Devi Paulsen-Abbott Email & Phone Number

Cape Town, Wc, Za

City Of Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

I am a results-driven Managing Director with a proven track record of success in overseeing the full P&L of the business and implementing strategies for growth, process improvements and strategic partnerships. With a strong focus on client relationships, I have implemented aggressive sales strategies to boost revenue and identifying growth opportunities.

South Africa

Responsibilities include leading meetings, representing the organization, implementing strategic initiatives, increasing membership and fundraising, collaborating with stakeholders, advocating for the industry, planning events, serving as a spokesperson, mentoring and promoting diversity, monitoring industry trends, and supporting a team of volunteers and small admin office.

Cape Town Area, South Africa

Managed team of 25 across two offices in South Africa to produce 14 successful events in the trade, hospitality, food, transport, mining, infrastructure, and construction industries, resulting in meeting revenue and profit targets. Collaborated with cross-functional teams and external partners to ensure events were delivered on budget and met targets. Established and communicated the vision and direction for the Southern African portfolio. Recruited, trained, and motivated staff and suppliers, identifying and addressing any development areas. Implemented systems and technologies to optimize performance. Provided reports and forecasts to management, identifying opportunities and risks. Formulated and executed strategic plans and goals, including working with the content team to develop impactful event content. Maintained knowledge of competitive landscape and industry trends. Represented the company as a spokesperson, fostering positive media coverage and stakeholder relations. Increased business presence, growth, and profitability. Strengthened relationships with key customers and drove sales and commercial activities.

Cape Town Area, South Africa

Successfully launched 8 event products and 4 media products, driving P&L responsibility for the company, and managing a team of 40 employees. In just 3 years, grew the business from a R0 revenue base to a R35 million turnover organization (approximately US$2.9 million). Through strategic cross-functional initiatives, ensured projects/ products met key revenue, operational, and marketing milestones, resulting in successful go-to market strategies. In collaboration with functional heads, achieved 50%+ increase in contribution/gross profits and 30%+ year-over-year growth in footfall for flagship event products. I also spearheaded the sale of the transport and construction events to dmg events after 5 years of co-founding the transport and construction events to dmg events after 5 years of co-founding the company.

South Africa

Held various leadership positions over 15 years, including COO and Managing Director. Oversaw complete operations and growth of the business, leading a team of 55-60 employees across multiple offices and overseeing 15 events and 4 digital/print media products. Developed strong management team and implemented strategies to drive sales and profits, while retaining top talent. Successfully positioned the company as a leading media company in Africa through networking with clients and competitors and continuously innovating products. Provided progress reports to company stakeholders and board. Was part of the team who drove the acquisition of Spintelligent by Clarion Events.

Johannesburg Area, South Africa

Organised and trafficked advertising material across 4 print publications (monthly, bimonthly and quarterly) ensuring adverting was placed in the correct editions and positions. Provided overall administration support to the ad sales team and support to ad agencies and direct advetisers.