George Moolman (Dip ESA)

George Moolman (Dip ESA)

Business Development with a passionate focus within Ocean Economy, Events, Sponsorship and Hospitality

City of Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
4K followers 500+ connections

About

For the past two decades, I have been navigating the vibrant landscape of the hospitality industry, refining my skills and expanding my expertise. This journey has led me to the events sector, where I have successfully integrated my keen business insight with a steadfast commitment to customer relationships.

In my role at the V&A Waterfront, I had the rewarding opportunity to cultivate a team of event professionals. We mastered the art of venue management, cultural integration, and entertainment, always with an eye for the intricate details that transform events into memorable experiences.

As my career evolved, I ventured into the realm of business development. Here, I demonstrated my proficiency in securing commercial sponsorships and building valuable partnerships for the V&A Waterfront. My contributions have played a significant role in the growth and success of this iconic South African landmark.

Recently, I have been able to channel my experience in the event and hospitality sector towards a new passion - the ocean economy. With a particular interest in Cruise Lines, Super Yachts, and Yacht Racing, I have successfully applied my customer relationship skills and business development expertise to this exciting field.

I am driven by my passion for creating exceptional experiences and achieving results in the events, business development, and ocean economy sectors.

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Experience

  • V&A Waterfront

    V&A Waterfront

    12 years 1 month

    • Senior Manager: Events, Partnerships and Film

      V&A Waterfront

      - Present 6 years 6 months

      Cape Town Area, South Africa

      A senior management position that that that both influences and is influenced by the Marketing Teamwith high visibility to executive leadership. We aim to deliver the most relevant events, campaigns andbrand activations to every customer, at the right time, and within the right context, driving customercuriosity and delight, and promote discovery. We strive to develop Customer Experiences (CX) thatcreate a year-round opportunity for customers to explore and engage with tenants, attractions…

      A senior management position that that that both influences and is influenced by the Marketing Teamwith high visibility to executive leadership. We aim to deliver the most relevant events, campaigns andbrand activations to every customer, at the right time, and within the right context, driving customercuriosity and delight, and promote discovery. We strive to develop Customer Experiences (CX) thatcreate a year-round opportunity for customers to explore and engage with tenants, attractions andofferings.
      As the Senior Manager for Event Partnerships my role is to drive the strategy of Sponsorships, Events,Entertainment and Film Shoots for the property and marketing team. The role requires collaboratingwith business, operational and technical teams to drive innovation and experimentation and turningevents into an income generating department by on boarding sponsors and partnerships for events.

      Core Elements:
      • Sponsorship Portfolio Management
      • Property Valuation and Negotiation
      • Rights & Asset Management
      • Event & Digital Marketing
      • Event Management and Conceptualization
      • Designed and proposed a variety of sponsorship sales and advertising plans
      • Meet and exceeded profit targets on a regular basis

    • V&A Waterfront Graphic

      Manager: Events, Promotions and Entertainment

      V&A Waterfront

      - 5 years 7 months

      Cape Town Area, South Africa

      Prior to being promoted as the head of the department, I joined the team as Event Manager overseeing all junior event managers and coordinators. The team was responsible for developing and producing experiential marketing campaigns, special events and brand activations.

      • Created and implemented an employee manual that specifically encompassed the cities new events by-law in line with our own companies’ objectives
      • Implemented internal weekly staff meetings to optimize efficiency…

      Prior to being promoted as the head of the department, I joined the team as Event Manager overseeing all junior event managers and coordinators. The team was responsible for developing and producing experiential marketing campaigns, special events and brand activations.

      • Created and implemented an employee manual that specifically encompassed the cities new events by-law in line with our own companies’ objectives
      • Implemented internal weekly staff meetings to optimize efficiency, cost effectiveness and client satisfaction
      • Increased on-time data submission 50% by simplifying time reporting and procedures
      • Conducted employee evaluations and performance appraisals prior to deadlines, outlining steps for improvement as needed

  • Branch Manager and Account Director

    Maverick Experience Exhilarator

    - 2 years 5 months

    Cape Town Area, South Africa

    Permanent senior level position within a large Brand Activation Agency specializing in the sports marketing industry providing specialist event management services to corporate as well as above the line and creative agencies, including:
    Heading up of the Cape Town branch for the Johannesburg based agency
    The role encompassed:

    • Brand management and activation
    • Creative Proposals
    • Sales and Business Development
    • Event Management
    • Experience as project…

    Permanent senior level position within a large Brand Activation Agency specializing in the sports marketing industry providing specialist event management services to corporate as well as above the line and creative agencies, including:
    Heading up of the Cape Town branch for the Johannesburg based agency
    The role encompassed:

    • Brand management and activation
    • Creative Proposals
    • Sales and Business Development
    • Event Management
    • Experience as project lead:
    o MTN FIFA Fan Zone
    o Standard Bank Pro20 Cricket
    o Mobile World Health Summit

