Blake Walters Email & Phone Number

Cape Town, Wc, Za

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

- Highest product adoption in portfolio for region (+7.5% above region average)- Portfolio saw a 24% increase in portfolio room nights and 33% increase in revenue YoYOverviewOversee a diverse portfolio of accounts, delivering personalized commercial solutions to meet client objectives and expand the local market footprint. Analyze market trends and competitor activities to identify growth opportunities and enhance the market presence of the portfolio. Drive company objectives through strategic client engagement and market development.Responsibilities:Client Relationship Management: Understand client needs, provide tailored solutions, ensure satisfaction, and drive growth.Data & Insight Analysis: Examine booking trends, customer behavior, and market data to uncover optimization opportunities.Strategic Development: Design and implement pricing, marketing, and operational strategies to enhance efficiency and profitability.Performance Monitoring & Reporting: Track key metrics and generate reports to identify areas for improvement.Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with sales, marketing, finance, and operations teams to ensure aligned execution of company strategies.

South Africa

- Introduced a new client segment into the portfolio's budget- Launched a loyalty program across portfolio- Implemented commercial & operational processes across the board- Primary group sales negotiator for city/area/regional agreements OverviewOversaw the comprehensive management of group and event operations across Marriott’s extensive Sub-Saharan Africa portfolio, encompassing over 100 properties. Led initiatives to optimize every touchpoint within the customer journey, from reservation through post-event follow-up, ensuring exceptional guest experiences and maximizing revenue. Provide commercial & operational support for above & on property teams across Marriott’s Sub-Saharan Portfolio. Responsibilities:Customer Journey Optimization: Spearheaded efforts to enhance every aspect of the customer journey within the reservation process, resulting in improved guest satisfaction and increased repeat business.Strategic Audits & Operational Development: Conducted in-depth audits of property operations, sales, and marketing strategies, leading to the development and implementation of optimized procedures and tactics across the portfolio.Standardization of Group & Event Processes: Implemented a standardized group and event management process, which included the adoption of updated technology, operating systems, procedures, cross-departmental collaboration, and revenue policies to drive consistency and efficiency across all properties.Key Negotiator & Market Leadership: Served as the primary negotiator for high-value group sales opportunities, securing key contracts and driving significant revenue for the Sub-Saharan Africa marketTraining & Development: Led training workshops for property teams, ensuring the successful adoption of new processes and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Durbanville

- Grew RevPar by 18%- Media & Partnership arrangements with local suppliers to drive higher engagement- Implemented a community program in conjunction with local municipalitiesOverview:Crafted sales and marketing strategies as sharp as a chef’s knife to carve out a prime position for the property in a competitive market. By turning market resources into secret ingredients, I whipped up engagement and aligned actions that didn’t just meet revenue targets—they exceeded them with flair.Responsibilities:Sales Strategy Creation: Cooked up comprehensive sales strategies that spiced up revenue growth.Budget Management: Balanced the budget with the precision of a seasoned sommelier, ensuring every cent was well-spent.Team Leadership: Led the sales and operational team like a maestro, ensuring they hit all the right notes and performance targets.Client Relationship Management: Cultivated and nurtured client relationships, turning satisfied customers into loyal regulars.Campaign Development: Designed and executed marketing campaigns across multiple channels, making the brand as irresistible as the hotel’s best dish.Cross-Department Collaboration: Worked hand-in-hand with product development and finance, aligning strategies like a well-orchestrated team.

Cape Town Area, South Africa

Managed group reservations across South Africa, coordinating accommodations for large groups and managing room allocations on behalf of properties. Demonstrated proficiency in reservation systems, proactive problem-solving, and collaborative teamwork to optimize guest experiences and maximize revenue.

New Managers Development Programme (Nmdp), Business/Managerial Economics

The NMDP is a comprehensive training program aimed at developing the managerial capabilities of individuals who are new to management.

Hospitality Management, Hospitality Accommodation Management

Activities and Societies: An internship at the The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Lake Tahoe provides invaluable hands-on experience in luxury.

Matric