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Cristina Straussner

@cristinastraussner

Message

I drive B2B industrial marketing growth across Africa through digital transformation and market expansion.

South Africa

Message

What I'm looking for

I’m looking to lead group marketing in B2B industrial, mining or manufacturing environments, aligning digital transformation, brand growth, customer experience and market expansion with measurable commercial results.

At DGC Africa, I lead group-wide marketing across South Africa, Zambia and the DRC, supporting international expansion and launching DGC Petrocare Arabia and Workforce/Africa Skills. I’ve increased LinkedIn followers by 45%, improved SEO performance to 92–96, and strengthened qualified lead generation through multi-channel campaigns.

Across GiGi Investment Group, Intamarket, Donaldson Filtration Systems and Industrial Urethanes, I’ve built marketing functions, launched brands and e-commerce platforms, managed substantial budgets, and aligned marketing with sales, customer insight and commercial growth across mining, industrial and manufacturing markets.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Marketing Manager

Current

DGC Africa

May 2024 - Present (2 years 4 months)

Developed and executed group-wide marketing strategy and budget across South Africa, Zambia, and DRC. Launched two new divisions and improved SEO performance to 92-96, boosting website traffic and lead generation.

Marketing Strategy Budget Management SEO Digital Marketing Inbound Marketing LinkedIn NPS Data Analysis Sales Enablement Event Management PR Webinars Content Creation

Group Marketing Manager

GiGi Investment Group

May 2022 - Mar 2024 (1 year 10 months)

Built marketing function from scratch across multiple subsidiaries, establishing brand consistency and market presence. Launched Sunward Africa with full CI and digital presence, and increased brand visibility through major industry events.

Marketing Strategy Brand Management Budget Management Event Marketing Digital Marketing Google Ads SEO Social Media Email Marketing Web Design Analytics Content Creation

Group Marketing Manager

Intamarket Group

Feb 2020 - Apr 2022 (2 years 2 months)

Designed and implemented marketing strategy supporting multiple business units and new product launches. Launched and optimized e-commerce platform, managed end-to-end campaigns and events, and delivered customer satisfaction surveys.

Marketing Strategy Ecommerce Campaign Management Event Management Content Creation PR Advertising NPS Customer Satisfaction

Marketing Manager

Q-KON Africa

Apr 2017 - Jun 2017 (2 months)

Led marketing calendar including trade shows, customer events, and training to strengthen brand positioning. Produced monthly newsletters and social media content, and updated Salesforce reporting to improve sales and marketing alignment.

Marketing Calendar Event Management Newsletters Social Media Salesforce Branding Reseller Surveys

Marketing Executive

Kathea Telecommunications

Sep 2015 - Feb 2017 (1 year 5 months)

Developed and managed full marketing and PR function, including joint marketing fund budgets over US$300,000 annually with international vendors. Created go-to-market strategies for multiple international brands and led channel marketing programs across five business units.

Marketing Strategy PR Budget Management Go To Market Strategy Channel Marketing Event Management Market Research Competitive Analysis Digital Marketing Social Media

Part-Owner / Freelancer

STS

Apr 2014 - Aug 2015 (1 year 4 months)

Delivered digital marketing and strategy for SMEs and startups, including web development, SEO, PPC, newsletters, and branding. Designed and executed full marketing strategies to accelerate growth.

Digital Marketing SEO PPC Web Development Ecommerce Email Marketing Branding Content Creation

Marketing Manager

Donaldson Filtration Systems

Feb 2011 - Mar 2014 (3 years 1 month)

Led marketing, PR, communications, and research across local and Africa markets with a R5M budget and team of five. Established market research function, managed corporate sponsorship, and executed major exhibitions.

Marketing Strategy PR Market Research Budget Management Sponsorship Event Management Advertising feasibility studies Competitive Analysis Sales Enablement

Marketing Manager

Industrial Urethanes

Oct 2000 - Aug 2010 (9 years 10 months)

Built and led marketing function for 10 years, reporting to MD and part of the executive team. Developed marketing strategies and budgets, led corporate rebranding, and implemented ERP and CRM systems.

Marketing Strategy Budget Management Rebranding PR Advertising Customer Satisfaction Surveys Market Intelligence ERP CRM Project Management CSR

Marketing / Business Development

Enviroserv

Supported Marketing Director with PR, corporate events, communications, business development pipeline management, and market research.

PR Corporate Events Communication Skills Business Development Market Research

Marketing Executive Assistant

Messer Fedgas

Coordinated product launches, events, and promotional materials; conducted customer and market surveys, competitor analysis, and ensured ISO compliance.

Product Launch Event Coordination Market Research Competitive Analysis ISO Compliance

Sales Consultant & TWI

Abrasives Corp

Achieved sales targets and delivered on-site operational improvement and training programmes to enhance productivity and quality.

Sales operational improvements Training

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

University of South Africa

Post-Graduate Diploma, Marketing Management

Grade: Distinction

Completed a Post-Graduate Marketing Management qualification with distinction, covering business management, strategic marketing management, marketing research, and consumer-oriented marketing communication.

University of South Africa

Bachelor of Arts, Communication and Industrial Psychology

Grade: Distinction

Earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with distinction, majoring in Communication and Industrial Psychology, with additional coursework in psychology, statistics, communication law, and sociology.