Andries Bester

Andries Bester Email and Phone Number

Director of Product @ edX
Cape Town, WC, ZA
Andries Bester's Location
City of Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa, South Africa
About Andries Bester

Experienced product leader with a 15-year track record in managing and delivering end-to-end product solutions. Currently serving as the Director of Product: Growth at edX, one of the world's leading online education platforms. I excel in navigating both creative and technical domains, leveraging a deep understanding of customer acquisition, demand generation, and conversion rate optimization at scale. My product management expertise lies in identifying opportunities, formulating strategic product roadmaps, and leading cross-functional teams to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions.

Andries Bester's Current Company Details
edX

Edx

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Director of Product
Cape Town, WC, ZA
Andries Bester Work Experience Details
  • Edx
    Director Of Product
    Edx
    Cape Town, Wc, Za
  • Edx
    Director Of Product
    Edx Apr 2023 - Present
    Lanham, Maryland, Us
    Serving as the Director of Product at edX, a globally recognized online education platform, my role is directed at shaping product management strategies across the consumer journey. The core focus is to enhance engagement, foster retention, and augment revenue through strategic and dynamic product management. Collaborating with cross-functional teams, the goal is to develop robust product roadmaps and uncover innovation opportunities to enrich the user experience.In addition to my directorial role, I also operate as a Product Manager within the Iteration squad, a team committed to Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) and the refinement of consumer interaction strategies. We undertake wide-ranging projects, including monetization enhancement for specific product lines, optimization of payment and registration processes, and exploration, enhancement, and scaling of our Paid Marketing infrastructure.A crucial aspect of my responsibilities encompasses cultivating a cross-functional, collaborative environment, primarily between the Product and Engineering teams. While product-led growth remains our focal point, active engagement with stakeholders across Product Marketing and Marketing Strategy is fundamental to our holistic approach to product management.
  • 2U
    Director, Web Operations
    2U Nov 2019 - Apr 2023
    Arlington, Virginia, Us
    In my role as Director of Web Operations, I oversaw the further development and integration of our suite of tools into the business operations, while also incorporating additional functions into our team. These included UX and UI design, content management, and conversion rate optimization and analysis. A pivotal aspect of this role was the implementation and scaling of conversion rate optimization (CRO), which involved expanding testing efforts across the entirety of GetSmarter's digital landscape.
  • 2U
    Head Of Web Operations
    2U Dec 2018 - Apr 2023
    Arlington, Virginia, Us
    As the Head of Web Operations, my role evolved to encompass a broader range of responsibilities, building on the groundwork laid in my prior positions. A notable milestone was the inception, design, and implementation of a bespoke product that significantly enhanced our ability to create and scale paid landing pages, Information brochures as well as Portfolio Marketing across the full spectrum of GetSmarter's product offerings. These landing pages became the main hub for all our paid marketing endeavors, which averaged a monthly investment of approximately 3 million USD.
  • 2U
    Marketing Development Lead @ 2U, Inc
    2U Feb 2018 - Nov 2018
    Arlington, Virginia, Us
    As a Marketing Development Lead, my responsibilities included amplifying our marketing and SEO initiatives by recruiting and managing a dynamic team of front-end developers. Operating within an agile framework, we worked collaboratively to enhance our digital presence. Additionally, I spearheaded the development of a bespoke blog platform, a strategic move designed to foster growth through an organic content strategy.
  • Getsmarter
    Front End Web Developer
    Getsmarter Sep 2016 - Feb 2018
    Cape Town, Western Cape, Za
    As a Front-End Web Developer, my role involved collaborating with UX, brand, and internal technology teams, as well as University Partners, to create and launch partner-branded landing pages. These pages were designed with a focus on lead generation, serving as a crucial component of the broader marketing strategy at GetSmarter.Notable achievements in this role entailed the creation of microsites for world renowned academic institutions like Cambridge, Harvard and The London School of Economics
  • Freelance
    Front End Web Developer
    Freelance Feb 2015 - Aug 2016
    As a Freelance Front-End and WordPress Developer, I began my journey using templates, which laid the groundwork for my understanding of web development. I then advanced to utilising Bootstrap and coding custom themes, enhancing my ability to create dynamic websites. My skills further evolved with the incorporation of Advanced Custom Fields, igniting the concept of custom web tool creation. I leveraged these skills to deliver tailored, functional websites that cater to my clients' specific needs.
  • Korean International School In Hanoi
    English Teacher
    Korean International School In Hanoi Mar 2013 - Feb 2015
    As a Grade 2 Head Teacher at the Korean International School in Hanoi, I led my class in a comprehensive curriculum while also coordinating a variety of school-wide activities. My role expanded beyond traditional teaching duties to include the creation of summer camp materials, leading rehearsals for our annual plays, and organising sports days. Throughout these responsibilities, I remained focused on providing a holistic and engaging educational environment for all students.
  • Shiryang Elementary School
    English Teacher
    Shiryang Elementary School Mar 2011 - Feb 2013
    As an English teacher in Yesan, South Korea, I embarked on my first international role and teaching experience. This transformative journey not only honed my teaching skills but also significantly contributed to my personal growth.Navigating a foreign cultural landscape, I was tasked with the responsibility of bridging language gaps for my students, while simultaneously developing a profound respect for the diversity and potential of the human experience.Perhaps the most profound revelation during my time in Yesan was understanding that adults are fundamentally akin to children, possessing similar urges yet constrained by more inhibitions. This insight has since played a pivotal role in my teaching philosophy, allowing me to better connect with students and peers alike.
  • Die Helde
    Drummer For Die Helde
    Die Helde Jan 2005 - Jan 2009
    As the drummer for Die Helde, I navigated a creative and dynamic musical landscape. Our band not only created engaging compositions but also collaborated with prominent pioneers in the industry like Zinkplaat and Foto Na Dans. These collaborations offered invaluable experiences and insights into the music industry, fostering an environment of continuous learning and growth.Of notable mention is our involvement in the early stages of what eventually became known as the "MK Avontoere". Being part of this landmark music tour was an exhilarating experience, enabling us to share our music with diverse audiences across multiple locations.

Andries Bester Education Details

  • Stellenbosch University
    Stellenbosch University
    Information Technology
  • The London School Of Economics And Political Science (Lse)
    The London School Of Economics And Political Science (Lse)
    Mba Essentials
  • Saïd Business School, University Of Oxford
    Saïd Business School, University Of Oxford
    Executive Leadership Programme
  • Harvard University
    Harvard University
    Fintech Online Short Course
  • Massachusetts Institute Of Technology
    Massachusetts Institute Of Technology
    Digital Business Strategy Online Short Course
  • University Of Cape Town
    University Of Cape Town
    User Experience Online Short Course
  • Goldsmiths, University Of London
    Goldsmiths, University Of London
    Digital Marketing Online Short Course
  • The London School Of Economics And Political Science (Lse)
    The London School Of Economics And Political Science (Lse)
    Negotiation Programme
  • University Of Cape Town
    University Of Cape Town
    Seo Online Short Course
  • University Of Cape Town
    University Of Cape Town
    Agile Project Management Online Short Course

Frequently Asked Questions about Andries Bester

What company does Andries Bester work for?

Andries Bester works for Edx

What is Andries Bester's role at the current company?

Andries Bester's current role is Director of Product.

What schools did Andries Bester attend?

Andries Bester attended Stellenbosch University, The London School Of Economics And Political Science (Lse), Saïd Business School, University Of Oxford, Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute Of Technology, University Of Cape Town, Goldsmiths, University Of London, The London School Of Economics And Political Science (Lse), University Of Cape Town, University Of Cape Town.

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