2016 - December 1, 2018
Led all channel marketing activity across South Africa and the Middle East; managed digital marketing strategy and content; oversaw brand governance, PR and media strategy; sponsorship and ambassador management; events and product launches; CRM and budget oversight.
Internal communications manager (Virgin Emerging Markets brand team) at Virgin Group
January 1, 2013 - March 1, 2014
Managed PR, media, brand and reputation activity for Virgin and Sir Richard Branson across emerging markets in Africa, Asia and South America. Coordinated Sir Richard Branson’s programmes for South African visits, managed Virgin South Africa digital channels including internal website and social media, and led internal communications including digital newsletters. Managed Virgin Tribe and a staff loyalty partner scheme. Evaluated and managed sponsorship proposals and organised Brand Forums and MD Forums, delivering brand, marketing and communications projects for Virgin Group Emerging Markets.
Internal communications manager | Virgin Emerging Markets brand team at Virgin Group / Virgin Emerging Markets
January 1, 2013 - March 1, 2014
Managed PR, media, brand and reputation activity for Virgin in Emerging Markets; coordinated VIP programmes; managed internal digital channels and staff loyalty initiatives; supported corporate development and sponsorship proposals; organized brand forums and leadership forums.
Communications manager for global IT infrastructure transformation at Old Mutual Long-Term Savings IT
March 1, 2012 - December 1, 2012
Led change management and change communications for IT infrastructure projects; managed intranet and digital platforms; stakeholder mapping and engagement; supported contract negotiations communications; managed events and branding for project launches.
Freelance marketing, communications and CRM consultant
November 1, 2011 - March 1, 2012
Freelance marketing, communications and CRM consultant at Self-employed
November 1, 2011 - March 1, 2012
Freelanced in marketing, communications and CRM across clients; delivered CRM programs, customer communications, digital platforms management and marketing strategy; provided training and facilitation.
Marketing and communications manager at Spark ATM Systems (Pty) Ltd
April 1, 2011 - November 1, 2011
Set up and managed the marketing, communications and CRM portfolio for South Africa’s convenience ATM deployer. Built customer relationship management and loyalty programme development, customer communications and database management, and direct marketing. Managed digital platforms including website and customer newsletters. Owned brand and online/e-marketing, corporate communications and internal/external communications, PR and media relations including media releases, and events/promotion/sponsorship/CSR. Oversaw advertising, design, photography and social media strategy, and supported key account management.
Marketing, communications and CRM manager at Spark ATM Systems (Pty) Ltd
April 1, 2011 - November 1, 2011
Set up full marketing management, CRM portfolio; developed loyalty program, customer communications and database management; managed digital platforms, brand marketing, events and corporate communications.
Communications specialist at T-Systems South Africa
January 1, 2009 - March 1, 2011
Managed corporate communications portfolio (internal and external); aligned client communications with account teams; led executive roadshows, speeches and internal comms; supported merger and organisational development communications.
Self-employed marketing consultant and sales/communications/CRM trainer and facilitator
November 1, 2007 - December 1, 2008
Consulted and freelanced across marketing, sales, web development and CRM, while facilitating management courses in sales management, CRM and communications—especially for the motor industry.
Self-employed marketing consultant and trainer at Self-employed
November 1, 2007 - December 1, 2008
Freelanced in marketing, sales, web development and CRM; facilitated management courses in sales management, CRM and communications for clients in the motor industry.
Group marketing, communications and customer relations manager at Honda Western Cape - Mekor Motors (Pty) Ltd
September 1, 2005 - August 1, 2007
Led group marketing, communications and customer relations activities for the Western Cape operations.
Group marketing and communications manager, Western Cape at DaimlerChrysler / Mercedes-Benz: Sandown Motors Holdings (Pty) Ltd
January 1, 2001 - September 1, 2005
Oversaw marketing and communications for the Western Cape region; alignment with brand guidelines; customer communications and events.
Executive assistant to global vice-president at Federal-Mogul Friction Products Group Europe and South Africa
May 1, 1999 - December 1, 2000
Provided executive support; coordinated communications and administrative functions for global VP.
Retail sales executive (passenger and commercial vehicles) at Mercedes-Benz Woking Motors, Surrey, UK
September 1, 1998 - March 1, 1999
Retail sales executive - passenger and commercial vehicles at Mercedes-Benz Woking Motors, Surrey, UK
September 1, 1998 - March 1, 1999
Handled vehicle sales and customer relations.
CRM, customer liaison and database co-ordinator at Docklands Audi, London
June 1, 1998 - September 1, 1998
CRM coordination, customer liaison and database management.
Customer service department contract role at Marks and Spencer UK Head Office, London
May 1, 1998 - June 1, 1998
Fleet / key accounts sales executive at Thorp Delta Group, Cape Town
August 1, 1997 - April 1, 1998
Sales executive (private and key accounts) at Hyundai Motor Distributors (Pty) Ltd, Cape Town
August 1, 1995 - August 1, 1997

Education

Bachelor of Social Science Degree, majoring in Industrial and Organisational Psychology and Personnel Management at University of Cape Town
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1994
Matric with A Aggregate at Bergvliet High School
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1991
Bachelor of Social Science (Industrial and Organisational Psychology and Personnel Management) at University of Cape Town
January 1, 1994 - July 22, 2026

Qualifications

South African Sailing Skippers Certificate
January 11, 2030 - July 7, 2026
Royal Yachting Association and South African Sailing Skippers Certificate
January 11, 2030 - July 7, 2026
Firefighting certificate
January 11, 2030 - July 7, 2026
First Aid certificate
January 11, 2030 - July 7, 2026
South African Sailing Skippers Certificate (RYA and SAS Skippers Certificates)
January 11, 2030 - July 22, 2026
Firefighting certificate
January 11, 2030 - July 22, 2026
First Aid certificate
January 11, 2030 - July 22, 2026

Industry Experience

Manufacturing, Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Software & Internet, Travel & Hospitality, Telecommunications, Financial Services, Education, Consumer Goods, Other, Healthcare

Skills

Experience Level