  • Maru Sport Graphic

    Project Manager: Sponsors and Hospitality

    Maru Sport

    - 3 years 11 months

    Sandton and Cape Town

    Permanent senior level position for a through the line Sports Marketing Agency where my key roles were:
    • Project Manager: Hospitality, Marketing and Sales for the corporate hospitality village for the J&B Metropolitan Horse Racing 2007 – 2010
    • Hospitality and Sponsorship Manager for the South African Open Golf Tournament 2008 - 2010
    • Tender Proposals
    • Sales and Business Development
    • Event Management

  • Sun International

    Sun International

    4 years

    • Sun International Graphic

      Events Manager - International Division for Sun City

      Sun International

      - 1 year

      Sun City

      Permanent mid-level position managing and coordinating all international client events including Conferences and Leisure Events.
      Key events included:
      • Nedbank Golf Challenge Hospitality Manager
      • Women’s World Cup of Golf Project Manager
      • Tupperware Germany Conference Event Manager

    • Sun International Graphic

      Assistant Front Office Manager - Sun City Hotel

      Sun International

      - 1 year

      Sun City

      Permanent mid level position focusing on all the Front Office duties of the 360 room hotel.
      • Liaise with guests both local and international by way of guest relations.
      • Oversee all front of house operations namely: check in and check-out, concierge, housekeeping, porters as well as daily financials.

    • Sun International Graphic

      Resort Liaison Officer

      Sun International

      - 2 years 5 months

      Sun City, South Africa and Royal Livingston, Zambia

      Training Development Program: This was an important creative development period for me, during this time I gained immense knowledge of the hospitality and event industry as a whole. The course required a selection of 15 candidates from an application process of over 3000 to spend specific amounts of time in various departments across the Sun City resort, learning as well as understanding how the departments are managed and operated. During the time spent in these departments, the candidate…

      Training Development Program: This was an important creative development period for me, during this time I gained immense knowledge of the hospitality and event industry as a whole. The course required a selection of 15 candidates from an application process of over 3000 to spend specific amounts of time in various departments across the Sun City resort, learning as well as understanding how the departments are managed and operated. During the time spent in these departments, the candidate works as an employee within that department. Upon completion, the RLO is required to complete a specific objective/project provided by the department head which is then evaluated as well as training.

  • Walkersons Hotel & Spa Graphic

    Duty Manager

    Walkersons Hotel & Spa

    - 7 months

    Dullstroom

    As duty manager for the lodge my role was to manage all lodge staff within:
    House Keeping
    Maintenance
    Front Office
    F&B

    Key Responsibilities included:
    Opening and Closing of the Lodge
    Front Office Duties
    Guest Services
    Food & Beverage Management
    Banqueting
    Guest Activities

    While employed for the hotel, I was honored to update their wine list winning the Diners Club Platinum Award for their wine list for 2001

Education

  • European Sponsorship Association (ESA)

    Diploma of Education Sponsorship and Sports Marketing Highly Commended

    -

    Completed a diploma in Sports Marketing Sponsorship with ESA who's mission is to inspire, unite and grow the sponsorship industry for the benefit of its members. ESA does this through education, guidance, representation, the recognition of excellence and the sharing of best practice and performance.

    It provides a true 360-degree view of the industry, including numerous best practice guidelines and hundreds of case studies featuring highly effective partnerships in action. The ESA Diploma…

    Completed a diploma in Sports Marketing Sponsorship with ESA who's mission is to inspire, unite and grow the sponsorship industry for the benefit of its members. ESA does this through education, guidance, representation, the recognition of excellence and the sharing of best practice and performance.

    It provides a true 360-degree view of the industry, including numerous best practice guidelines and hundreds of case studies featuring highly effective partnerships in action. The ESA Diploma is essentially about the industry training itself, raising standards and providing a qualification which prepares candidates for a long and successful career in sponsorship and sports marketing, in particular, and marketing, in general.

  • Graduate School of Business - University of Cape Town Graphic

    Graduate School of Business - University of Cape Town

    Developing Premium Leadership

    -

    Activities and Societies: Module 1: Leader as a Coach Module 2: Culture Module 3: Building Trust Module 4: Leading Change

  • Tshwane University of Technology Graphic

    Tshwane University of Technology

    National Certificate Hospitality Management

    -

    Hospitality Management: A qualification in Hospitality Management opens doors to worldwide career opportunities as hotel manager, front-office manager, banqueting manager, food and beverage manager, restaurateur, caterer, entrepreneur, guest-house manager or owner, coffee shop manager or owner, chef and many others.

  • Sutherland High School, Centurion

    Matric Pass

    -

Volunteer Experience

  • Volunteer

    Obs Pasta Kitchen

    - Present 2 years

    Poverty Alleviation

    A weekly feeding scheme in Cape Town that offers support, community and a hot meal once a week.

    We also share lifeskills and healthy ways of dealing with stress with our guests, who are mostly homeless or unemployed.

