Available to hire
I’m Kirsten Veenstra, a results-driven marketing and communications strategist with more than 20 years of international experience spanning engineering, marine manufacturing, mobile, technology and ICT, finance, training and the motor industry. I translate complex subject matter into clear, credible and commercially effective communication, and I enjoy stepping into technical environments to build structured, high-impact marketing functions that strengthen visibility and growth.
Since 2019 I have built a distinctive consulting practice serving B2B and B2C clients across engineering, technical design, boat building and manufacturing. My work spans strategy, brand positioning, content development (including video), digital channels, PR and media engagement, and ROI-focused measurement. I am comfortable with remote work, constantly learning, and delivering across diverse teams and geographies to drive long-term business results.
Experience Level
Language
English
Fluent
Afrikaans
Fluent
German
Advanced
Work Experience
Senior marketing and communications consultant / contract marketing head at Independent consulting practice
December 1, 2019 - PresentLead 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, 2018Led 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 / Virgin Emerging Markets
January 1, 2013 - March 1, 2014Managed 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, 2012Led 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 at Self-employed
November 1, 2011 - March 1, 2012Freelanced in marketing, communications and CRM across clients; delivered CRM programs, customer communications, digital platforms management and marketing strategy; provided training and facilitation.
Marketing, communications and CRM manager at Spark ATM Systems (Pty) Ltd
April 1, 2011 - November 1, 2011Set 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, 2011Managed 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 trainer at Self-employed
November 1, 2007 - December 1, 2008Freelanced 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, 2007Led 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, 2005Oversaw 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, 2000Provided 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, 1999Handled vehicle sales and customer relations.
CRM, customer liaison and database co-ordinator at Docklands Audi, London
June 1, 1998 - September 1, 1998CRM coordination, customer liaison and database management.
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, 1994Matric with A Aggregate at Bergvliet High School
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1991Qualifications
South African Sailing Skippers Certificate
January 11, 2030 - July 7, 2026Royal Yachting Association and South African Sailing Skippers Certificate
January 11, 2030 - July 7, 2026Firefighting certificate
January 11, 2030 - July 7, 2026First Aid certificate
January 11, 2030 - July 7, 2026Industry Experience
Manufacturing, Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Software & Internet, Travel & Hospitality
Experience Level
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