Eugene Van der Merwe

Dear Sir or Madam. 

As a knowledgeable, experienced, and strategy-focused CIO and CTO with 15+ years' experience in Stock Exchange-listed companies in the Food Products sector (centred on FMCG market), I have strategized and delivered $1.8m cost reduction, created purpose-built in-house IT services business and reduced staff attrition from 17% to 3%, entirely reworking upskilling framework across 22 teams. I have also automated FMCG ordering and reconciliations through 300(+) direct client interfaces and 54 mobile applications. I am also currently managing a Profit and Loss account in excess of Euro 14.5m with a large, dedicated team of 256 people supporting in excess of 9000 end-users. 

As a metrics-focused Change Manager, and Strategist, I have driven significant results with a healthy track record, returning 45% year-on-year gross profit (GP) whilst supporting internal teams (105 direct reports and 5400+ users) across SA, Namibia, Botswana, and Italy, as well as 12+ corporate clients. I have worked extensively in Europe, America, and Southern Africa, whilst attaining vast expertise in SAP ERP System implementations, with a focus in the Retail and manufacturing sectors coupled with a significant focus on the transformation journeys involved with converting from ECC6 to S/4HANA. I have also a demonstrated history of managing all administrative and regulatory aspects of high-pressure international business environments, which requires attention to detail and the secure management of data.

With a vast skill set in leadership, strategy, and operations at Board and Executive level, I can bring a combination of strategic vision, business acumen, and technology expertise, whilst driving healthy cultural practices in the enterprise environment, and delivering on Governance and legal compliance, whilst successfully implementing standards for ISO 27001 and PCI-DSS for financial switching and data security in several businesses. I also have a detailed industry knowledge in the Manufacturing and FMCG sector, combined with involvement as SAP Partner, which in turn can provide valuable insights into market trends, competitive landscapes, and customer expectations.  Additionally, I have broad insights on enterprise architecture, data management, cybersecurity, and digital transformation,  coupled with an understanding of financial management, budgeting, and business impact including analyzing financial statements, evaluating investment opportunities, and assessing the financial feasibility of strategic initiatives. 

As my career history demonstrates, my skill set is extremely diverse and comprehensive, and I believe my strategy and leadership experience to date equips me with everything that I need to succeed in the face of new challenges. I am also hardworking and creative individual with an astute ability to work effectively and efficiently within specific timeframes, an eye-for-detail which ensures accuracy and an ability to communicate positively and effectively with all levels of employees across the organisation. 

In all, I am a dynamic and motivated Senior Executive, and I am confident that I have the skills and experience necessary to lead, manage and coordinate large organisations to long-term business and financial success. Most importantly, I am very interested in pursuing work with your company and believe that my expertise, skills, education, and knowledge make me an excellent candidate.   

Sincerely

Eugene van der Merwe 

As a knowledgeable, experienced, and strategy-focused CIO and CTO with 15+ years' experience in Stock Exchange-listed companies in the Food Products sector (centred on FMCG market), I have strategized and delivered $1.8m cost reduction, created purpose-built in-house IT services business and reduced staff attrition from 17% to 3%, entirely reworking upskilling framework across 22 teams. I have also automated FMCG ordering and reconciliations through 300(+) direct client interfaces and 54 mobile applications. I am also currently managing a Profit and Loss account in excess of Euro 14.5m with a large, dedicated team of 256 people supporting in excess of 9000 end-users. 

As a metrics-focused Change Manager, and Strategist, I have driven significant results with a healthy track record, returning 45% year-on-year gross profit (GP) whilst supporting internal teams (105 direct reports and 5400+ users) across SA, Namibia, Botswana, and Italy, as well as 12+ corporate clients. I have worked extensively in Europe, America, and Southern Africa, whilst attaining vast expertise in SAP ERP System implementations, with a focus in the Retail and manufacturing sectors coupled with a significant focus on the transformation journeys involved with converting from ECC6 to S/4HANA. I have also a demonstrated history of managing all administrative and regulatory aspects of high-pressure international business environments, which requires attention to detail and the secure management of data.

With a vast skill set in leadership, strategy, and operations at Board and Executive level, I can bring a combination of strategic vision, business acumen, and technology expertise, whilst driving healthy cultural practices in the enterprise environment, and delivering on Governance and legal compliance, whilst successfully implementing standards for ISO 27001 and PCI-DSS for financial switching and data security in several businesses. I also have a detailed industry knowledge in the Manufacturing and FMCG sector, combined with involvement as SAP Partner, which in turn can provide valuable insights into market trends, competitive landscapes, and customer expectations.  Additionally, I have broad insights on enterprise architecture, data management, cybersecurity, and digital transformation,  coupled with an understanding of financial management, budgeting, and business impact including analyzing financial statements, evaluating investment opportunities, and assessing the financial feasibility of strategic initiatives. 

B.MSc

Various Technical Qualifications