    Our wellness programme, “WoW – Working on Wellness” (previously Working Wednesdays), is a life-changer programme for those ready to take the next steps.

Courses

  • Business Law

    -

  • Communications

    -

  • Culinary Studies

    -

  • ESA Diploma

    -

  • Financial Management

    -

  • Front Office

    -

  • Operations and Hospitality Management

    -

Projects

  • The Ocean Race 2023

    The Ocean Race, previously known as the Volvo Ocean Race is often described as the longest and toughest professional sporting event in the world, sailing’s toughest team challenge and one of the sport’s Big Three events, alongside the Olympic Games and America’s Cup.

    My role on this project was to lead and leverage our sponsorship of the event as a Host Venue.

    We successfully held hosted the event with approximatley 250 000 visitors, multiple events and activatins, sponsor…

    The Ocean Race, previously known as the Volvo Ocean Race is often described as the longest and toughest professional sporting event in the world, sailing’s toughest team challenge and one of the sport’s Big Three events, alongside the Olympic Games and America’s Cup.

    My role on this project was to lead and leverage our sponsorship of the event as a Host Venue.

    We successfully held hosted the event with approximatley 250 000 visitors, multiple events and activatins, sponsor exhibitions and awareness to climate change.

    See project
  • V&A Waterfront New Years Eve 2013 - 2023

    -

    As South Africa’s most popular destination, the V&A Waterfront offers revellers the best opportunity to approach the new year in a festive environment, with live entertainment and an explosion of colour from the midnight fireworks display.

    As the lead curator of the event, the role requires a lot of cretaive direction and thinking not only to provide an experience to the visitors but equally the neighbourhood that comprises of over 800 tenants that include 80 restaurants 12 hotels and…

    As South Africa’s most popular destination, the V&A Waterfront offers revellers the best opportunity to approach the new year in a festive environment, with live entertainment and an explosion of colour from the midnight fireworks display.

    As the lead curator of the event, the role requires a lot of cretaive direction and thinking not only to provide an experience to the visitors but equally the neighbourhood that comprises of over 800 tenants that include 80 restaurants 12 hotels and company corporates and retailers.

    See project
  • J&B Met Hospitality Village management

    -

    Grew the attendance of corporate hospitality clients over the years and thus the profile of the event. Provided a more seamless offering to clients that effectively became a one stop shop for premium event hospitality

    Other creators
    • Zaida Peck
    See project
  • Nedbank Golf Challenge

    -

    The NGC was one of the best events leaning curves that defined my career to date. Working with the senior management team at Sun International Head Office, I managed the hospitality for all sponsors at the Sun City Resort.

    See project

Honors & Awards

  • Juror - 6th Annual International Tourism Film Festival Awards

    The International Tourism Film Festival Awards

    The 6th annual International Tourism Film Festival Africa (ITFFA) unveiled its winners after a fierce competition that saw 436 entries from 61 countries. The festival, which took place from June 11-15, 2024, celebrated the finest in tourism storytelling, with a focus on conservation, cultural heritage, and sustainability.

    The winners were selected by an esteemed panel of 46 jury members, equally representing the film and digital creation industries and the tourism sector. The films were…

    The 6th annual International Tourism Film Festival Africa (ITFFA) unveiled its winners after a fierce competition that saw 436 entries from 61 countries. The festival, which took place from June 11-15, 2024, celebrated the finest in tourism storytelling, with a focus on conservation, cultural heritage, and sustainability.

    The winners were selected by an esteemed panel of 46 jury members, equally representing the film and digital creation industries and the tourism sector. The films were judged on seven key criteria: impact, creativity, sound, style, subject matter, storytelling, and goal effectiveness, with scores out of 10 awarded to each entry.

    After three rigorous rounds of judging, 272 films advanced to the final round, with 23 finalists, 61 Silver Awards, 41 Gold Awards, and 3 prestigious Pinnacle Awards being bestowed upon the most outstanding submissions. The coveted ITFFA Festival Directors Award was presented to Nicola Gerrard of Love Africa Marketing in recognition of her exceptional contributions to filmmaking in the Wildlife and Conservation and Tourism categories.

  • Juror for The International Tourism Film Festival Africa

    -

    The International Tourism Film Festival Africa (ITFFA) honours all video content related to the tourismand travel industry to honour and promote works with exceptional and innovative content created todayon all continents and seen and used on various platforms.

  • Sponosrship Diploma - Highly Commended

    European Sponsorship Association

    The ESA Diploma is designed for practitioners of all levels who wish to learn more about the commercial world of sponsorship and sports marketing. Its flexible, web-based platform enables its students to study when convenient, fitting around all aspects of their lives. Since its launch in 2012, the Diploma is now widely regarded as mandatory for those wishing to successfully develop a career in the exciting and challenging world of sponsorship and related marketin

  • Developing Premium Leadership with the Graduate School of Business

    Graduated School of Business

Languages

  • English

    Native or bilingual proficiency

  • Afrikaans

    Professional working proficiency

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